Coaching for Leadership:
A Program for Clergy at SFTS

Among the several clergy coaching programs available today, the SFTS Coaching for Leadership program is unique in the following ways: 

• We will focus on leadership, developing in you, the minister, the skills necessary to be an effective pastoral leader.
• We are going to define “success” or effectiveness not just in terms of programs and numbers, but also in terms of personal mental, spiritual and family well-being.
• Our program will combine both a retreat component and a core one-to-one coaching relationship.
• Our program will be deeply rooted in the theological tradition of the Reformed Faith and the strong emphasis upon Christian spirituality here at SFTS.

Coaching for Leadership Staff
Our program is directed by SFTS Associate Professor of Pastoral Counseling R. Scott Sullender, Ph.D. Scott is a licensed psychologist and a Presbyterian pastor with 30 years of professional experience as executive director of various nonprofits, and before that, as parish pastor and therapist. In addition to Scott’s services, SFTS contracts with a variety of professional coaches throughout the Bay Area, each bringing a unique set of skills, perspectives and style to the coaching process. All of our clergy coaches have received more than 500 hours of training as a coach, and most are current or former ministers with successful track records in a variety of ministries.

Professional Fees
Even though this program is being underwritten by San Francisco Theological Seminary and a grant from the Longbrake Family Foundation, each participant will be charged tuition of $1,800.  The fee for this program will cover both your retreat time and a full six months of coaching.  You pay only for transportation and phone use.  Normally, such expenses are a very good use of a pastor’s continuing education budget and study leave.

Upcoming Classes
The next scheduled class/retreat for the Coaching for Leadership Program is February 2012.  If you wish coaching services sooner than 2012, please contact us and we will provide you with a referral for a qualified coach in your area.

An Invitation
Certainly every minister could use a coach from time to time.  You may need some extra assistance during a particular phase of ministry -- first year at a new congregation, first experience as head of staff, developing a strategic plan for a struggling congregation, or developing a new and previously untested program.  You may need some extra support during a time of personal challenge, such as dealing with a chronic illness, discerning afresh your call to ministry, or prioritizing life goals.  Whatever your need or reason, we believe that you will find great benefit from a coaching relationship.