​Joel Oliver answers the question, "How has coaching benefited you personally?"

Coaching has become a key part of my life and ministry.  I was first introduced to the coaching concept several years ago before starting EPIC Church.  I started in a coaching relationship and learned the valuable benefits of someone walking with me to help me discover the next steps in the church planting process.  Since that time I’ve gone through coach training along with some of our church staff.  We have implemented coaching into our discipleship process and leadership development.  It’s become a foundational tool in what we do at EPIC Church. I highly recommend that every pastor consider the benefits of coach training and the potential impact that coaching can have on you and your ministry.
 ~ Bobby Hawk, Lead Pastor of EPIC Church, Independence MO

Coaching has been a catalyst not only for me personally, but my marriage and our ministry. Coaching helps individuals & couples move further faster. A coach comes alongside individuals and aids them in discovering new, improved, and clarified ideas or vision. Coaching not only draws out potential and discovery, but aids in follow through with realistic action plans!

Jesus was the greatest coach of all, asking His followers great questions that led to reflection and action. Coaching is one of the most effective resources in helping men and women be discipled. Whether you use coaching to help you move faster or you coach others, coaching will change your life for the better. With coaching my conversation with friends and family are deeper, my teams are stronger, and I am a better leader! 
~Lacey Hartman, Church Planter and Pastor's Wife, Kansas District

I am the kind of guy who wants to continue improving my efficiency and my effectiveness. In 2009, I was prompted by the Holy Spirit to attend my first Coach training. I really didn't know what Coaching was about, but I knew I needed to find out. That first Coaching course opened my eyes to a whole new way of working with the Holy Spirit to help people move forward to greater results and growth. Coaching has impacted how I personally listen, communicate, problem solve, plan and celebrate. People I coach are having the same experience. One Church Planter told me, "Our coaching sessions have helped me move forward with greater momentum and effective planning than I could ever have imagined". 
  ~Joel A. Oliver, PCC (ICF), SMD Coaching Network,  Lead Pastor Trinity AG, St. Louis MO

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"When I first heard the word 'coach' I was a bit confused. What does a guy with a whistle and short fuse know about ministry? That image is no longer with me. The training I have received from SMD Coaching Network has helped me to pick up a powerful tool for equipping other people to discover God's purpose for their lives. I am better equipped as a pastor to lead people toward their goals and calling. As a matter of fact, my idea of coaching has been so radically changed that I have hired a coach. In that coaching relationship I am able to share my goals, think them through and create a plan of action for implementation. Let's face it, sometimes as pastors we have a lot of ideas about what needs to be done but, for one reason or another, we get sidetracked. Coaching creates an avenue through which I can stay focused on the small steps that lead toward seeing the bigger vision become reality." 
​- Danny W. Davis, Lead Pastor, First Assembly of Odessa, MO