I’m exploring options…thinking through some ways that I can invest in the current and future leadership of the church. One of the most common themes these days among leaders I admire is to start a coaching network, basically as a way to “coach” a small group of leaders for a determined period of time. I’ve never been one to copy what everyone else is doing, but I don’t want to miss opportunities either.
So I’m curious…would you help me by answering a few questions?
Have you ever been part of a coaching network?
If so, was it beneficial? How?
For what reasons would you most want or need coaching today?
What do you think is missing now in the world of coaching networks?
I’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, comments, etc.
Thanks for your assistance.
Dear Pastor Ron,
My experience with coaching has been in the social networking arena. I served as a Squid Angel and Greeter at Squidoo, and learned much about project management. I learned a lot about utilizing virtual basecamps and personal networks, and am excited to be moving into the coaching arena myself!
My passion is to teach the use of the internet to better accomplish the practical issues related to our faith. The internet simplifies the tasks of food distribution, coordinating delivery of food boxes, posting ministries needs… etc.
We are all concerned with the cost factors, but there are innumerable free or low cost services available on the web. I think we need to use the internet to further connect us in kingdom related activities so I have been working on becoming a virtual tour guide.
I look forward to more of your thoughts about coaching, and would also be interested in particpating in the network. Here are a couple of examples of the networks I'm working on: http://kingdom9-1-1.ning.com/ http://bloggingforjesus.ning.com/
Those a great resources. Thanks so much for sharing!
No, thank-you, Pastor! I have learned so much from following your blog. Your format encourages me to share my own thoughts. A healed heart is pressing me out of my shell and into the arena of speaking my piece!!! I've finally learned to lighten up and have some fun!
That's great! We all need encouragement!
I have thought about joining a coaching network, but there is a catch – even in the Gospel community. $$$ With all due respect, I left have invested my life savings into completing seminary, moving to a distant city and into the ministry itself – I don't have any $$$ laying around… I looked into several coaching networks and most of them are fee-based. I guess the ministry and the knowledge of some is UP FOR SALE!
I am 100% for coaching, but can we re-think the fee-based knowledge infusion. I have figured what NOT to do and it has cost me time, $$ and sleep. Can some elder come alongside the younger and do it without charging the $$?
Thanks for your reply and honesty. I agree with you. I would encourage you to seek this out. Most of the mentors in my life I asked to mentor me. If I do a coaching network it would be free or near free (to cover expenses), but I'm not in it for the money.
Coaching is great but for me it must be linked with accountability. Nothing beats a great accountability partner.
Thanks Mark.
– I was part of a six month coaching network last year.
– The most beneficial part of the experience was the network and friendships that were created. It forced me to learn and spend time with people I wouldn't normally choose and that ended up challenging my opinions and stretching my knowledge.
– It's always nice to have a group of peers you know and trust outside of your normal circle who you can go to for advice or opinions. It encourages a diverse network.
– I think actual coaching is missing from "coaching networks". There's nothing I've ever learned in a setting like a coaching network that I couldn't have learned from a blog, podcast, or book. "Coaching" to me requires development of the participant. There has to be follow up if development is going to happen. 6 meetings and some emails in between is hardly coaching.
Bottom line, in my situation, the networking aspect was worth the time and money.
Good feedback…thanks!
Scott Thomas just wrote a new book called Gospel Coach. It's not out yet, but I have a copy. It's good stuff and was written after going through another program we all did last year that was good but a bit to business, not enough Jesus. They are also launching a site that shepherds and disciples will be able to use to work back and forth on.
Thanks Chris! There is a coaching network that's heavier on Jesus I can tell you about if you are interested. Let me know.
the first person i ever heard of doing a coaching network was Jeanne Mayo about 10 years ago. She would be a great resource for you to tap into. She's been coaching people for what seems her whole life. i've only gotten her resouces (she sends out a coaching cd monthly), but she also does a 9 month coaching netork called the Cadre. It's worth looking into for you to help think through how you would do it.
on a side note, if you ever did a coaching network, i would be all about it. i think coaching networks are beneficial for everyone in ministry. its a source of accountability, community, and a place to grow in your area of ministry through encouragement and someone elses life lessons.
Thanks for the feedback and encouragement!