The Vanguard Coaching Vision

Many different models for apostolic networks have been developed over the last few years, and new networks are springing up around the world. However, because the need for relationship, oversight and resourcing for churches and Christian leaders is so great, many new networks quickly grow far beyond their capacity to maintain real, relational connections between members. The very thing that pastors and churches come to apostolic networks for – connection to the broader body of Christ – seems to slip through their fingers as soon as they join.

To maintain the covenant relationships that make a network worth joining in the first place, Vanguard Ministries is providing personal coaching and peer mentoring to each associate (temporary one year membership level) and covenant member. These relationships with other Vanguard leaders are the primary formal accountability links within the network.

The presence of authentic coaching and peer relationships are key factors in whether leaders finish well and fulfill the call of God on their lives. However, surveys reveal that less than 30% of pastors have any relationships with peers where they feel they can safely discuss the problems and challenges of their vocation. Vanguard believes a commitment to accountable coaching relationships will provide a vital and much-needed service to you, your ministry, and to the Kingdom of God.

What Is Coaching?

Coaching is a one-on-one method of helping another person grow and change. Instead of teaching a set curriculum, coaches starts with wherever you want to grow and then help you get there. Dealing with current, real-life challenges and opportunities you are already motivated to work at makes coaching fun, effective and highly applicable.

Coaching is based on the idea that leaders take responsibility for their own growth. So instead of giving advise or telling you what to do, coaches ask questions to help you sharpen your own discernment of what God has for you. Once you’ve settled on a growth goal, a coach will help you design a plan to achieve it, then provide the support, encouragement and accountability you’ll need to see it through. Anywhere you need to change – from organizing your life to discovering your life purpose to building a consistent devotional pattern – a coach will make you more likely to succeed.

Transformational Leadership Coaching

In 2000 several key Vanguard leaders set out to foster a worldwide Christian coaching movement by training leaders in a Biblical coaching model. Called Transformational Leadership Coaching (TLC), this organization already has over 100 pastors and leaders involved in their innovative coaching certification program. Vanguard and TLC have partnered together to bring personal coaching by certified Christian coaches as well as coach training opportunities to every member of Vanguard Ministries. For more information on TLC, visit their website at www.TransformationalCoaching.com.

Our Program

When you become a covenant or associate Vanguard member, you’ll receive personal coaching as part of your membership dues – 6 sessions per year for covenant members and a 3 session ‘trial period’ for associates. Your coach will help you develop peer mentoring relationships with other Vanguard members, set personal goals for growth and walk with you as you create a growth plan and carry it out. You’ll also gain a friend along the way.

Most coaches will be trained and certified by TLC (a few senior Vanguard leaders will be coaching as well.) TLC coaches have been through an intensive 9-month training process, and are equipped with a wealth of practical change resources including building authentic relationships, discovering your life purpose and setting goals to reach it, changing habits, establishing priorities, developing growth plans and much more.

Finding a Coach

You can approach a coach you know directly, or ask Vanguard to help match you with a compatible coach. Then the two of you can set your own schedule, plan meeting times that work for you and decide on what you want to work on. If you desire to request a specific coach you will need to specify your coach preference on your questionnaire. We will assume the responsibility to match you with a coach if you do not request a specific coach. Any requested coach must be TLC certified or have approval from our Coaching Director, Dr. Jerry Graham. (Of course, VM cannot guarantee coaching requests will be fulfilled).

Accountability

Coaches help people work at personal growth and change. A big part of what coaching provides is accountability – that extra nudge to follow through on what you know you need to do. A coach will help you set realistic objectives and then stay on track to meet your growth goals. A coach can also help you sort out what the most important issues are, help you get ‘unstuck’, and provide a sounding board when you need some outside perspective.

Because your coach is your accountability link to Vanguard Ministries, both you and your coach will fill out year-end evaluations on how things went, and your coach will also send in a growth plan you are working on together once during the year. This feedback will be integrated into the annual process of renewing your Vanguard Covenant membership (for licensing or ordination).

Your coach will occasionally take initiative to help you see and address personal problems or blind spots before they become major problems. We view this as an important function of the body of Christ to serve and safeguard you and to promote your growth in Christ.

If you have any problems with your coaching relationship or desire outside perspective on it, you are free to contact the Vanguard coaching supervisor at any time to talk things through.

Steps to Begin your Coaching Experience

If you desire to pursue the support, encouragement, and accountability of leadership coaching you should follow the following steps:

1. Apply for membership with Vanguard Ministries. If you are a new member you may consider the Level 2: Vanguard Associates, which gives you a slower introduction to VM and coaching. Or, you may choose to connect at the Level 3: Covenant Members, which provides 6 sessions of coaching from a trained, certified coach. Go to http://www.vanguardministries.org/FellowshipApp.PDF for an online application.

2. If you are a member then complete the coaching questionnaire which is also provided online under the coaching tab (include link). This allows us to match you with the best possible coach to assist you in your development as a leader.

3. After the initial contact from your assigned coach for an initial get acquainted session, the responsibility to initiate your coaching sessions is in your hands. If you fail to apply initiative and discipline you will miss out.