Pastoral Coaching

Understanding Coaching

What If…?

What if every pastor in the GDAB had…

• a clear vision for what a healthy and faithful local church looks like?

• an actionable and prioritized plan for leading their church toward that vision? 

• a respected and trusted fellow pastor at their side encouraging them along the way?

Some of us in the GDAB have those things in place. Some of us do not. Imagine what it would be like if every single church in the GDAB had pastors who were sincerely encouraged in their ministry and members who were actively joining in a shared vision. Pastoral coaching in the GDAB is a step toward that vision.

Defining “Coaching”

Throughout the New Testament we see church leaders being guided by other experienced and trusted leaders. This is exactly what Paul did for Titus and Timothy. It’s what Peter did for the elders in Asia. It’s what our Lord Jesus did for the apostles. In each of these situations (and others throughout the New Testament), we see the formation of personal relationships amongst church leaders in which they encougaged one another toward faithful shepherding. That’s what pastoral coaching is all about - pastors helping fellow pastors shepherd their churches toward biblical faithfulness. 

Why It’s Worth Considering

Let’s be honest - we all face serious challenges. Whether in our personal lives, our ministries, or both, they are there. And we know deep in our hearts that we can’t just stuff things down and refuse to deal with them… at least not for long. We’ve watched fellow pastors burnout, fail, resign, and, in some cases, bring severe harm to themselves, their families, and their churches along the way. None of us want that. We know we need someone to help keep watch over our souls. We know we need help shepherding our churches. However, we don’t always feel like we have a trusted brother at our side. That’s where pastoral coaching comes in.

• In our challenging times, a pastoral coach provides steady prayer.

• In our downcast times, a pastoral coach provides God-centered care.

• In our prideful times, a pastoral coach provides a loving rebuke.

• In our isolated times, a pastoral coach provides a present friendship.

• In our confused times, a pastoral coach provides practical guidance.

• In our lazy times, a pastoral coach provides needed motivation.

• In our successful times, a pastoral coach provides sincere celebration.

• In all times, a pastoral coach leads toward the gospel and the glory of God.