Frequently Asked Questions
How does the free 30-minute conversation work?
This is a no-pressure space to hear your story, explore what you're carrying, and discern together whether coaching is a good fit. We'll briefly touch on where you are spiritually, emotionally, relationally, and organizationally. There's no fixing, no sales pitch, and no obligation. Just an honest conversation about where you are and whether walking together makes sense.
You can schedule directly through the link on the coaching page.
What does a typical coaching session look like?
Each session is 90 minutes and structured around what you're carrying in that season. We create space for you to reflect out loud, name what's beneath the surface, and explore what faithful next steps might look like. Sessions are conversational, not formulaic—focused on discernment at the intersection of your interior life and leadership decisions.
Sessions can be in person (if geography allows) or via secure video call.
What kinds of issues can we talk about?
Coaching is tailored to you and your season, but conversations often include:
Spiritual and emotional health (burnout, doubt, prayer, presence)
Leadership decisions and discernment
Ministry philosophy, values, and clarity
Organizational dynamics and team challenges
Relationships closest to you (marriage, family, boundaries)
Nothing is off-limits, but nothing is forced.
What happens in the weekly check-ins?
The weekly check-in is a brief call, voice memo, or text message (typically 5-10 minutes) designed to maintain continuity between monthly sessions. It's for grounding, clarity, and staying connected—not crisis management or full coaching conversations.
Can I contact you between sessions?
Yes, within clear and healthy boundaries. Limited email or text communication is available for appropriate updates or questions. This is not 24/7 access or emergency support.
Is this therapy or counseling?
No. This is coaching, not clinical counseling or therapy. Our work focuses on discernment, formation, and leadership within ministry contexts. When clinical care or trauma-focused therapy is needed, I'm happy to help with referrals to licensed professionals. Coaching can continue alongside therapy when appropriate.
How is this different from talking with my elders, staff, or friends?
This coaching is intentionally outside your immediate ministry ecosystem. That distance may create a safer space to speak honestly without role pressure, relational consequences, or the need to manage perceptions. It's meant to support your engagement with your church and leadership team, not replace them.
Is this coaching a replacement for my church community?
No. This coaching is offered as a supplemental, outside voice, meant to support you as you remain faithfully embedded in your local church, leadership team, and relationships.
What if I'm not in crisis—is coaching still appropriate?
That's actually ideal. This coaching isn't only for emergencies. It often functions as preventative care—helping leaders notice blind spots, fatigue, or misalignment early, before slow erosion turns into something more costly.
What are 90-day cycles and why structure it this way?
Coaching is organized in 90-day cycles to create natural rhythms of reflection, growth, and discernment. Every 90 days we pause to celebrate growth, name what remains, and discern the focus for the next season. This prevents the work from drifting into endless, undefined coaching and reinforces formation over time.
At the end of each cycle, we decide together whether to continue for another 90 days.
Can I quit at any time?
Yes. Coaching is billed monthly and can be discontinued at the end of any month with notice. I simply ask for clear communication so we can close the season well. The goal is discernment and faithfulness, not obligation.
How much does coaching cost?
Coaching is $150 per month, structured in 90-day cycles. This includes monthly 90-minute sessions, weekly check-ins, and ongoing support within agreed boundaries.
What if cost is a barrier for me?
If cost is a concern, please raise that during our introductory conversation. I want to have an honest conversation about what's possible. My long-term vision includes a subsidized model where coaching is accessible regardless of ability to pay, and while that's not fully in place yet, I'm committed to working with leaders who genuinely need support.
Can you work with women in ministry leadership?
Yes. I work with both men and women in ministry leadership. My approach celebrates and affirms women's voices and leadership as vital to the life and mission of the Church.
Is your coaching just for Lead and Senior Pastors?
No. This coaching is for anyone in ministry leadership who carries weight and responsibility—whether you're a lead pastor, associate pastor, worship pastor, youth pastor, children's pastor, executive pastor, church planter, or serving in another ministry role.
If you're leading people, navigating organizational dynamics, making decisions that affect others, and carrying spiritual responsibility, this coaching is designed for you. The principles of formation, discernment, and faithful leadership apply across all ministry contexts and roles.
What if my church or denomination has different theological perspectives than yours?
I work with leaders across a wide range of theological traditions and denominational contexts. My approach is rooted in historic Christian orthodoxy (the creeds) while honoring diversity in secondary matters.
I'm not here to convince you of my theological positions or challenge your tradition. I'm here to help you think faithfully within your own context and calling. If theological alignment feels important to discern, we can explore that in our initial conversation.
How many coaching clients do you work with at a time?
Capacity is intentionally limited to ensure attentiveness and care. I typically work with 8-10 coaching clients at a time, which allows me to be fully present to each person without becoming overwhelmed or transactional.
How do I know if this is a good fit?
This coaching may be a good fit if:
You lead in ministry and want to stay faithful, not just functional
You're navigating complexity, transition, or sustained pressure
You sense blind spots or erosion you don't want to ignore
You value formation as much as effectiveness
You want companionship, not someone to solve problems for you
This coaching may not be right for you if:
You're looking for tactical consulting or quick fixes
You want someone to make decisions for you
You're seeking clinical counseling or therapy
You need immediate crisis support
If you're unsure, the best way to find out is to [Schedule a Free 30min Conversation]
How do I get started?
Simply click the "Schedule a Free Conversation" button on the coaching page. You'll be able to select a time that works for you, and we'll meet via Zoom or phone for an initial conversation.
Still have questions? Email me at dustin@thenormalpastor.com and I'll be happy to respond.