When You Don’t Know the Next Step to Take

by Ircel Harrison

Have you ever stepped into a darkened room and been uncertain about taking the next step? Even if it is a familiar space, you are not sure what you will find. It might be a nice, smooth carpet or a mislaid LEGO block! The context is unclear.

Many clergy leaders find themselves in that space right now. Over the summer, we saw a little light in the darkness and planned to reengage our churches and ministries in good things. Then came Delta and now Omicron. We found that everyone in our faith community was not on the same page for any number of reasons. Resources are limited. Our enthusiasm may have turned to caution. We are still attempting to introduce some sense of normalcy and direction in the darkness, but it is not easy.

In these times, we just do not have answers, but we can formulate good questions. Good questions show people that we are listening. We listen to other church leaders, to staff, to laity, and to peers. We admit that we do not have all the answers, but we are willing to learn. We show that we are “leaning in” and are ready to take advantage of new opportunities.

I have found that leaders who have the skills to coach others are better equipped to deal with the uncertainties of this environment. These skills include creating a climate of trust, listening actively, evoking awareness through powerful questions, and facilitating growth.

Those involved in Summit Coach Training are learning these skills. In a supportive cohort setting, they practice these skills and benefit from being coached by their peers. They become equipped to be coaching leaders.

In these challenging times, we can learn, grow, and lead. Only then will we thrive.

For more information on Summit Coach Training and to register for classes, go here.

For more information on Summit Coach Training from Pinnacle, contact Ircel Harrison.