Equipping Leaders to Lead Well

Story by Debra C. Anderson

The Pastoral Ministries Department designed the LEAD (Learn, Encourage, Accountability, and Dream) initiative to increase meaningful touchpoints with pastors. LEAD leaders, who actively serve within the pastoral community, build trust and offer consistent, peer-based support.

LEAD leaders from across the Potomac Conference recently gathered for a focused season of coach training to strengthen how they can support pastors within their groups. Through 15 LEAD groups, the conference fosters a culture of growth, trust and shared leadership among pastors. Mike Cauley, former Pennsylvania Conference and Florida Conference president, and current pastoral coach, led the training.

The training equipped LEAD leaders to coach pastors more effectively. Coaching differs from mentoring or consulting by helping pastors draw on their own strengths to address leadership challenges.

The training moved quickly from instruction to application. The exercises gave leaders an immediate opportunity to practice their coaching skills and quickly became a highlight of the training session.

“We believe this investment will produce lasting results for our pastors and the churches they serve,” says John Nixon II, conference vice president for Pastoral Ministries.

As leaders return to their groups, the goal is simple but powerful: create space for pastors to be heard, supported and equipped to thrive.