WVUMC Coaching

What is Coaching?

The International Coaching Federation (ICF) defines coaching as “partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.” Ministry coaches are conversation partners who listen deeply, ask thoughtful questions, make reflective observations, and help church leaders develop a plan of action.

Contact the coach you choose by e-mail. Coaches will connect with their clients/coachees via video conferencing or phone.

Each coach has their own style, but most will begin by asking what you want to talk about during the session, and then guide the conversation by asking questions, making observations, and guiding the client/coachee toward an action plan to address the stated need. Coaches are expected to abide by the Code of Ethics of the International Coaching Federation.

If you wish to develop an ongoing coaching relationship with one of our conference-approved professional coaches, you are encouraged to discuss a coaching contract with that specific coach. The conference does not set coaching rates. Your coach will be happy to provide any information you need, including costs. In some cases, pastors may use their clergy accountable reimbursement account, continuing education funds, or other such funds. The conference also has a coaching reimbursement funds policy, which will reimburse your church up of to $250 for ten coaching sessions within a 12 month period. This must be preapproved and the coach must be on our list of approved coaches. Email congregationalvitality@wvumc.org to receive a copy of this policy.

Individuals included in our professional coaching team have successfully completed and are committed to the following standards:

Have an ICF (International Coaching Federation) credential which is current and be a member of the ICF, following their Code of Ethics.

If not a credentialed coach with the ICF, then each individual must:

Complete the approved ICF certified Basic Coach Training program, either the nine courses on Portico or an in-person training
Read the book, The Next Great Awakening: How to Empower God’s People with a Coach Approach to Ministry by J. Val Hastings, MCC
Complete the ICF Code of Ethics online course and provide a signed copy of the Pledge of Ethics
Complete the Advanced Coach Training program sponsored by the WV Conference
Read the textbook, Professional Coach Training: Developing Ministry Excellence and Effectiveness by Coaching4Clergy
Approved annually by the Bishop and Cabinet of the Conference
Participate in monthly mentor coach training sessions

Ellis Conley
Email
Coaching Biography

Ellis is a retired member of the West Virginia Annual Conference and an Associate Certified Coach in the International Coaching Federation. He enjoys coaching pastors who want to grow as positive, effective leaders, transition pastors, and congregational mission planning.

Ron Delph
Email
Coaching Biography

Mr. Delph has a broad range of experience that will enable him to “Listen” and “Respond” with intent to clergy and lay church leaders. He has over 45 years’ experience managing, mentoring and helping develop personnel in roles ranging from entry level to corporate presidents. He is excited about the coaching approach and looks forward to working with the church leadership and future leaders.

Steve Gedon
Email
Coaching Biography

Coaching on Purpose

"My primary focus is to help people find their ‘aha’ moments that clarify and inspire what they really want in faith, work, or life, and create actionable steps to make it a reality. In conversation and reflection, we will helping unlock insights that will help you find your own best path."

Kevin Lantz
Email
Coaching Biography

Ministry Interests Reflecting My Own Experience and Practice Include the Following:

Spiritual Formation
Disciple Bible Studies
Family Focus Ministry
Making Marriages Strong
How to Get the Most from Your Bible Reading
Preaching for Personal Application
Reaching New People

Janice Odom
Email
Coaching Biography

Reverend Janice Odom has done regional business coaching and consulting and was awarded the Outstanding Private Citizen from Eastern Kentucky in 2016 from the East Kentucky Leadership Foundation. She will do Clergy/Laity Coaching and Group Facilitation in the WVUMC.

Ford Price
Email
Coaching Biography

After nearly 40 years of parish ministry, I offer a wide experience in a variety of church settings from small to large, multi-staff churches. I have worked extensively in developing home community and disciple-making groups.

Ray Stonestreet
Email
Coaching Biography

"I have many years of experience in leadership while working in the secular world and hope to be able to help others to see their own abilities through coaching. In my tenure with the WVUMC, I have pastored an array of churches that has left me at times wondering, "What now?" I have learned through having a coach of my own that I already knew the answer to the situations. I hope to help others to the same way."

Benjamin Wells
Email
Coaching Bio

I offer Clergy and Laity Coaching for ministry goals and personal/spiritual growth. My role is to help you get “unstuck,” find a way forward, and take action.

Ken Willard
Email
Coaching Biography

Ken is the Director of Congregational Vitality with the West Virginia Conference, as well as a Professional Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation. His area of focus is Christian Leadership Coaching.