Reaching out for consulting or coaching can be difficult for pastors and church leaders. We all think we can figure it out, we are concerned about what others will think, and none of us want to admit we need help. However, taking that first step can be the turning point in your ministry. It can be the first step that takes you from hopelessness to excitement, from frustration to effectiveness, and from ministry conflict to a unified pursuit of your church’s mission.

There are several signs that it may be time for pastors or church leaders to seek help.

Your Church Has Been in Steady Decline for Several Years.

There may be a problem if your church has been in steady decline for many years. Occasional periods of decline are expected, but years of decreased attendance may be cause for concern. Church consulting can help determine the cause of the decline and will work with you to develop a revitalization plan. There are no magic formulas, but an outside perspective can be exactly what you need.

Your Church Has Recently Experienced a Sudden Decline.

It is not uncommon for churches to deal with a significant issue that results in sudden decline (a church split). These traumatic events can cripple a church and lead the pastor into severe discouragement or depression. When a church faces a trial such as this, an outside voice can be what is needed.

Bringing in a church consultant who is not emotionally connected to the challenges within the church can help provide a measured approach, a balanced perspective, and a peace-making presence. No, the consultant cannot solve every issue, but he can be the tool God uses to guide the church back to health.

Your Church Is Dealing with Significant Conflict.

Conflict within a church can cripple a ministry. Conflict among staff or other leadership groups (elders, deacons, trustees) can be frustrating and hinder a church’s effectiveness. Those involved in the conflict are often too close to be able to lead out of it. There is too much history and too many emotions.

In these situations, a church consultant can act as an outside mediator. He can listen to both sides, help find common ground, and point both parties toward a unified vision.

As the Pastor, You Are Feeling Isolated and Unsure of What to Do Next.

I have written about the danger of pastoral isolation HERE. However, it is possible to know that isolation is dangerous and still end up on an island. If you are looking at your church and are unsure how to move forward, uncertain of whom you can trust, unsure of what the real issue is, and unsure of where to turn or what to do, consulting or coaching may be what you need.

Final Thoughts

Reaching out for help can be a difficult step to take. However, it may be precisely what is needed. Church Revision is here to help. If you want to learn more without committing, there are three things you can do.

First, read about the differences between consulting and coaching below.

Second, visit our site and see what is involved.

Third, schedule a free video or audio call with us to learn more about our background, approach, and ministry philosophy.

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CONSULTING VS COACHING

Church Consulting looks at your church and seeks to identify challenges and opportunities. It provides a fresh perspective on how your church can pursue its mission. It helps you look at your ministry through the eyes of a first-time guest. It offers an outside perspective on your facilities. It gauges the health of your church by providing a trained evaluation of attendance history, budget history, online presence, and ministry effectiveness.

It helps you understand your community and how you may be able to better reach those far from Christ.

Leadership Coaching is focused on helping the pastor navigate challenges, manage conflict, renew their vision, and receive encouragement. Coaching is usually one-on-one, and while it may address some of the same issues as church consulting, the focus is on helping the pastor understand these areas, develop a plan to address them, and strategically implement them.

Perhaps the most valuable aspect of leadership coaching is that the pastor will receive encouragement. He will have somewhere to turn when he needs to vent, express frustration, or receive feedback before reacting to a situation.