Clergy Support
As the congregational context continues to swiftly change, many clergy will find themselves in leadership roles for which they are unprepared. The skill sets many congregations need their pastors to exhibit were simply not part of preparation for ordination.
Pastors have an increasingly difficult job: dealing with decreasing membership and finances; managing the increasing anxiety and grief those changes instill in members; finding time and space for self-care; and keeping the community focused on the future. Those in specialized settings often feel disconnected and isolated as well.
Clergy need a supportive presence to walk alongside them, to assist them as they navigate new territory and to hold them accountable to the changes and direction they are being asked to manage.
We recommend two areas of support for clergy. Both coaching and spiritual direction are an investment in yourself, your relationships, and your future.
What might more focus, clarity, balance, and insight be worth to you?
Clergy Coaching
Coaching is a unique, one on one process whereby the coach supports the clergy person’s goals for ministry and encourages health behaviors to support those goals. Coaching is a co-active process whereby the coach recognizes the innate gifts of the clergy person as well as the unique needs and challenges of their current context. And because each clergy person comes to coaching naturally creative, resourceful and whole, the coaching relationship is built on mutuality and trust, instead of authority or expertise.
There may be no more difficult vocation than pastoring in today’s milieu. You don’t have to do it alone.
As an ordained minister Becky understands the unique challenges and pressures of congregational and specialized ministry. For over eight years, Becky has been providing clergy with the support and space they need to manage the stressors of ministry in more healthy ways. Successful pastors in all settings can benefit from the non-judgmental and creative space that coaching provides.
Some areas coaching may address:
Building and supervising staff
Leading effectively without micromanaging
Developing focus and vision
Managing change within the congregation
Servant leadership
Maintaining integrity
Preaching with courage
Self-care and balance
Understanding your habitual patterns of behavior
Recognizing the triggers that lead to unhelpful or unhealthy behavior
Practicing responding instead of reacting
Strengthening your gifts and minimizing your blind spots
Spiritual Direction
Different from both therapy and coaching, Spiritual Direction is a very specific relationship designed to help you awaken to the presence of God in your life. Suitable for both clergy and lay persons, Spiritual Direction provides the space to reflect, to question, and if appropriate, to discern. Contrary to what the name implies, there is little “direction” involved in the process. Instead, the Director listens, mirrors, and explores with you the movement in your life of God, Spirit, the Divine, or however you name the Transcendent Other. The Director acts as a companion on your spiritual journey, offering new ways to see the landscape and decipher the signs along the way. Ready to schedule?
Becky appreciates the opportunity to speak with you about your congregation’s situation and how we can help.