Coaching: Building Up the Body of Christ

by Ircel Harrison, Summit Coach Training Team Leader

When we consider New Testament scriptures relating to the work of the church, we usually interpret the terms applied to leadership as specific offices when we should actually think of them as functions.  For example, consider Ephesians 4:11-12 in The Message translation:

“He handed out gifts of apostle, prophet, evangelist, and pastor-teacher to train Christ’s followers in skilled servant work, working within Christ’s body, the church, until we’re all moving rhythmically and easily with each other, efficient and graceful in response to God’s Son, fully mature adults, fully developed within and without, fully alive like Christ.”

What we interpret as offices are really gifts that have a function in the Body of Christ to develop or equip mature believers.  These various gifts embody some of the skills we use in coaching, walking beside people as they discover, define, and pursue what God has in store for them.

We are seeing these coaching skills being used in many ways within churches and denominations today. 

In denominational networks, coaches are being provided for church planters, young leaders, individuals wishing to improve their financial literacy, and congregational leaders.  Pinnacle Leadership Associates has worked with regional judicatories both to provide coaches to clergy leaders and to train coaches who work with both clergy and laity.

In congregations, both external and internal coaches are at work.  More congregations see the value of providing a professional coach for the pastor and other clergy leaders for personal, spiritual, and professional growth.  The return on this investment is healthier pastors, healthier congregations, and increased pastoral longevity.

Coaching is an effective process to encourage and equip leaders in the Body of Christ to become “fully mature adults, fully developed within and without, fully alive like Christ.”

Want to learn more!  Please contact Ircel Harrison, Pinnacle’s Coaching Coordinator, for more information.