Coaching for Developing your Ministry
One of the more valuable ways of developing your ministry is by having a ‘transforming conversation’ – time to talk and think together with an experienced coach. A coaching conversation can be a powerful way to unlock ideas and creativity, whether to solve a problem you may be facing or to develop new ideas, strategies or objectives in your ministry.
‘The purpose of coaching is to help and support people to manage their own learning in order to maximise their potential, develop their skills, improve their performance and become the person they want to be’
(Eric Parsloe, Director of the Oxford School of Coaching and Mentoring)
A conversation with a coach is a conversation between equals – a coach does not take on the role of a “consultant” or an “expert” when they work with you, but as somebody who will help you think more clearly, take you to places you might not have considered and move you into action. You will experience the coach’s curiosity, interest, observations, non-judgmental reflections, and challenge in ways that help you to work through issues with confidence.
A coaching session:
- Can transform the way you engage with your work;
- Offers both high support and high challenge;
- Helps you think rather than just giving you answers;
- Is future focused, in considering what you might do next, rather than staying stuck in the past;
- Takes time, and can help change behaviours; and
- Helps you take appropriate responsibility for the outcome of conversations.
The diocese has a growing number of experienced and accredited coaches who are willing to offer transforming conversations to anyone wishing to develop and transform their ministry.
This offer is open to all our clergy, subject to the availability of a coach. For further details please contact Kate Peacock the Deputy Director of Mission and Ministry.
