GCI provides its interns with a ministry coach. We asked three of them to comment on what they’ve experienced. If you have a testimony of your own about coaching, please share it using the “leave a reply” feature below.
Jillian Caranto
During the 2014 intern orientation, Anthony Mullins eagerly asked me to tell him my story. Though I was hesitant at first, looking back I’m grateful because after sharing a bit of my story, Anthony went out of his way to ask my permission to be my coach for the next two years. After seeing his humility and authenticity in listening to my story, I knew that God wanted this coaching relationship for me.
This was the first coaching relationship I had ever had so I wasn’t sure what to expect. But what I appreciated almost immediately from the onset was the fact that I was doing most of the talking. I appreciated how Anthony would do most of the active listening during our coaching calls, which I really valued because it was something that I was not accustomed to. He would ask intentional, well-thought-out questions to deliberately take me to a place (even if only mentally) that was one step further than I was before. I was often forced to get out of my comfort zone and think “out of the box” or outside of my preconceived limitations in order to answer some of his coaching questions.
After a year-and-a-half of monthly coaching calls, I feel like I am more equipped to do ministry because of how much I have learned about myself along the way. Coaching in ministry matters because it forces you to be honest with yourself, to be honest about where you are right now (mentally, emotionally, spiritually) and where you would like to be.
Because ministry entails pouring yourself out to others, having a coach come alongside you during your ministerial journey gives you the opportunity to be poured into as well. When we are poured into and lovingly challenged by our coach, our overall ministry benefits in the end because of what the Holy Spirit does through the coaching relationship that is surrendered to the good plans He has for each of us.
Jacqueem Winston
Coaching is an important function of the GCI Intern Program. For those that are on the track to becoming pastors and leaders within GCI, it helps them build confidence in solving problems by speaking with those that are trained and qualified to ask questions that stimulate thinking for the coachee.
The most important part of coaching is knowing that you have someone to talk to. They are there to help you do what is best for you. Two “thumbs up” for coaching. ??
Patrick Quinn
My experience with coaching through the GCI Intern program has been incredibly enriching. Being coached by someone who is so obviously for me is so helpful and empowering; I am very grateful to have the opportunity to be coached.
Coaching has helped me to overcome some of the obstacles and fears that may have prevented me from stepping out into ministry, and has served to reorient me and to help me set and achieve goals. Having someone to hold me accountable has been an important and powerful aspect of my ministry experience. Thank you to all the coaches that make GCI a wonderful place to get involved!
I have been privileged to serve as a coach and also to be coached. Based on these experiences, I wholeheartedly recommend coaching to our pastors, ministry leaders, church planters and interns. I know from having been coached that entering a coaching relationship can seem a bit scary, but rest assured, what is discussed is held in strict confidence and your coach is there to assist and support, not dictate, police, or otherwise interfere.