Scripture describes the creation of the first human beings as made by God, in God’s image, and affirmed as “good.” The narrative tells of beings who are at once physical and spiritual, who have both emotional and relational experiences, and who have an interior intellectual life that is then expressed outwardly through God-given vocations. The whole and complete human is one who integrates and harmonizes the energies and expressions of all six of these facets:
1) Spiritual & 2) Physical
3) Emotional & 4) Relational
5) Intellectual & 6) Vocational
Likewise the minister who experiences joy, contentment and healthy and fruitful longevity in ministry will likewise integrate and harmonize (synchronize) these six facets. This is a working definition of “resilience in ministry.”
Synchronous Life Coaching addresses each of these facets of the person in each session and throughout the coaching process. Drawing on systems theory as a frame through which to understand the biblical and theological inheritance of the Christian faith, we recognize that, “When one part suffers, all suffer. When one rejoices, all rejoice,” (1 Cor 12:26). Also, “As each part is working properly, then the whole body is made strong” (Eph 4:16). This is true of the individual aspects of one human person and the individual believers within the Body of Christ.
Coaching seeks to develop the given strengths of the participant while transforming, or at least neutralizing, the weaknesses. Each client brings her own needs and goals, which provide the focused agenda for a session, and the overall process. Along the way, a good coach will be listening “between the lines” for other issues or concerns that may be impacting the current situation, as well as unrecognized strengths or opportunities that may be missed.
Rev. Ken G. Crawford has earned certificates in Leadership and Life Coaching, Spiritual Direction, and Pastoral Care, along with an MDiv from Brite Divinity School, TCU, and a DMin with Honors from Perkins School of Theology, SMU. This multifaceted training and experience makes him particularly well suited to coach clergy who live and work in marvelously complex ministry settings. Ken’s primary calling is “Minister to Ministers,” supporting both clergy and laity through the entire lifecycle of call and vocations. This includes individual and group coaching, spiritual direction and pastoral care, along with teaching and leading workshops. He is also passionate about research and writing so as to produce practical and inspirational resources to support people in pursuit of God’s best for and through them.
Institute for Vital Ministry 
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