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
An Hour for Prayer and Reflection in a Turbulent Time
Monthly Online Gathering for
Pacifica Synod Rostered & Lay Leaders
First Tuesday of Each Month, 11:00 a.m. to noon (PDT)
Next Gathering – Tuesday, November 3 at 11:00 a.m.
On Tuesday, November 3, voters will make a decision that will have reverberations for weeks or months or possibly even longer. To address the disquiet many of us will be feeling, Coaching for All Seasons will offer an hour of sanctuary grounded in prayer and reflection. Instead of our customary presentation, we will open with meditative prayer led by Pr. Darryl Kozak. Following this period of prayer, we will gather in breakout sessions to reflect on what is on our minds and hearts in a space that is without judgment. If your day promises to be distracting, give yourself the gift of this hour of solace among trustworthy companions. To register for the November 3 gathering and receive the link to join by Zoom, click here.
Coaching for All Seasons will return to its usual format on December 1 with a presentation by Pr. Manuel Retamoza
Our November 3 forum will be the fifth in the monthly series Coaching for All Seasons that began in July. Scroll down to access the resources from previous presentations. Our Pacifica Synod Coaching Team designed this forum to provide encouragement and support to Synod leaders as we navigate the unknown. Each month, participants will hear a brief presentation related to how we currently are called to be Church. Then they will have an opportunity to be in a small group discussion facilitated by an ELCA coach. We are creating a safe space for processing our responses to uncertain times and for discerning steps forward in our unique contexts.
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 mikedeenna@gmail.com.
Resources from Coaching for All Seasons Gatherings
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)
