Dear Friend,
We are grateful to God for your interest in personal life coaching.
Based on conclusions reached through a series of one-on-one conversations with more than sixty senior pastors (representing a wide variety of churches) I have framed the primary hindrances to pastoral effectiveness within the following five categories. Since the time I drew these conclusions I have run across numerous confirmations of their accuracy in studies conducted by organizations that concern themselves with pastoral care.
1) Pastoral insecurity
2) Deep wounds and hurts from the past
3) Confusion about pastoral leadership
4) Lack of adequate pastoral skills
5) Emotional disconnectedness
These matters can be addressed in a group setting in a general sense. But when it comes to personal application, help on a deeper, private level is warranted. Even in the so-called safe environment that develops over time in accountability groups, many (if not most) of the debilitating issues remain closeted in the hearts of pastoral leaders.
Yet, pastors and other Christian leaders are in positions that expose them to criticism. This can compromise ministry effectiveness whether the accusations are true or false. Add to that the constant pressure of people expectations and you have a recipe for insecurity. The wise counsel and objectivity of an experienced coach can make it possible to work through insecurity issues and help overcome any other challenges a leader may face. We see this as a much better solution than the all-too-common practice of resigning and looking for “greener grass” in another setting.
We believe that personal life coaching will produce quality leaders able to lead through change, work out problems and begin making a redemptive impact in their respective spheres of influence.
Recognizing that the tools we submit here will be only as effective as the coaches who oversee their implementation in conjunction with the level of engagement on the part of the one being coached, we offer them in the expectation that they will help move many Christian leaders further along in their lives of service to the Kingdom of God.
Sincerely,
Richard E. Bush, District Superintendent
New England District of The Christian and Missionary Alliance
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