Welcome to the

Rocky Mountain Conference

of the United Church of Christ

Clergy Coaching Program

 

Ready to apply? Click here to access the application form. Due August 31st.

Authorized Ministers are called to be spiritual leaders, effective administrators, compassionate counselors, and visionary community builders. This multifaceted role requires resilience, diverse skills, and the ability to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics while maintaining personal well-being. During times of collective stress, deep injustice, and overwhelming need, additional support can help clergy approach this complex and taxing work in a more sustainable way.

Coaching has proven transformative across sectors from corporate to nonprofit to religious organizations because it provides personalized support for growth, enhanced decision-making capabilities, and sustainable leadership practices that prevent burnout while maximizing impact. The RMC’s Clergy Coaching Program is a six-month coaching experience is designed for ordained ministers in the Rocky Mountain Conference who are seeking space to reflect, gain new perspective, and strengthen their leadership in a way that aligns with who they are and what their ministry context needs.

Benefits to Ministers

  • Personal Growth: Enhanced self-awareness, sustainable stress management practices, and clarity for navigating complex situations with confidence. 
  • Leadership Effectiveness: Strategic thinking skills, stronger communication abilities, and healthy professional boundaries.
  • Ministry Well-Being: Renewed passion for calling, and sustainable practices for long-term effectiveness.
  • Practical Skills: Tools for conflict resolution, change management, and team development.

Benefits to Congregations

  • Vitalized Ministry: Supporting pastors can lead to a more energized and effective ministry within the local church
  • Support During Transition Periods: Whether starting a new call or beginning their ministry, pastors may find the initial stages isolating. Providing support helps them navigate these realities in a healthy context, ensuring they handle challenges appropriately
  • Overall Church Health: A supported minister contributes to the overall health of the church
  • Stronger Community Connections: A pastor who is well-supported can better serve the congregation and connect with the community, enhancing the church’s outreach and impact
  • Long-term Stability: By prioritizing the well-being of their pastors, churches can invest in long-term stability and continuity in their leadership, which is essential for sustained growth and development

Program Structure

Personalized Experience:

  • 10 Individual Coaching Sessions (two 90-minute intensive sessions, eight 60-minute sessions)
  • Customized Coaching Plan with clear focus and 3-4 developmental objectives tailored to your ministry context
  • 7 Personalized Focused Practices designed specifically for your growth areas and ministry challenges
  • 2 Foundational & Self-Observation Practices for ongoing development beyond the program

Ongoing Support:

  • Optional Monthly “Quick Calls” (15-minute laser-focused check-ins for urgent needs or breakthrough moments)
  • Shared Online Workspace (Google Docs/Folders) for notes, practices, and collaborative reflection
  • Text & Email Support between sessions for questions, insights, or real-time guidance

Cohort Connection:

This program is an individualized program, but there are a few touch points with the cohort that’s also going through the program. The cohort of ministers begins with an orientation session in the fall, meets for a midpoint connection, and reconvenes for a reflective session in the spring. This peer learning component provides support and community beyond individual coaching. 

  • Fall orientation with full group (September)
  • Winter connection (January/February)
  • Spring reflection and shared learning session (April/May)

Timeline for 2025-2026 Cohort

  • August 31st: Applications Due. Please click here to access the application form.
  • August/September: Applicants have a 30-minute information conversation with Vince Tango to determine goals and fit
  • September: Orientation gathering with the cohort. Date TBA
  • October- April: individual coaching sessions 
  • May: Cohort group gathering for reflection and shared learning.

Financial Commitment: We use a shared-investment approach to keep costs manageable and to allow for the collaborative nature of this work.

  • Total cost: $2,500 per participant.
  • Conference contribution: The Rocky Mountain Conference may contribute up to $2,000 for each minister. The exact amount varies according to (a) how many ministers apply and (b) each applicant’s financial need.
  • Congregation/ministry setting & minister contributions: After the Conference portion is applied, the remaining balance is usually split 50/50 between the minister and their congregation, typically $350–$500 each. (Congregations that can do more are welcome to contribute a larger share.)

Time Commitment: Participants should expect to dedicate 4-6 hours per month for developmental practices and session preparation.

Application Process

An application is required to be accepted into the program. The application gathers information about the candidate’s ministry experience, commitment to personal and professional growth, and willingness to engage in developmental practices. The 2025-26 application can be found here. 

Application Window: August 1–31, 2025

About Your Coach: Rev. Dr. Vince Tango

Vince Tango is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) accredited by the International Coaching Federation, with 16 years of experience as an ordained minister with the United Church of Christ and the Rocky Mountain Conference. He serves his ministry remotely from Huntington Beach, CA, serving as Associate Minister of Compassionate Leadership at Sixth Avenue United Church of Christ in Denver.

Vince has held leadership roles across multiple sectors, including overseeing student affairs and admissions at the Iliff School of Theology, developing virtual community engagement for spirituality, leadership, and mental health programs at Sounds True, and teaching leadership and communication as an adjunct instructor at the University of Denver. Vince’s education includes a Doctorate in Education from the University of Denver and a Master of Divinity from the Iliff School of Theology. For more information, contact vince@vincetango.com or visit www.vincetango.com