Congregational leadership often feels isolating, leaving you to carry the weight of difficult decisions, team dynamics, financial stresses and organizational growth alone.
That’s where I come in.
My work is designed to inspire the congregational leadership team to take ownership and tackle the obstacles of faith based leadership head on
- and in the process, uncovering new possibilities, and create a clear path forward that aligns with the values and vision of your unique congregation.
Clergy leaders face a unique set of challenges that require more than general advice—they require understanding, practical solutions, and a partner who knows the terrain.
Here's just some of what Congregational Coaching brings to your leadership team:
A Safe Space to Reflect: Step away from the noise and focus on what matters most.
Tailored Guidance for Complex Problems:
Work through visioning and goal setting that doesn’t place all of the responsibility on the pastor, but sets the e
xpectation of ownership by the leadership team and congregation.
Tools for
Addressing Congregational Conflict
:
and
A Trusted Partner on Your Journey:
Y
ou don’t have to do this alone.
My coaching isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about creating meaningful, lasting change that helps you grow as a leader and thrive in your ministry.
In many churches and organizations, clergy leaders find themselves deeply involved in the day-to-day operations—managing tasks, solving problems, and filling gaps where needed. While this dedication is commendable, it often comes at a cost. When leaders spend too much time “doing,” they lose the ability to step back, see the bigger picture, and guide their teams toward a shared vision.
Coaching helps clergy make the critical shift from “doing” to “leading.” This transition isn’t about doing less—it’s about focusing on what only you, as a leader, can do. It’s about empowering your team, delegating effectively, and creating systems that allow your organization to thrive beyond your individual effort.
Inspire and Align Teams: Move from managing tasks to motivating people toward a shared mission.
Cast Vision With Confidence: Focus on long-term goals and strategies that create meaningful impact.
Foster Collaboration: Build teams that function effectively without micromanagement.
Navigate Complex Challenges: Lead with clarity and purpose through conflict, change, or growth.
"We made arrangements with Donna to facilitate our annual Leadership Team planning session, which is a 6 hour event on a Saturday.
Donna took the time to learn about our church and our current concerns ahead of time, and arrived prepared to lead the session. We were very pleased with our experience and thought that her leadership was valuable and led us to some insights and goals that we would not have arrived at on our own.
Investing in clergy coaching isn’t just about individual growth—it’s about strengthening the foundation of your entire organization.
When clergy leaders are supported through coaching, they gain the skills and tools needed to navigate challenges, foster unity, and inspire growth. They learn to manage staff more effectively, resolve conflicts constructively, and cast a vision that aligns with your church’s mission and values.
Coaching equips leaders to address financial stewardship, lead change with confidence, and build sustainable practices that ensure long-term organizational health.
The benefits extend far beyond the individual.
A well-supported leader fosters stronger, more motivated teams, cultivates engaged and inspired congregations, and helps create a culture of collaboration and growth. Coaching not only helps clergy thrive in their roles but also strengthens the entire community they serve.
By investing in coaching for your clergy, you’re investing in the future of your organization—building a legacy of leadership, unity, and purpose that will carry your mission forward for years to come.
I specialize in helping people to resolve areas of conflict - whether in their organization, church, teams or volunteer body. My coaching expertise enables leaders to become true champions of constructive change, and over the course of my career, I have worked with many clergy persons who are moving to higher levels of leadership, new church settings, or managing staff for the first time.
As a professional credentialed coach with the International Coaching Federation and the United Methodist Church, I bring both professional expertise and personal understanding to every conversation.
When I thought of working with a coach, I assumed I would receive tips and tricks, best practices, and how-tos for the things that were not working for me in my ministry practice. Instead, Donna has given me skills that I will use for the rest of my ministry. Thank you!"
Donna has also been a great sounding board, leading me to recognize the tools available to me and she has helped me to refine my work. Whether it has been pastoral transitions, better managing tasks, or dealing with staffing issues Donna has helped me to bring my best self to my calling.
The insights I’ve gained in our coaching conversations have spilled out into nearly every other relationship that I have – in particular, a conversation we had around assumptions I was making about others and the narrative I craft as a result has come up in more places than I can count.