It has been documented that leaders who have a coach to walk alongside them in ministry report significantly better results than those who do not. As part of this ongoing mission, fifteen individuals from across the country recently traveled to Pensacola, Florida, to complete their Church of God coaches training certification. The men and women of the class of 2007 now join twenty-four previously certified coaches as part of Church of God Ministries’ continued effort to transform culture by being the body of Christ.

The goal of the initiative is to provide well-trained coaches in every state who will commit to coaching one Church of God congregation each year. “I love this training,’ said Jon Rehbein, associate pastor at Shartel Church of God, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. “It has been the best thing I’ve ever been involved in.” Eric Livingston, church services director for the state of Illinois shares, “Thanks for your investment and desire to help churches around the country. You are creating a healthy coaching culture for the Church of God.”

CGM’s coaching certification is licensed through CoachNet, Inc., and is a specialized equipping process that prepares Christian leaders to effectively coach and develop others. Throughout the yearlong process, the class members were both mentored by qualified coaches and given the opportunity to develop their own skills by coaching two additional individuals. They also received coaching competency instruction, developed personal coaching plans, and completed Natural Church Development (NCD) specialization training. “This has been a wonderful opportunity for me, personally, and I expect to continue to use the skills I have learned in every aspect of my life,” said Jan Berghouse, Phoenix, Arizona. Having completed this training, these coaches now have the tools necessary to coach congregations toward greater health in ministry.

If you are interested in learning more about how the Coaches Training Initiative can impact your state or region, please contact your area administrator through your state office or John Newton at JNewton@chog.org.

Susan Kane
Church Multiplication