Coaching Alumni Highlight – Craig Walker

My new Tele-Coaching Network for Senior Pastors is just TWO DAYS AWAY - it starts THIS THURSDAY.

I’m so pumped about the great group of pastors who are already signed up for this network, but I have to mention that this is your LAST CALL to get in on this network (so if you’re one of those people that just has to wait ’til the last minute… this is it!).

The time leading up to a new network is always a great time for me to tell you about some of my recent coaching alumni and all that God is doing through them.

So this morning I’d like to introduce Craig Walker, Lead Pastor of Lifeway Church in Celina, Texas.  Craig is an experienced church planter and pastor and he’s passionate about doing what it takes to reach people for Christ.

Enjoy the brief video below, where Craig tells a little about what’s been going on in his church through the coaching network:

Craig Walker Lead Pastor Lifeway Church Celina, Texas www.LifewayFamily.org

Are you ready to stretch yourself and grow your church over the next twelve months like never before?

This new Senior Pastor Tele-Coaching Network is essentially FULL, but I can squeeze you in if you APPLY TODAY!

The network begins THIS THURSDAY, so this is the LAST CALL – Apply Now at:

http://www.ChurchLeaderInsights.com/telecoaching

Coaching Alumni Highlight (plus a Free Download)

As you may know, I have a brand new Senior Pastor Tele-Coaching Network that begins Next Thursday, August 19.

With the time drawing near, I’ve really been having a blast telling you about some of my Coaching Alums and the great things they’re up to.

Today I’d like to tell you about Michael Lukaszewski, Lead Pastor of Oak Leaf Church in Cartersville, Georgia.  Michael started Oak Leaf in 2006 and they’ve been doing a great work to reach the people of their community for Christ.

Beyond that, he has recently begun multiplying the impact of his ministry by training other pastors and church planters.

He has a brand new leadership book out, called “From the Top Down,” and he offered to share a sneak preview with you here on the blog today – enjoy:

From the Top Down – Book Preview (PDF)
(right-click and choose “Save As…” to download your copy)

Thanks for the free download Michael – and keep up the good work!

So how about you, Pastor?

Are you ready to follow in the footsteps of Mike and the over 800 other pastors who have been through my coaching networks?

My brand new Senior Pastor Tele-Coaching Network is a proven 12-month process that will help you maximize your leadership and grow your church.

The network starts on Thursday and I have room for a few more (if you apply quickly).

To Apply Now, visit: www.ChurchLeaderInsights.com/telecoaching

Bivocational Pastors and Coaching Networks

Each time I’m preparing to start a new Tele-Coaching Network for Senior Pastors (like the one that begins one week from today, on August 19) I receive questions from Bi-Vocational Pastors looking for coaching.

I can definitely identify with pastors in that situation, so I took the time to address the idea of coaching for Bi-Vocational Pastors here on the blog.  Here’s that post post from a few months ago:

Coaching for Bi-Vocational Pastors

Just about any time I invite people to be a part of an upcoming Tele-Coaching Network for Senior Pastors, I get requests from Bi-Vocational Pastors to do “bi-vocational pastors coaching.”

I have a huge heart for bi-vocational pastors in part because I can identify with the unique challenges you’re dealing with.  I was bi-vocational for the first few years of planting The Journey.

So today, I want to share some good news and bad news about Coaching for Bi-Vocational Pastors.

The bad news, unfortunately, is that we’ve looked at the logistics and the possibilities of trying to do an evening network, and it’s unlikely that I’ll be able to offer anything like that anytime soon.

However, the good news is that the very nature of my Senior Pastor Tele-Coaching Network makes it “bivo-friendly.” In fact, I have a lot of bi-vocational guys in my current network.

Most of them are able to carve out 2 hours a month from their job to join in on the call (especially considering that you know the dates and times months in advance).

Also, even if you can’t join me for all of the calls, you still receive an MP3 recording of each session.  In effect, you’ll build a library of coaching audio that you can listen to over and over.

If you’re a bi-vocational pastor who’s committed to growing personally and leading your church to grow, I strongly encourage you to consider applying for this upcoming network.

I’ve heard time and time again from current participants that the investment, time, and energy it takes to participate is more than worth it for the impact the network has on them and their churches.

P.S. – You can see and hear what some recent coaching participants had to say about their coaching experience here (you can download your application here):

http://www.churchleaderinsights.com/telecoaching/

So here’s my question to you, Bi-Vocational Pastor:

Are you ready to stretch yourself to grow, maximize your leadership and take the steps to grow your church over the next year?

If so, now is the time to apply for my Senior Pastor Tele-Coaching Network.  The first session is ONE WEEK AWAY and the network is Almost Full, but I still have room for a few more.

