Each week I connect with a number of youth workers from all across the country. I absolutely enjoy being able to encourage and equip youth pastors in the trenches. But every week I get emails, DMs on twitter, and phone calls from youth workers who want some help. There seems to be a need for more coaches and mentors.For a long while now I have felt strongly that I should take the coaching and mentoring I've done to another level. I certainly don't mind giving advice... but I thought, why not spend more time pouring into a group of individuals who truly want (and need) guidance?
So weeks ago I sat down and mapped out a plan for a coaching network. There certainly seems to be a need for coaches... and even though I've made Youth Ministry my profession for more than 15 years now, I still appreciate someone who has been in the game longer than I have pouring into me.
So I put pen to paper and wrote out a number of details about what my coaching program would look like. Here's what I wrote down initially: I know people want more than a monthly phone call... they like having the one-on-one (life on life) coaching... and they probably don't have a lot of money.
I love conferences. I'm actually a conference-junkie. I'd probably attend everyone of them that I could if I could only afford it. Most of the time conferences leave me wanting more though. There's not enough practical ideas given... and I'd sure love to sit down with the guy who inspired me (from the stage) and pick his brain a little.
My coaching network would offer everything you might get from a conference... but it would be a semester long. You would get 6 months of personal coaching... weekly phone calls (check-ins), free resources, and there would some interaction with other youth workers in the field. All of this (that I mentioned, and more) at an affordable rate... probably the cost of a conference.
I'm only proposing something here. If there was a need for it, I'd spend a few more months building the structure... and probably launch officially in September.
So the question is, do you need a coach? Would you like the opportunity to be a part of something like this? I want to hear from you. Email me... or leave a comment here.
Labels: coaching, Resources, Youth Pastors
Exciting stuff. Great write up. Can't wait to hear about this!
Awesome. I have been thinking about having a coach but had no idea where to look. Can't wait to hear more about this.
Would love to be apart of something like this! Any coaching I can get to greater impact and equip students would be awesome! Looking forward to hearing more about this.
I would love to be a part of something like this. I've been thinking about getting some coaching for a while. Anything I can do that will allow me to have a greater impact of students and the Kingdom would be great! Looking forward to hearing more about this.
@ALL- thanks for your comments. Just curious, how long have each of you been in ministry?
Also, unless you are a regular reader here, I'd encourage each of you to drop me an email so you can stay in the loop about this opportunity. You will find a link to my email on the homepage.
Thanks for sharing this with me. I think this is a VERY good idea. Can't wait to hear more about it.
I've been in ministry for almost 3 years. I feel like I'm often flying by the seat of my pants, only going from event to event, rather than planning for the bigger picture. I know I could totally use something like this
I would love to participate in something like this. It is hard to find out where to start with finding a mentor. I think it is a great idea. I think that it is a great idea that it sounds more intensive and that it has a time period to it. Thanks for having a passion for this and thanks for making it known to people.
Thanks so much for putting something like this together. I am in.
@ALL - Thanks for your interests. Please share with other guys ministry you feel may benefit as well.
**If you are not a regular reader here, please email me (link on the home page), so I can keep you informed.
Thanks!
//TC//
I recently was connected with a coach for a few months. It was a really powerful and growth inducing experience. It would be great to see this network happen.
Hey Terrace! Have been looking for a coaching network for about a year now and would love to hear more about it. I've been a youth pastor for 7 years now and I still have a lot to learn!
I need a coach! Been in student ministry for about 6 months. :)
blakeappleby@gmail.com
I may be interested as well. WOuld love to hear the details.