Recently, I became aware of the “PastorCare” ministry (The National Clergy Support Network). The brochure for this ministry gives the following statistics:
“The Need for Help
·90% of pastors work between 55 and 75 hours per week,
·80% of pastors believe that pastoral ministry has negatively affected their Families
·70% of pastors do not have someone they consider a close friend.
·50% have considered leaving the ministry in the past three months.”

One way to provide pastoral care is through coaching. Although this is somewhat a new term, the concept is nothing new. Paul’s ministry with Timothy, Titus and several others demonstrates the principles of coaching. 2 Timothy 2:2 states, “the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” A goal of the ministry of BBM is to come alongside pastors and church leaders in coaching relationships to increase the effectiveness of both the personal ministry of the leaders and the total church ministry.

BBM uses four key words to describe our diversity of ministries. These same four words can be applied to the coaching ministry.

EXPLORING in the coaching relationship begins with helping pastors and leaders to understand their strengths and weaknesses. Understanding one’s personal profile of their personality, spiritual gifts, abilities, passion, and experiences is foundational to reaching one’s full potential. Paul clearly understood Timothy’s strengths and weaknesses (2 Timothy 1:6-7).

Another part of exploring is helping pastors and leaders to understand trends in our culture and ministry. Coaching helps leaders to evaluate the influences on their ministry and how to better relate to the changing needs of ministry. David was helped by “the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do” (1 Chronicles 12:32).

EQUIPPING in a coaching relationship helps pastors to discover resources to increase the effectiveness of their ministry. Some of the resources include help in leadership training through seminars, workshops, and the consultation process offered by BBM. Additionally, we help leaders to find other resources through networking with other ministries.

ENCOURAGING is a vital part of the coaching relationship. Many pastors are discouraged and often do not have a close friend to openly share with (as indicated in the above statements by “PastorCare” ministries). One of the values for pastors in a coaching relationship is that they have a “friend” who they can share with confidently. The coach should understand the joy of victory and discouragement of defeat in ministry through his experiences in ministry. Thus, the coach is able to provide the support needed for pastors. A coach can also provide encouragement in helping build leadership teams by providing an objective influence.

EXPANDING in a coaching relationship is where the coach challenges the pastor and leaders to reach their full potential. We all need accountability and the coaching relationship establishes specific ministry and personal goals with accountability. One of the responsibilities of a good coach is to push the “athlete” to greater limits. The Apostle Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus clearly demonstrate an ongoing coaching ministry that provided them with new challenges.

Coaching is an unquestionable need that is biblically based. The coaching relationship has the goal not only of personal development of leaders but the effectiveness of the overall ministry of the church.

It is my privilege to currently work with several pastors in both formal and informal coaching relationships through the ministry of BBM. A significant part of the expanding ministry of BBM is focused on being available as a “Barnabas” (coach) to pastors and church leaders.
 

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