To Apply Online Now or Download Your Application, click the link below:

www.ChurchLeaderInsights.com/telecoaching

Coaching Alumni Highlight – Dowen Johnson

My new Tele-Coaching Network for Senior Pastors begins 8 days from today – Thursday, August 19. I’ve been telling you about some of my recent Coaching Alumni as the start of this new network approaches.

Today I’d like to introduce Dowen Johnson, Senior Pastor of April Sound Church in Montgomery, Texas.  Dowen is an experienced pastor and in the video below he shares how the Tele-Coaching Network has helped him and his church grow:

Dowen Johnson Senior Pastor April Sound Church Montgomery, Texas www.AprilSound.com

Did you catch what Dowen said?  He said he had chosen to “camp” rather than “climb” and needed some inspiration…

How about you, Pastor?

What are you going to do over the next year to “climb,” rather than “camp,” when it comes to your leadership?

This new Senior Pastor Tele-Coaching Network is over 75% full, but I have room for a few more if you Apply Today!

The network begins NEXT THURSDAY, August 19 – Find out more or Apply Now at:

http://www.ChurchLeaderInsights.com/telecoaching

Coaching Alumni Highlight – Ed Trinkle

My new Tele-Coaching Network for Senior Pastors begins in just 16 days – Thursday, August 19.  As I’ve been preparing for this brand new network, I have been enjoying telling you about some of my recent Coaching Alumni.

Today I’d like to introduce Ed Trinkle, Lead Pastor of LIFE Church, in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, area. Ed is seeing great results through the network and in the video below, he will tell you about his coaching experience (and share a powerful tip to help with implementation):

Ed Trinkle Lead Pastor LIFE Church Aston, Pennsylvania (Philadelphia Area) www.LifeChurchDelCo.com

What’s your plan over the next year to lead your church to the next level?

Time is running out for you to apply for my new Senior Pastor Tele-Coaching Network!

The network begins on August 19 – Find out more or Apply Now at:

http://www.ChurchLeaderInsights.com/telecoaching

Is Coaching Only for Large Churches?

Because I have had the privilege of coaching the pastors of some large and fast-growing churches over the years, one of the Frequently Asked Questions about my Senior Pastor Tele-Coaching Network is:

“Will this network will be helpful for a church our size?”

The truth is, some of the best results I see from the network come from pastors of smaller churches – churches facing the 65, 125 or 250 Barrier.

Here’s what one such pastor recently had to say about his experience:

The Coaching Network has been an exciting year for me.

I have been challenged to go beyond what I ever thought possible for me and my church.  And not just challenged, but trained as well.

Nelson Searcy has provided practical teaching, examples, tools, principles … everything I need to excel in the areas of stewardship, small groups, evangelism, assimilation and many other areas of church life.

The books and audio he assigns each month for our homework are excellent and almost always hit me right where I am at.

Nelson is also faithful.  By that I mean he lives out what he preaches and teaches.  And that is most important to me as my coach.

I’m looking forward to a second year beginning in August.  As much as anything, I am looking forward to re-reading Nelson’s books, “Fusion,” “Activate,” and “Ignite.”  I have discovered from Nelson that repetition is the key.

I hope you join the network.  I know you’ll be glad you did.

Ted

Rev. Ted Harvey
Pastor, Somerset Hills Baptist Church
Basking Ridge, New Jersey
www.shbcfamily.org

Thanks for the great testimony Ted – can’t wait to see what God has in store for the next year together!

So how about you? Are you ready to be challenged to stretch and grow like never before?

The Tele-Coaching Network for Senior Pastors begins in less than three weeks but there’s still room for a few more – if you apply quickly!

For all the information and to Apply Now, check out:

www.ChurchLeaderInsights.com/telecoaching

Don’t be Average (Plus a Bonus for Acting Now)

Dear Pastor,

In less than 25 days my new Tele-Coaching Network for Senior Pastors begins . . .so I have a challenge to you:

DON’T BE AVERAGE!

The “average” church in America declines by 9% a year. The “average” church in America is behind on budget and reaching less people than ever before.

Furthermore, do you really want to be an “average” pastor?

The ‘average’ pastor goes through the same boring routines week after week. The average pastor feels ‘stuck.’ The ‘average’ pastor doesn’t feel like they are living up to or living out their calling.

“Average” is not God’s plan!

I’m looking for a few pastors who are ready to say “NO” to average and “YES” to God’s best.

Is that you?

In less than 25 days from now, my new Tele-Coaching Network for Senior Pastors begins. It will help you lead your church beyond “average” to growth, health and Kingdom impact.

Here’s what Kenneth Sesley, Pastor of Kingdom Advancers Family Church in Carson, CA had to say about the network (he just finished the network last month):

“I would like to share this testimonial about what has happened in the last 11 months since we’ve been in the Tele-Coaching Network.

