Wanted: coaches for congregations

10/05/2012

Wanted: coaches for congregations

The Arkansas Conference’s Center for Clergy and Laity Excellence in Leadership is seeking its first group of United Methodist laypersons to serve as congregational coaches for churches ready to hone in on fulfilling the vision, mission, core values and priorities for ministry approved by the 2011 Arkansas Annual Conference.

Congregational coaches’ major responsibilities are outlined in the Imagine Ministry plan, but the people who feel called to serve in this role will have a part in determining just how this ministry with local churches unfolds.

“Congregational coaching under the Imagine Ministry plan is a work in progress,” said John Crawford, interim coordinator for congregational coaching. “We are looking for key lay people who wish to be pioneers and lead this journey.”

The responsibilities of congregational coaches include helping pastors and laity determine how best to go about forming disciples; encouraging accountability for the ministry of the laity, whether it be in their own families, workplaces or secular community organizations; interpreting demographic data of a church’s mission field; and assisting with local churches’ visioning, planning, minor conflict mediation and teaching.

To learn more about expectations for congregational coaches, contact Crawford at jcrawford@arumc.org.