As the youngest of three children, my seat in the family car was in a predictable place. My “spot” was the center of the back seat of the car. I ate my knees as we drove to a meal out or to visit family. To make matters worse, my brother and sister were always invading my personal space.

If you have siblings, you likely know what I’m talking about. Siblings have a way of crossing the line of our personal space, testing our patience, and also inviting us to laugh. Don’t get me wrong, I love my brother and sister. I credit them for my twisted sense of humor and ability not to take myself too seriously.

But, what I remember most about driving somewhere with my family is that I was never sitting in the “right” place…especially when we were merging on or off the highway. The car would make a horrible noise as we went around the entrance or exit ramp. My Dad would announce from the driver’s seat, “Sara, you’re not sitting in the right spot.”

It wasn’t until I was ten or eleven years old that my siblings FINALLY helped me realize that horrible noise had nothing to do with where I was sitting. That horrible noise was my Dad intentionally driving over rumble strips.

The Truth About Coaching

At a young age, thanks to my siblings, I learned that what I believed to be true, was actually false.

Whether it was the tooth fairy or Santa Claus, we’ve all believed in something that wasn’t actually true at some point in our lives.

One of the beliefs I encounter as a coach is that coaches tell people what to do. Another is that coaching is punitive. You’ve messed up in some way and you have to be coached. Another is that coaching is prescriptive.

Each of these false beliefs about coaching can stop people from engaging in coaching. May I set a different expectation for you?

Coaching is a customized means of growth and development. It is a privilege to participate in coaching.

As we head into 2019, the fast pace of change in our world and growing anxiety within our denomination is challenging Pastors and local church leaders more every day.

We’re here to walk with you.

The Capitol Area South District is offering CAS Pastors the opportunity to be a part of a coaching cohort between January – May, 2019.

Please review the information below and complete the interest form to get started.

I Want a Coach!

Why Coaching?

When I first received a coach, I thought I was going to be told what to do. Then, when I started coaching, I thought I was going to tell people what to do. Thankfully, both turned out to be unrealistic expectations.

Instead, the coach I work with asks great questions and helps me become who God created me to be. I am grateful for the hundreds of hours of training I received to help me learn what it means to be a coach. The people I coach help me become a better coach, too.

Because I have a coach, I am a better leader, a better pastor, and a better coach to leaders as a result. One of the most intense times of growth and development for me is when I am being coached. I stay focused on the goals I am trying to reach. A coach helps me navigate turbulent waters with more grace than I can alone. I get outside perspectives that help me appreciate a different point of view. And, I always know there is someone cheering me on. I could go on an on. As with anything, coaching yields the results of your investment. Coaches are partners. They inspire you to maximize your potential.

Rumble Strips & Coaching

Rumble strips have taken on new meaning in my life. Those silly rumble strips now grab my attention and invite me to slow down. They keep me within the bounds of the path I am traveling. Interestingly enough, it’s often the same thing that happens in coaching.

I’m grateful that my initial thoughts about coaching were as wrong as my belief that where I sat in the back seat determines the noises the car would make. Coaching is a gift. It is a privilege. Coaching helps us become who God created us to be.

And you don’t need my siblings to tell you that.

I Want a Coach!

About the 5 Month Coaching Cohorts

Deadline to express interest:

November 29, 2018

Expectations for Coaching Cohort Participants

Give prayerful consideration to what God wants to accomplish through you in 2019.
Participate in one orientation meeting.
Show up and fully participate in five, monthly online meetings for 60-75 minutes.
Faithfully pursue the actions you commit to during our online meetings.
Reach out to your cohort/coach when you encounter roadblocks and celebrations.

What is coaching?

Coaching is a customized means of growth and development.
It is a privilege. Coaching is a privilege.
Coaches partner with coachee(s) in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires coachee(s) to maximize their personal and professional potential.

Coaching is NOT:

Punitive
Therapy
Counseling
Whining or complaining session
Prescriptions for your ministry

I Want a Coach!

Why might you want to participate in a Coaching Cohort?

Do you have a goal you want to achieve – personally or professionally?
You want to continue growing as a leader.
You are leading the church in a new direction.
The neighborhood is changing and you’re trying to help the congregation navigate the changes.
You’re encountering resistance to change.
There is a huge turnover in leadership in the local church.
You’re leading something new.
You want to start a new ministry (or need to end a long-term ministry).
You have goals that haven’t been achieved and you want to accomplish them.
You’re in a new position.
You’re anticipating retirement.
Your family is in a new season of life.
You need an outside perspective on a specific area of ministry.
You are a leader

Cost

CAS Pastors
- Your District and Annual Conference Apportionments are covering the normal cost of $150/hour
- Your time and effort
Other Pastors/Leaders
- Please contact us

If you are willing to commit to the following, we’d love to talk with you about participating in a Coaching Cohort.

Coaching Cohorts will take place between January – May 2019
Participate in a cohort coaching group with 3-5 people + Coach
- One, 2 hour, in person, orientation meeting
- Five, 60-75 minute, monthly, online video meetings (via Zoom)
A desire to grow and lead change. This change may be within the local congregation, leading the congregation into the local community, a team within the church, or your own personal leadership.
Let us know you’re interested by completing the interest form

I Want a Coach!