For many years, I’ve had the privilege of coaching Executive Pastors who were new to the role, or just needed a second set of eyes during a season of personal growth. I’ve also enjoyed coaching Lead Pastors who were not in a place where they could hire an Executive Pastor but needed that kind of guidance. I find that the Holy Spirit seems to continually line me up with people when they are in a season of transition in their work or personal life. I call those the “hinge points”. If you think of a hinge on a door, that’s where all the action is! I love meeting people at the hinge points of life. It would be my privilege in 2025 to help you grow in your ability to lead your church and staff well. Keep reading to understand what a coaching relationship looks like, and send additional questions or requests to backstagepastors@gmail.com. 

I have the bandwidth to take on eight to ten coaching relationships at any given time. But what does a coaching relationship look like? Typically, we do six to twelve months of monthly 75 minute zoom calls targeted at your current developmental and guidance needs.

The first call can last up to two hours as we get to know one another and sort of figure out a baseline of where you are at in this current season of ministry. I ask a million diagnostic type questions and take a ton of notes. I’m also praying the whole time and asking the Holy Spirit to guide my words, guide my questions and give me supernatural wisdom and insight into your situation. I’m always amazed at how the Holy Spirit connects the dots for me and I begin to see things that I would have missed if I was leaning only on my own strength and experience.

By the end of that first call, we usually have a good list of things we need to work on or through together. Sometimes we are talking about super practical stuff, like HR needs, or building projects, or generosity strategies. Other times, it gets a little more squishy like “Am I sure I’m called to this?” or “Why do I always feel underappreciated”, or “Does the staff even like me?” Whatever is on our list, we just work through one issue a month, plus any other more pressing issues in ministry that come up that you need help thinking through.

Calls are usually with one leader for the duration of the six months (or twelve months if that’s what you choose). Sometimes I bring on another expert if the discussion warrants it. If you want, we’ll bring another staff member onto a call if needed. Like your LP, for example.

Outside of our scheduled calls, you always have unlimited quick questions via email, text and phone in between. Sometimes you need 10 minutes regarding a time sensitive issue, but our next call is not for 3 weeks. In those cases, I’m always available for a quick check-in in between meetings.

So who is coaching you in 2025? If the answer is no one, I’d love to be your guide for a season. Let’s schedule a call by emailing me at phil@backstagepastors.org. I currently have room for two or three more coaching relationships for the first half of 2025.