A while back after a tough time in our church, I had purchased a series by Nelson on Growth Barriers. I don’t know if that is why they contacted me about the network, but out of the blue I was contacted. Honestly I couldn’t afford the network, but with the money back offer, I decided to go for it.

Since that time:

* Our Adult attendance has doubled

* Our Children’s ministry has exploded, causing our overall attendance to triple

* Our finances have doubled, allowing us to add a paid minister of music, which has really enhanced our worship services

* Our assimilation process constantly get rave reviews both through our internet surveys, (and our phone calls), so our regular attenders are coming back and working their way through our process

* Our morale is at an all time high. My staff and my creativity is soaring

* Our first times guest attendance has gone from 0 to 10 a month

* We will be baptizing at least 10 people on a special July 4th baptismal

* We have moved from a undesirable meeting location to the Double Tree Hotel, which is an increase in expense, yet we have an abundance to cover the costs

* We have set a goal to double again in attendance before 2010 is over, and everyone believes that we can do it!

I have come to realize that most pastors who have a vision from God and a big vision to reach their city and the world for Christ will never be able to do it. The reason for it is not their preaching in most cases. Neither is it their hearts, or the lifestyles.

Most (99%) of all pastors that I know spend their times loving God, loving their families and their congregations and living simple, clean lives. They believe in the inerrancy of Scripture and many are committed to the Great Commandments, the Great Commission and the Great Compassion.

But they don’t even know that they need systems to run their churches properly.

I had always noticed that pastors who had either come out of executive positions in the business world, or pastors that had had officer training in the military were successful 90% of the time. These people just instinctively understand leadership and systems. But most pastors who go in the ministry through seminary, or bible colleges don’t get this taught to them.

So I would say that any pastor or church that is struggling to break the 65, 125 or 250 barrier or even the 500 barrier, should definitely join the network.

If your attendance is under 100 and you think that you may not be able to afford the network, let me say this: “You can’t afford not to join the network”!!!!!

By the time we made the changes in our offering envelope, website and the Christmas Offering WE HAD PAID FOR THE COST OF THE NETWORK MANY TIMES OVER.

In addition to that, our OFFERINGS HAVE MORE THAN DOUBLE, and they are even going up through the beginning of the summer with people already going on vacations.

So I enthusiastically recommend this network to anyone who is interested. In fact, I have rejoined the network for the next 12 months.

Feel free to use this testimonial in any way that you choose.”

WOW! I’m glad Kenneth didn’t settle for average!

And how about this from Craig Walker, Lifeway Church, Celina, TX:

“You all have helped us so much! My wife just left my office and she said, ‘You have learned so much in this group. I’ve seen so many things we are doing that we would have never thought of on our own.’ She is right.”

Craig just finished the last network and is already signed up to return on August 19. Between you and me, I think his wife *made* him do it – ha!

OK, can I be very frank?

Now is not the time to settle for average.

NOW IS THE BEST TIME TO GROW A CHURCH and step out on faith and try something you’ve never done.

Even having said all this, I’ll admit my Senior Pastors Tele-Coaching Network is not for everyone and the truth is that I cannot accept everyone who applies (this network will fill up quickly).

But this is the perfect coaching network for those pastors with a desire to see their church grow and to invest the time and energy to cooperate with God in seeing it happen.

I can guarantee that if you apply and are accepted, this network will be more than worth your time and investment (in fact, I’m offering a complete money back guarantee – something I’ve never done for any regular coaching network).

** You can check out the FAQ link in the P.P.S. below where I answer the most common questions, but if you are ready to apply now, just download your application or complete your NEW Online Application at:

www.ChurchLeaderInsights.com/telecoaching

Please hurry – the network starts August 19 (less than one month from now) and I need time to review your application.

This is one of a kind opportunity. Thank you for prayerfully considering this network. I look forward to reviewing your application.

Nelson

P.S. I just announced a very special BONUS that I want to tell you about as we drive towards the start of this new network.

Send me your application via email or submit it online by Friday, August 6, and if you are accepted I will send you a free copy of my Breaking Growth Barriers Workshop (a $399.00 value) as an early application bonus. And hey, if you’ve already applied, you’ll get it  upon acceptance.

Here’s the link to apply online, download your application or to learn all the details:

www.ChurchLeaderInsights.com/telecoaching

Why am I doing this?

Most people wait to the last minute so I’m slammed with applications and since this flood of applications means that the network fills up in the last couple of days, it means I end up disappointing a lot of people. So I want to reward you for applying early (and it makes the process easier for me too – a win win, right!).

I look forward to reviewing your application.

P.P.S. Do you still have questions about the Network?

