I am a youth minister and have 20 years of experience. I am passionate about youth ministry, and I have great admiration for those who minister to youth. Consequently, I coach youth ministers. I have a handful of clients, all of whom are in their first two years of full-time ministry. When I engage them in conversation and I hear their stories, I regularly think to myself “ I’ve been there.” And though part of what I do is mentor, I spend more time in coaching. That is, I ask questions in hopes that the client can make the necessary choices to move to his or her next goal in ministry. When appropriate, I make suggestions out of my own experiences, and regularly, I affirm these young ministers because they are doing ministry well.
Tomorrow, I am driving a total of 4 hours to meet with a coaching client. We are at the end of a 2-year contract that was established and provided through the Center for Teaching Churches at McAfee School of Theology, in partnership with the Center for Congregational Health. As I end this contract, I’ve come to acknowledge some important pieces of this relationship. I have invested myself in a person in hopes that he might become the most effective minister possible in his setting. By extension, I have invested in his youth ministry and the local church. This “coaching gig” has become much larger than two people chatting by phone for one hour per month. This has morphed, at least for me, into a larger investment into God’s world, and I have a new friend in ministry.
Two weeks ago, after a coaching conversation, another client “friended” me on Facebook. When I opened his page, I noticed the status update. It read, “I had a wonderful conversation with my ministry coach this morning. His thought-provoking questions have really helped me to see certain situations from a more healthy and productive angle.” As people commented on his status update, he replied to one by saying, “It’s amazing how much one can gain from questions instead of answers.” There it is, plain and simple. I am trained to ask the questions, to provoke thought, to nudge where appropriate, and to hold accountable when asked. Through personal experience and effective training by the Center for Congregational Health, I trust and believe I coach in such a way that reflects a healthy approach to life and ministry.
Coaching has become popular in recent years. The business world has led the way, and now the church is catching up. Several institutions have received grants to explore the benefits of coaching, especially for novice ministers. I hope we can all grow in our understanding of the value of investing in these young women and men.
Coaching has become popular in recent years. The business world has led the way, and now the church is catching up. Several institutions have received grants to explore the benefits of coaching, especially for novice ministers. I hope we can all grow in our understanding of the value of investing in these young women and men.
Dr. Jim Walls is the Minister with Youth at Johns Creek Baptist Church in Alpharetta, Georgia, where he has served for 11 years. Additionally, he serves as a coach and as a consultant in youth ministry through the Center for Congregational Health, Inc.
