Phillip Pledger

About Me

My name is Phil Pledger and I have been a professional Church worker for more than 33 years, serving congregations in Texas, Wisconsin and California. I’ve served small ministries as well as large, healthy communities and the not-so-healthy. Through it all, God has blessed me and my family in more ways than I can count (or even know about). I’ve enjoyed every congregation and ministry I’ve served, but there have also been some exceedingly tough times as well. As is often the case, I think I learned more about ministry and life through the tough times. As President of one of the ministries I served, I had the privilege of meeting hundreds of professional Church workers throughout the world. Meeting all these great people, it became increasingly apparent that professional Church workers may have the best jobs in the world, but are also some of most professionally isolated people in any profession. There is an unfortunate attitude among many people that since we “work for God,” everything must always be “OK.” So, what happens when things are NOT OK? Who can the professional Church worker safely talk to? What happens when the professional Church worker is “stuck” in their profession, in their spiritual walk, in their marriage or other relationship? Sometimes we need a thought partner, someone to help us acquire a fresh perspective, or help getting “un-stuck.” Perhaps you are trying to write a book, but “life” gets in the way. Or, your spouse points out (again) that you don’t have a healthy work/life balance. . . and your stress level is through the roof! Some feel as though they are being taken advantage of, and still others are on the verge of burn-out. These are some of the reasons I became an Executive Coach, to help the professional Church worker regain their joy, effectiveness, and confidence. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13). As you peruse The Higher Calling Coach consider emailing me so we can set up a phone call and talk. Together we can discuss how a Professional Executive Coach might help. May God fill you with Joy and Peace, in Christ! Coach Phil

Coaching with me

Results & Goals

Professional Church Workers are highly educated, typically have great empathy for others, and possess a keen sense of God’s calling in their lives. Hard work and long hours are common among people who want to embrace God’s calling. And the rewards are deeply satisfying. But what if you don’t feel satisfied with the way things are? Who can you (safely) talk to about your Call? How do you manage unrealistic expectations from the congregation/school/Board? Where do you find solutions to problems never addressed at school/seminary? How does one get “unstuck,” re-focused, and regain the joy of your true calling? Embrace your Higher Calling Many Professional Church Workers leave their current assignment without resolving the problems necessitating their leaving. This is unfortunate because the Called worker could be denying him/herself a fruitful and joy-filled opportunity where they currently serve (if the problems could be solved), and, unless one develops greater skills, abilities, insight and knowledge, there is a high probability that the problem will be repeated at the next assignment. Partnering with a Professional Executive Coach, someone with many years of education and experience as a Professional Church Worker, might be a welcomed answer. Rev. Dr. Phil Pledger has the education, experience and passion to Empower Professional Church Workers to Embrace their Higher Calling.

How I like to coach

Coaching is an intentional beneficial relationship between two or more people focused on helping the one coached successfully obtain their goals. Good coaching can help you: - reach your potential in Christ - discover what you truly want in life - overcome obstacles to success - connect short-term strategies to long-term plans A Coach is a “trusted role model, adviser, wise person, friend, Mensch, steward, or guide — a person who works with emerging human and organizational forces to tap new energy and purpose, to shape new visions and plans, and to generate desired results.” (F. Hudson, The Handbook of Coaching). A Coach is a person who “facilitates experiential learning that results in future-oriented abilities” (Hudson). An Executive Coach offers specific help by: * Maintaining Confidential Partnerships * Utilizing a Structured Process * Goal Directed for Optimum Performance Executive Coaching is NOT Psychological therapy! Coaching is designed for emotionally and psychologically healthy individuals. Coaching focuses on: * Performance * Achievement * Fulfillment

Offerings

Coaching

One-on-one coaching is the cornerstone of coaching Professional Church Workers. We meet together by phone for about an hour, discuss your desired outcomes, discover best solution, commit to action, and work together to realize that solution, then celebrate!

Experience, Certifications & Training

Certifications and Degrees

• M. Div.
• D. Min, Non-Profit Organizational Leadership

Training and development

• Certified Professional Coach (CPC)
• Certified Development Executive (CDE)
• Intentional Interim Ministry -- Certification with NALIP

Professional and life experience

As a Professional Church Worker for more than 33 years, I've likely been where you are now. If you are serving in a small community or ministry, I've been there: as Pastor to people who are hearing impaired, I worked with groups as small as three and as "large" as 40. Some of my years have been spent as an assistant or associate and other times I've been the President/CEO of a multinational ministry with thousands of active volunteers throughout the US and Canada. For a short time, I even served as a parochial school teacher.

Most of my ministry has been quite positive and enjoyable. There have been times, however, that I would have paid any price if somone. . . anyone. . . would understand me, what I'm going through as a Christian leader and be willing to help me be and do what I know God has called me heavenward in Christ to be and accomplish. It's a horrible feeling to lose the precious gift of joy in Christ!

That's why I became a coach for Professional Church Workers. I "get it" because I was "that guy" who many times wanted and needed someone to listen objectively without judgement, to offer ideas my frustrated mind failed to see, to give me honest and straightforward input that encourages and empowers me to be the person God created me to be.

That's what Christian Coaching is all about!

Fee description

Fees: from $70.00 USD to $1,500.00 USD

The fees associated with Coaching Services will vary greatly depending on many factors. Fees for Individuals are modest and start at $300 per month which includes two 45 minute phone or in-person sessions as well as online dialog throughout the month (plus expenses, if any). Group coaching (such as Church Councils, Board of Directors, Staff, etc.) will be quoted on a case by case basis. As no two groups have the same needs or are located in the same city, we will need to discuss this as needed.