The Value of Coaching for Churches
by Ircel Harrison, Summit Coach Training Team Leader
When we discuss the value of coaching, we usually focus on the difference it makes in the lives of individuals, but coaching also has benefits for the churches and organizations that provide it for staff and employees.
When a church provides coaches for leaders, the person who is coached not only develops new skills and abilities, but they appreciate the investment being made on their behalf. This encourages them to stay with the organization longer rather than seeking another position “where the grass is greener.”
Key areas for coaching in churches are leadership development, onboarding (bringing new people on board or transitioning them to new responsibilities), and change management. Staff members need to be challenged to continue growing, especially as they face new challenges and changes within and outside the organization. Coming into a position as a new hire or transitioning to a new responsibility are times when individuals encounter not only stress but uncertainty and need all the support that they can get.
Another value of coaching is helping staff develop what we call soft skills such as team building, self-awareness, effective communication, and decision making. We might call this coaching for emotional intelligence. As we understand ourselves and others, we become more effective leaders. As we recognize where we might improve, we can use the support of a coach to help us develop new people skills.
A trained coach in a congregation can contribute to the overall health of an organization by working with individuals in their personal and professional development. It is certainly worth the investment!
Ready to learn more? Check out coach training with this special offer: one-time 15% discount for SCT 101—Introduction to Coaching for Fall 2026. Regular fee is $695; discounted fee is $590. A deposit of $150 will hold your spot at this discount fee; the remainder can be paid monthly.
Offer good until August 1, 2026. Discount does not apply to subsequent classes in the program.
The Fall Class will be offered online on Tuesdays, September 8 to October 27, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm EDT/1:00 to 3:00 pm CDT (8 sessions, 16 hours).
Register here or contact Ircel Harrison for more information.
