Become a turnaround coach

Coaches are developed best in the field, inside real churches, alongside experienced leaders. We train practitioners, not theorists.

How we train coaches right now

We train coaches by embedding them into real revitalization work. The central training environment is the Discovery Weekend, where coaches-in-training observe, participate appropriately, and learn the full diagnostic-to-plan process in real time.

This creates practitioners. Not theorists. Not observers.

What coaches learn through Discovery Weekend shadowing

When a coach-in-training accompanies a Discovery Weekend, they gain exposure to the full turnaround workflow, including:

  • Pre-work surveys and assessment inputs

  • On-site interviews (staff, board, key volunteers)

  • Congregational focus groups

  • Service and visitor experience evaluation

  • Root-cause analysis: why decline is happening here

  • Building a 12–18 month “Battle Plan” with targets, timelines, and action steps

  • Leadership training components that create momentum immediately

Note: Coaches-in-training can be included progressively based on readiness and discretion.

How long it takes to become capable

Most coaches become fully capable of leading revitalization processes after 4–6 Discovery Weekends, depending on the individual.

This is competency-based development, not “complete the course and you are certified.”