Welcome to the

Rocky Mountain Conference

of the United Church of Christ

Minister Coaching Program

Introducing a New Pilot Initiative from the RMC

Authorized Ministers are called upon to be spiritual leaders, effective administrators, compassionate counselors, and visionary community builders. This role requires a diverse skill set and a deep commitment to ongoing personal and professional development. Coaching has been gaining significant momentum across various sectors, from corporate to nonprofit to religious organizations, due to its effectiveness in fostering personal growth, enhancing leadership skills, and improving overall effectiveness. 

In this time of transition, the Rocky Mountain Conference has made a commitment to experimenting with new ways to invest in and support local churches, pastors, and clergy serving in diverse settings. We believe investing in the resilience and capacity of faith leaders to remain present and responsive to the movement of the Spirit is an essential skill for the vitality and health of the church. Following this initial investment, if this pilot program proves valuable and effective in sustaining and supporting clergy, it is our hope to expand the program to become a regular offering of the Rocky Mountain Conference sustained through shared partnerships between congregations, ministry settings, and the conference. 

Benefits to Churches

Investing in the well-being of ministers offers numerous advantages for churches, including:

  • 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.
  • Enhanced Congregational Health: A church led by a well-supported pastor is likely to be healthier overall. 

Key Elements of the Program

Participants should expect to dedicate 2-3 hours per week between sessions to engage in developmental practices and complete any necessary session preparation. Elements of this program include:

  • One-on-One Coaching Sessions: 10 one-on-one sessions over six months, meeting with the coach approximately every two weeks.
  • Customized Coaching Program Plan: Based on the initial assessment, a tailored program to enhance new capabilities and skills with new practices and exercises.
  • Ongoing Support: Regular check-ins and assignments between sessions, including text and email support between sessions as needed.
  • Cohort Sessions: The cohort of ministers in the coaching program will begin their journey with an orientation session in the fall. Following the completion of the program, the ministers will reconvene for a reflective session in the spring.

Investment  

The coaching program is designed with a shared investment approach to ensure commitment and partnership from all stakeholders. This demonstrates the collaborative effort between the conference, the congregation or ministry setting, and the minister, each investing in the minister’s professional development and growth. The total cost per participant is $2,700, with shared contributions from the Rocky Mountain Conference: $2,000, Congregation: $350, Minister: $350.

Application

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 deadline for applying is September 15th, 2024, Application can be found here. 

Who can apply?

For the pilot program, eligible applicants must be ordained ministers in the Rocky Mountain Conference serving a congregation in some capacity. Preference will be given to ministers in their first 5 years of ministry. 

Who will be my coach? 

Rev. Dr. Vince Tango is a Certified Integral Coach and a Hakomi Somatic and Mindfulness Coach, both accredited by the International Coaching Federation. He utilizes a holistic framework to help compassionate leaders gain deeper insights into their thought patterns, emotions, and beliefs, fostering transformational change. 

Vince is a covenanted minister with Sixth Avenue, and his 15 years of experience as an ordained minister with the Rocky Mountain Conference deeply influences his coaching practice, with a strong focus on supporting leaders in pastoral roles. He has held leadership roles in both higher education and the corporate sector, 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 Master of Divinity from the Iliff School of Theology and a Doctorate in Education from the University of Denver. For more information, please visit his website, https://www.vincetangocoaching.com/

Timeline

Fall 2024: Applicants have 30-minute conversations with Vince to determine goals and fit. Orientation gathering with the whole group

October 2024 – March 2025: 10 one one-on-one sessions with Vince 

April/May 2025: Whole group gathering for reflection and shared learning. 

Future Sustainability 

As a pilot program, this first year is primarily funded with conference assets as an experiment to ascertain the value of coaching for clergy in the Rocky Mountain Conference.  If the program proves valuable to the well-being and vitality of both the clergy and the congregation, the following outlines a possible way forward to expand and sustain the program into the future. 

Goal: Ongoing Coaching Program for up to 10 clergy a year 

  • Conference contributes $10,000/year ($1000/clergy) that comes from the interest income of a designated fund for coaching ($200,000 at 5%=$10,000) 
  • Participating churches contribute $1000 (or larger churches sponsor small church pastors to participate in the program as a way of living into our covenantal relationships) 
  • Participants contribute $500-$700

Other possible funding sources through grants, Strengthen the Church offering, and sponsorships.