Have you considered coaching to navigate change in the church?
Change is happening all around. Old models of ministry are being set aside, and some are experimenting with new ways of engaging in Christ’s mission in their context. How can we work through the swirl of information and emotion so that we can better lead and guide God’s people in mission and ministry that makes a difference? ELCA certified coaches can help pastors, lay leaders and congregations navigate, grow and even thrive in times of change and transition.
Coaching is an intentional relationship focused on facilitating change and growth in your personal or professional life or in the life of your congregation. Our Synod and the ELCA has invested some resources to train and develop well-trained lay leaders and pastors to be our credentialed coaches.
These coaches have been trained for the purpose of equipping you and your ministry, as well as helping you cultivate fruitful congregational ministries in the specific areas of discipleship and stewardship.
There are many times in the life of a congregation or in the course of a ministry where coaching may be helpful. Here just a few of the situations where coaching may help you change and grow:
• Personal or professional discernment and transition
• Congregational change or transitions
• Starting new mission outreach or ministry initiative
• Looking for opportunities in apparent crisis.
Coaching for All Seasons
Monthly Online Gathering for
Pacifica Synod Rostered & Lay Leaders
First Tuesday of Each Month, 11:00 a.m. to noon (PDT)
Because presenter Sarah Jackson is unavailable and April 6 is the Tuesday after Easter, we have cancelled our April session and will reschedule Sarah’s presentation for a future date.
We invite you to join us via Zoom on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at 11:00-noon PST. Pre-registration is required to receive the link and will be open in April. Watch for details here.
Pacifica Synod has invested in training coaches to work with rostered and lay leaders one-on-one or in groups. Coaching provides an opportunity for rostered and lay leaders to experience a partnership focused on the unique objectives they want to achieve. A coach’s role is to support a leader in naming challenging issues and identifying constructive responses to them. Pacifica Synod coaches are volunteering their time to create presentations and coaching opportunities that provide a hands-on resource for addressing your challenges.
If you would like more information about coaching, please contact Deenna Eley, Pacifica Synod Coaching Coordinator at pacificacoachinggroup@gmail.com.
Resources from Coaching for All Seasons Gatherings
March 2, 2021 Gathering
Storytellers: Ministering to Divided Congregations
In March, we were joined by the Rev. Bridget Jones. She is currently the pastor of Bethel Lutheran Church in Superior, Wisconsin where she has served for the past two years. After attending and serving congregations in suburban, rural, and urban contexts in the South, Northeast, and Midwest, Rev. Jones draws on her experiences serving in varied places with a variety of people.
Video Recording of the March 2 Gathering (You Tube)
February 2, 2021 Gathering
Storytellers: Learning Through Perspective
In February, we were joined by Tyra Dennis and high school youth from #CaliSTRONG, a new initiative which brings students together from 3 synods (SWCA, Pacifica and Sierra Pacific) to discuss Jesus, justice, race, oppression and change. We were provided with the opportunity to hear what these young leaders have to share and witness firsthand their amazing gifts and talents.
Coming Soon – Video Recording of the February 2 Gathering (You Tube)
January 5, 2021 Gathering
Gratitude and Awareness in the New Year
Join us for two video meditations that take us on a journey into the mystery, science and “flavors” of gratitude in our daily lives and invite us to “Look Around You. Look Inside Yourself.” During our time together, we reflected on how gratitude and awareness can shape our experiences in the new year.
Video Recording of the January 5 Gathering (You Tube)
December 1 2020 Gathering
Pastor Manuel Retamoza on Life & Ministry
Pr. Manuel Retamoza grew up in Northern California, received his BA from Seattle Pacific University in 1994, taught preschool for Head Start in San Joaquin Valley for three years, and graduated from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota in the spring of 2004. On graduation, he moved his family to San Diego and served as Associate Pastor at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church until he was called to become their Senior Pastor in 2017. Through these experiences, Pr. Manuel has gained a unique perspective, and he shared his story with us.
Video Recording of the December 1 Gathering (You Tube)
October 6, 2020 Gathering
How to Talk About Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Your Congregation
During this gathering, Heidi Kleine and Emilee O’Brien were the presenters. They recently partnered to lead a series of conversations on racism for an affinity group of white women. They shared their story of why they feel called to this work, the importance of partners, and what you might expect if you form an affinity group.
Video Recording of the October 6 Gathering (You Tube)
Affinity Group Resources-Emilee O’Brien (PDF)
Your Place in the Movement-Emilee O’Brian (PDF)
Social Justice Journey – Heidi Kleine (PDF)
September 1, 2020 Gathering
Pacifica Synod Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Working Group Conversation – Historical Origins of Racial Inequality
During this gathering, in addition to learning about the work of the Synod’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Working Group, participants viewed a portion of a presentation by Jacqueline Battalora, author of “Birth of a White Nation: The Invention of White People and its Relevance Today”. Small groups participated in coach-led conversations to process this information and connect it to their own circumstances.
Video Recording of September 1 Gathering (YouTube)
Video of Jacqueline Battalora’s “Birth of a White Nation” 2014 Presentation (YouTube)
Introduction by James Tyler, Jr. (PDF)
White Nation Reading List (PDF)
August 4, 2020 Gathering
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion – “What Does This Mean?” with Bishop Andy Taylor
During this gathering, Bishop Andy Taylor addressed that great Lutheran question, “What does this mean?” in terms of our Synod’s focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion. Small groups participated in coach-led conversations relating this information to their circumstances.
Video Recording of August 4 Gathering (YouTube)
July 7, 2020 Gathering
Leading Like Moses: Understanding Change and Transition in the Journey to a New Beginning
During this gathering, participants viewed a presentation based on William Bridges’ groundbreaking work on navigating external changes and the often-unsettling, internal transitions they cause. Below you will find a recording of this gathering along with other resources shared during the time together.
Video Recording of July 7 Gathering (YouTube)
Gathering Outline for July 7 (PDF)
Transition Readiness Assessment (William Bridges Associates)
