Clergy Coach Training Programs

As the church focuses more attention on leadership competencies for clergy there will be a growing need for Competent Clergy Coaches. Coaching provides an effective metaphor for leadership development, compared to many of the therapy based models that the church currently uses. Consider for a moment: What was Jesus doing with the disciples for three years before the resurrection? Was he doing therapy with them to get them fit enough to be apostles, or was he coaching them in the competencies and outlook of an apostle?

If you are thinking about working as a coach to clergy consider the following:

• Do you find deep satisfaction in helping people accomplish their goals?
• Do people seek you out for your insight and wisdom?
• Have you had a successful ministry and now feel like sharing the wisdom you have acquired with others?
• Do you get amazed and have a great sense of joy when people "get it."
• Do you have a desire to make this world a better place, one person at a time?

If you say yes to these questions then coaching may be a very viable way for you to offer your gifts and your self; to God, your neighbor, and your self.

Certificate in Appreciative Coaching

This certificate program was formerly titled the Certificate in Clergy Coaching. While maintaining its emphasis on coaching church leaders the title was changed to reflect both the foundational approach to the coaching offered and to not limit the use of the coaching skills that are being taught. In addition to its emphasis on coaching clergy the program also empahsizes coaching for leadership development. The content is adapted from the theories of Appreciative Inquiry and Executive Coaching and will be oriented toward coaching leaders to be appreciative leaders. Dr. Rob Voyle the Director of the Clergy Leadership Institute is the principal trainer for this program. The Certificate in Appreciative Coaching program is part of our Continuing Education for psychologists and counselors. See Continuing Education for details of our approval to sponsor continuing education events for psychologists and counselors.

Entrance Requirements for Certificate in Appreciative Coaching

To be eligible to receive the Certificate in Clergy Coaching participants must have:

• A graduate level degree (MDiv, MA, MS etc.) in the helping sciences
• A graduate level degree (MBA, MS, etc.) in business or science plus 3 years of experience in a leadership role.
• An undergraduate degree (BA, BS etc.) plus 7 years of experience in a leadership role.

Note: Work experience must be in a leadership capacity that is applicable to the work of clergy. In addition all candidates must be able to reflect theologically and psychologically on their life and work.

Appreciative Coaching Certificate Program Content

The program will involve five elements:

• Introduction to Appreciative Inquiry
• Introduction to Appreciative Coaching
• Coaching Competent Leaders
• Advanced Coach Training
• Year-long, Weekly Teleconference

The two introductory courses are also offered in a week-longFoundations of Appreciative Coaching format that integrates the appreciative inquiry information into the week-long Appreciative Coaching program. While the content of the course work remains the same as the two introductory classes the material is presented in a different sequence to focus the appreciative strategies on coaching.

If you have any questions about this program please contact: Rob Voyle

Presenter

Rob Voyle is an ordained Episcopal priest, psychologist, and coach. He is the Director of the Clergy Leadership Institute. Rob was an original faculty member, and taught for five years at the College of Executive Coaching where he taught and coached hundreds of personal and executive coaches how to use appreciative inquiry as a basis for their coaching work.

We are encouraging people to participate in a grassroots promotion of this program. Please click here to download a Appreciative Coaching Flyer to distribute to potential attendees.