For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. - Ephesians 2:10
CALLED TO PASTORAL COACHING
After 35+ years of work experience, the last of which was over 25 years as a Human Resources professional in a Dow Jones 30 firm, I felt the Lord’s leading to start the next chapter of my life serving Him in a different manner. He urged me to leave the corporate environment and come alongside pastors and Christian leaders in a more direct, supportive, and helpful way. What I felt from Him was clear and distinct; “you should be a leadership coach for pastors”.
PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
You see, I have a significant amount of experience with and a passion for leadership, and a great deal of experience coaching leaders. I come from a family with a rich tradition of US Army officer service, one that I followed as well. I went through Army ROTC in college and then was commissioned as an Infantry 2nd Lt. I spent 3+ years on active duty, and then 2 more years in the Reserves. I learned a great deal about leading and working together with people. I then moved into the corporate world, initially into sales, and then eventually into the Dow Jones firm. Soon, I found myself in the HR profession, and that is where I stayed, progressing to the executive level of HR Director until my departure. I was the leader of countless individuals and teams over the years. It was during this time that I became a company-certified executive coach, working with numerous company leaders to sharpen their skills, effectiveness and results. It was rich and rewarding work.
During the working years, I comfortably say that I had close to a thousand hours of formal leadership training, and literally tens-of-thousands of hours of practical experience. I learned to strike a balance of pure coaching and HR insight to provide a unique and effective approach in developing leaders.
SERVING CHRIST
As for my passion for Christ and my experience serving Him, He is still molding me. I accepted Him as my Savior and Lord in my teens, and have been active in service to Him in various ways since. Eventually, that lead to being a ruling elder in a local Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC) for over 9 years. I learned and experienced first hand the issues and struggles that church leaders face while serving Jesus and leading parishioners. It is not easy or work for the faint of heart.
The Lord pressed upon my heart to marry the two experiences, leadership coaching and working with pastors. It is what I was called to do in my next chapter of service for Him, and I pray that it is fruitful for Him and His Kingdom.
PERSONAL LIFE
I live in the Seattle area with my wife Kathy. We attend and are active in a relatively new church campus. Our two grown married children live in the area as well. I enjoy reading, fishing, golfing, spending time with family and friends, and following a number of local sports teams.
Are you trying to figure out if pastoral leadership coaching is right for you? Learn more about what to expect from the coaching process and why it might be time to start the conversation.