Successful Partnership with a Denominational Region and Pinnacle Leadership Associates
by Ircel Harrison, Coaching Coordinator
There are times when clergy leaders need a partner for the journey—a person who provides safe space to process personal and professional needs. Sometimes that person is a leadership coach.
Recognizing this need, Coordinator Shane McNary created the opportunity to introduce coaching to ministers in the Great Rivers Fellowship of CBF (Cooperative Baptist Fellowship in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi) who had not been coached previously.
GRF provided funds to pay for three sessions with a certified coach. Any additional sessions would be negotiated between the coach and the client, the client (or their organization) paying the fee for additional sessions.
McNary explains why this was important: “I am thankful for this partnership and opportunity to help the clergy from across our region. I am convinced that strengthening ministers strengthens congregations. Coaching is a proven path to nurture resilience and, I hope, joy in a minister's calling, enabling them to serve more faithfully in the congregations where they serve.”
GRF provided funds to pay for three sessions with a certified coach. Any additional sessions would be negotiated between the coach and the client, the client (or their organization) paying the fee for additional sessions.
Although ministers could select anyone they chose as coach, Pinnacle Leadership Associates came alongside as a partner to promote this opportunity. Pinnacle sent additional information to clergy leaders in the Fellowship and provided an informative webinar.
The webinar featured a panel discussing the impact and content of coaching as well as a live coaching demonstration. The panel included McNary and Pinnacle associates Ka’thy Gore Chappell (CBF), Robin Sandbothe (ABCUSA), and Ircel Harrison.
Questions addressed included:
What is the difference between coaching, counseling, and consulting?
What’s the role of the coach in a coaching conversation?
What’s the role of the client in a coaching session?
What kind of topics does the client bring to a coaching session?
What does the client take away from the session?
The initiative resulted in several leaders establishing coaching relationships with Pinnacle coaches.
Pinnacle is prepared to provide similar support for other denominational judicatories. If you would like to pursue this opportunity, let’s have a conversation. For information, contact Coaching Coordinator Ircel Harrison at ircelharrison@gmail.com.
