By Ken Kessler, BGAV Empower Coaching

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When Pastor James accepted the call to lead Grace Baptist Church in January, he was filled with both excitement and apprehension. Fresh from seminary, he was eager to shepherd his first congregation but quickly realized that theological knowledge alone didn't equip him for the complexities of pastoral leadership.

Pastor Marla accepted the call to serve as pastor of Mercy Baptist Church in April. She was also very excited about this new journey and how Mercy was giving her a chance to pastor in the volatile Baptist world of ministry. She knew people in the church and the community would be watching her pastoral ministry carefully. This church had never had a female pastor until she arrived.

Recognizing the challenges ahead, James and Marla both decided to seek a relationship with a seasoned ministry coach for guidance and encouragement. They felt prepared for the journey, but having a “thinking partner” as they began was a key.

Marla had not thought about the idea until someone on her pastor search committee suggested the relationship. The church engaged a leadership coach for her as part of her call process and paid for six months of coaching on her behalf. Though she had never had a coach before, she was so grateful for the church providing this assistance to her.

James sought out a coach and helped the church see the value that a leadership coach could bring to his ministry. The pastor search committee was not sure how it worked, but they included this new arrangement as part of his call package.

Their coaching relationships began with setting clear, achievable goals tailored to their churches’ unique context and each of their strengths. James’s coach had a framework for the six months he suggested based on a resource called A New Beginning for Pastors and Congregations. Marla’s coach allowed Marla to decide on the framework for the relationship based on actions she thought she needed to give the most attention.

One of the initial hurdles they faced was understanding the church's culture and history. Their leadership coaches helped them design listening sessions with longtime members, gaining insights into the congregation's values and traditions. This process not only built trust but also informed their approach to introducing change. Marla found some people who were very excited about having a female pastor and others who were uncertain about their feelings on the matter. These relationships became invaluable to her awareness.

Communication was another area where coaching proved invaluable. James learned to craft sermons that resonated with his diverse congregation, striking a balance between doctrinal depth and practical application. Marla discovered a clear preaching plan for her entire first year. She also developed—in collaboration with key leaders—a scope and sequence for the educational process of her congregation.

As they navigated leadership challenges, such as managing church staff and resolving conflicts, coaching sessions provided a safe space for reflection and strategizing. James developed his skills in delegation and time management. Marla learned more effective ways to resolve conflicts, leading to a more harmonious church environment. She gained insights into her emotional responses and developed strategies to manage her stress, build resilience, and maintain healthy relationships within the congregation.

Both of their coaches also helped them in identifying key lay leaders whom they could mentor and bless within the church. They wanted to promote a collaborative leadership model in the church that leveraged the diverse gifts of the congregation. These “thinking times” with their coach provided James and Marla the opportunity to develop strategic conversations to empower the church's mission and vision. They found ways to create measurable progress and accountability in their first year of ministry.

Over the past six months, Grace and Mercy Baptist Churches have fostered a positive relationship with their new pastors. Both churches thrived under their leadership. Attendance increased, new ministries were established, and the congregation became more actively engaged in community outreach. James often credited his coach for providing the support and wisdom that empowered him to lead effectively. Marla realized she avoided some potential land mines through her connection to her coach and created a positive foundation for future spiritual growth for her congregation.

Author’s note: Over the last several months, I have had the privilege of coaching relationships with new pastors. I wrote this article as a summary of some of the benefits that these new pastors have received as a result of these conversations. A key component of coaching is confidentiality, so I have protected those conversations by changing the names of the churches and the pastors in this story. I invite pastor search committees and new pastors to think about the value that a leadership coach can bring as a new beginning is established between a church and a pastor. It is well worth the investment, if the church and pastor are seeking a long-term relationship. My joy with Empower Coaching through BGAV is seeing these relationships blossom!

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