by Tom Hurt
Pacific Conference Coaching Director

I can remember clearly my 9^th grade wrestling coach. Being new to the sport I was nervous and excited to get on the mat and do my best. The reality was, I had a lot to learn and it was obvious I needed a coach. As the season progressed I got better, stronger, gained skills and had success. My improvement didn’t mean that I no longer needed a coach, it meant that I was ready to go to new levels in the sport with the help of my coach.

Let’s talk…

I don’t think ministry is all that different from any sport. I’m so thankful for the mentors I had along the way and the people I’ve observed from a distance but I’m especially grateful for the coach who helped me walk through the last 15-18 months of my pastoral leadership at Oregon City. He was a tremendous help, asked great questions, encouraged me and, because of coaching, I believe I was able to finish well, much better than if I would have walked those months alone. My only regret is that my coaching was at the end of my pastoral leadership!

Because God used coaching so powerfully in my life it gives me passion and excitement to see coaching become “the norm” in the Pacific Conference. Here are the core convictions that drive our vision for every pastor, spouse, and staff member to be encouraged and thriving in personal and ministry health through life coaching.

Core Conviction #1: Encouragement is Critical!

Two of Satan’s greatest tools against a pastoral leader are discouragement and isolation. Coaching puts someone in your corner and on your team!  1 Thessalonians 5:11, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

Core Conviction #2: Christ-likeness comes by the Holy Spirit.

Our coaching team will not take the place of the Holy Spirit but will encourage you to listen and move ever closer to God’s image of who you are to be in Him. 2 Corinthians 3:18, “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”

Core Conviction #3: Coaching is a High Calling.

Coaching another leader is a calling one must hear and embrace. We believe that God is still in the business of completing what He started and hold His promise in Philippians 1:6, “…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Core Conviction #4: Growing healthy together.

Isn’t it interesting that we read in Scripture about Barnabas and Paul, then Paul and Silas, and at times more working together. God does not intend you to be a lone ranger. Coaching is an incredible way for you to grow more healthy personally and in ministry.

Core Conviction #5: No one left behind.

This conviction comes from deep in my heart. We must not leave anyone behind! The day of seeing a brother or sister slip silently away for whatever reason must end. We are in this together and we must embrace Peter’s message in 1 Peter 1:22, “Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.”

Before you go…

As you get ready for the beginning of fall ministries it is an ideal time to get started in coaching. Contact me through email or phone and I would love to talk with you further. I would also be more than happy to come and talk with your church leadership about the benefit your church will receive if you take advantage of coaching.

Pastor Tom Hurt
Director of Coaching
Email: coaching@thepacificconference.com
Phone: 503-312-3525