A Ministry of Coaching for Your Life of Ministry

We believe that the process of exploring these questions can
be thought of as Ministry Formation. Within the Christian tradition we embrace
the idea that every disciple of Jesus is a minister. Even more broadly, we
affirm that every person, regardless of religious or spiritual beliefs or
practices, is being called by God toward the fullest expression of their true
nature.

Along this journey, we embrace several practices:

Spiritual Formation

Developing prayer, study and other practices that provide a solid foundation

Theological Reflection

Learning to ask “Where is God?” and “What is God doing?”

Ministry Integration

Learning to ask, “Who am I?” and “Who has God made me to be?”

Life Ministry Coaching Groups
A ministry of coaching ~ for your life of ministry.

~ Life ~
Feeling, thinking, speaking and acting in the world, through work, relationships,
hobbies and habits, growing toward the fullest expression of your true self.

~ Ministry ~
Expressing the fullness of who you are in ways that bless others,
bring you fulfillment, and honor the God who made you.

~ Coaching ~
Walking with an encourager and guide asking questions that prompt
deeper reflection, from which grows fuller understanding and truer living.

Life Ministry Coaching is an expression of the ministry of Rev. Ken G. Crawford, pastor at Forest Grove Christian Church since 2002. Since 2003 we have had an intentional ministry formation training program within the church for equipping staff for a lifetime of ministry. After nine years, we are excited to offer this opportunity to clergy and laity, regardless of their connection to this or another congregation.

We will offer separate groups for clergy and laity (a religious word for non-clergy). Each group will follow a similar format structured as follows:
Commitment to participation for a 9 week Unit – (Fall, Winter, Spring) which includes
1. Establishment of learning goals for personal or professional growth
2. Weekly 2 hour group meeting which will include:
a. Prayer and other spiritual formation exercises
b. Presentation by the group facilitator
c. Group discussion of the presented material
d. Individual sharing of personal growth areas
3. Weekly readings (averaging 5-20 pages)
4. Weekly written reflection (2-5 pages)
5. Participation in an online discussion group
6. Three one-on-one coaching sessions with the group facilitator

This is serious work, requiring a commitment of time and energy and money. Admission to the program assumes this commitment to self and the group. It is estimated that participants will spend 5 hours per week between group participation and personal prayer, reading and reflection. Tuition for these groups is $150 per unit which covers the cost of time, materials and facilities. Partial scholarships are available based upon need; state your request with your application.

How to apply:
Groups will be formed with consideration to those who are most likely to benefit from the experience and contribute meaningfully to the process. If you would like to participate, please submit a written statement describing your journey that has brought you to this point, what questions or topics you hope to better understand, and how you hope to grow.
With your statement, please provide the following:
• Your name, mailing address, email and phone
• Your Church affiliation if any
• References – two names (with contact information) who can speak to how you might participate in a group experience of this sort. Giving them a copy of this information would be helpful.
This information can be emailed to pastor@fgcctx.org.

That the process is…
The philosophy of this program is built upon three components:
• Spiritual Formation ~ Developing attitudes and habits that provide a solid foundation
• Theological Reflection ~ Learning to ask “Where is God?” and “What is God doing?”
• Ministry Integration ~ Learning to ask, “Who am I?” and “Who has God made me to be?”
These three elements work together to help form a healthier self.
This process has been developed out of experiences and conversations with Seminary Supervised Ministry Programs, Clinical Pastoral Education Programs, and Lilly Endowment Funded Pastoral Residency Programs.
Primary sources, in addition to the Christian Bible, include:
o The Spiritual works of Thomas Merton, Henry Nouwen, Richard Foster, Ann Weems, along with Quaker and Jesuit Spirituality
o Family Systems Theory as described in the work of Edwin Friedman, Roberta M. Gilbert, Jim Herrington, Ronald W. Richardson and others
o Communication and Leadership works such as those by Kerry Patterson Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler, Marcus Buckingham, Marshall Goldsmith,
Participants will be encouraged to bring and share with the group those resources that have been particularly meaningful to them. Every effort will be made to honor the diversity and distinctives present in the group while seeking to form a community based upon shared goals.

What it is not…
This process is not group counseling. If it appears that you have unaddressed needs, the facilitator may take the initiative to speak with you about them privately.
This process is not a bible study or other similar group.
This process is not about ‘fixing’ other peoples’ ideas or behaviors.

“Spiritual but not religious…?”
Many people in today’s world describe themselves as “spiritual but not religious”. One common explanation is that they do not participate in any religious organizations (church, temple, synagogue, mosque), though they do practice spiritual habits (prayer, reading, meditation, service). If you or someone you know fits this description, and you appreciate open dialogue with people of differing views, then there can still be a place for you in this process. Submit your application, and lets talk further.