Coaching for Church Leaders

CfCL’s approach to coaching reflects a commitment to individual leaders’ growth and development, leading to the growth and flourishing of the Church in Aotearoa. These dual priorities shape both the posture and practice of coaching.

Start your journey here →

A woman speaking or singing in a church with stained glass windows, candles, and altar decor, while people sit on benches listening.

Supporting the hauora (wellbeing) of church leaders in Aotearoa

The process of coaching often unlocks previously untapped sources of imagination, productivity and leadership. CfCL defines coaching as: “A proactive conversation which is focussed, sustained, and purposeful. Coaches prompt reflection and are non-directive (unless direction is specifically requested) — solutions come from the coachee.”

You might think of coaching like going on a road trip with a supportive passenger riding along with you. You’re in the driver’s seat, deciding where to go. As you drive, your coach accompanies you and assists you on your journey to reach your destination.

Your coach provides accountability, supports self-awareness, and helps you gain new perspectives. Coaches ask questions not to get to a particular answer, but to encourage meaningful exploration toward greater depth and competence.

What is coaching and how can it help me?

Meet our Coaches →

As iron sharpens iron, one person sharpens another

Proverbs 27:17

What to expect

  • To begin your journey, complete the form on our contact page, including the name of the coach you’d like to connect with, and we’ll be in touch.

    • Accredited Coach: A one-hour coaching session with a CfCL accredited coach will be billed at NZD $150 + GST. 

    • Pre-accredited Coach: Sessions with CfCL coaches who are not yet accredited will be subsidized, reducing the session cost to NZD $85 + GST. 

    Note: If you have financial restrictions that would prevent you from accessing our coaching, please discuss this with us as we have some rate flexibility for special circumstances. 

  • No problem — if for any reason you feel you or your coach aren’t quite the right fit, CfCL can help navigate this with you.

  • CfCL has coaches based across New Zealand. Sessions may take place in person or via video call (such as Zoom). You can arrange this directly with your coach. 

    • A mentor offers subject matter expertise, wisdom, and guidance based on their own experiences. 

    • A therapist typically deals with a person’s psychological well-being and healing. 

    In contrast, coaching focuses on guiding coachees to their own conclusions—providing individuals with the tools to more readily draw on their own skills and experience when navigating the complex challenges that come with leading a church. The coach is the expert in the coaching process, but the coachee is the expert on their own life journey. 

  • CfCL’s approach to coaching is distinctive from Professional or Ministry Supervision. 

    While there are definite crossovers, Supervision is more about “looking in the rearview mirror”—reflecting on past actions and situations in order to make sense of them. 

    Coaching “looks out the front windshield.” It is an energetic, forward-focused partnership designed to accelerate your growth and help you navigate the road ahead. 

     We offer both coaching and supervision and are happy to discuss which is best for you.