My team and I have put together a Frequently Asked Questions page designed to give you all you need to make your decision – here’s the link:

www.ChurchLeaderInsights.com/telecoaching/faq.php

Coaching Alumni Highlight – William Lindsey

I’m continuing my series of posts sharing some of my Coaching Alumni who are doing great things for the Kingdom.

Today I want to introduce you to Will Lindsey, Lead Pastor of Above & Beyond Fellowship in Spring, Texas. Will is a leader among leaders in his area and has seen tremendous growth, personally and in his church through coaching.  In the video below, Will briefly describes his coaching experience:

Will Lindsey Lead Pastor Above & Beyond Fellowship Spring, TX www.above.org

What’s your plan over the next year to grow your leadership and your church?

There’s still time for you to apply for my new Senior Pastor Tele-Coaching Network – it starts August 19 – so you’ll need to hurry!

For more information or to apply now, visit:

http://www.churchleaderinsights.com/telecoaching

Coaching Alumni Highlight – Kenneth Sesley

In preparing for my next Senior Pastor Tele-Coaching Network to get started (in almost exactly one month – August 19), I’ve been taking the opportunity to tell you a little about just a few of my recent alumni.

Today, however, I wanted  to share a recent email I received from Kenneth Sesley, Pastor of Kingdom Advancers Church in the Los Angeles area – it pretty much speaks for itself.

So, with Kenneth’s permission, here’s his email:

Hi,

I hope that you are having a fantastic day! I thank God for you and Nelson and CLI, and all of the hard work that you guys do to advance the kingdom of God.

I would like to share this testimonial about what has happened in the last 11 months since we’ve been in the Tele-Coaching Network.

I had pastored successfully in another city for a number of years prior to launching a new church in another city. The launch started off well, however initially due to remodeling of the school that we were in we had to move to a less desirable location for the summer.

After that, we began to grow in reverse throughout the summer, and we could no longer afford to move back to the school or to any other more desirable location for that matter.

We finally reached a point where we were no longer losing anyone, but for two years we were at a plateau. We worked hard at evangelism with little results. We even began a small group ministry hoping to reach people in the neighborhoods since we couldn’t seem to get them to come to the park.

I had purchased a series by Nelson on Growth Barriers. I don’t know if that is why they contacted me about the network, but out of the blue I was contacted. Honestly I couldn’t afford the network, but with the money back offer, I decided to go for it.

Since that time:

* Our Adult attendance has doubled

* Our Children’s ministry has exploded, causing our overall attendance to triple

* Our finances have doubled, allowing us to add a paid minister of music, which has really enhanced our worship services

* Our assimilation process constantly get rave reviews both through our internet surveys, (and our phone calls), so our regular attenders are coming back and working their way through our process

* Our morale is at an all time high. My staff and my creativity is soaring

* Our first times guest attendance has gone from 0 to 10 a month

* We will be baptizing at least 10 people on a special July 4th baptismal

* We have moved from a undesirable park to the Double Tree Hotel, which is an increase in expense, yet we have an abundance to cover the costs

* We did a tithe challenge and got a 95% response

* We have set a goal to double again in attendance before 2010 is over, and everyone believes that we can do it!

I have come to realize that most pastors who have a vision from God and a big vision to reach their city and the world for Christ will never be able to do it. The reason for it is not their preaching in most cases. Neither is it their hearts, or the lifestyles.

Most (99%) of all pastors that I know spend their times loving God, loving their families and their congregations and living simple, clean lives. They believe in the inerrancy of Scripture and many are committed to the Great Commandments, the Great Commission and the Great Compassion. But they don’t even know that they need systems to run their churches properly.

I had always noticed that pastors who had either come out of executive positions in the business world, or pastors that had had officer training in the military were successful 90% of the time. These people just instinctively understand leadership and systems. But most pastors who go in the ministry through seminary, or bible colleges don’t get this taught to them.

So I would say that any pastor or church that is struggling to break the 65, 125 or 250 barrier or even the 500 barrier (which I’m nowhere near yet, but I have my sights on it), should definitely join the network.

If your attendance is under 100 and you think that you may not be able to afford the network, let me say this: “You can’t afford not to join the network”!!!!!

By the time we made the changes in our offering envelope, website and the Christmas Offering we had paid for the cost of the network for the year many times over. In addition to that, our offering have more than doubled, and they are even going up through the beginning of the summer with people already going on vacations.

So I enthusiastically recommend this network to anyone who is interested. In fact, I have rejoined the network for the next 12 months.

I plan to stay in it until I have reached the level of CLI trainer, so that I can help other pastors experience the same benefits that I have received through the
network here on the West Coast through in person coaching networks.

Feel free to use this testimonial in any way that you choose.

Blessings,

Pastor Kenneth Sesley, Senior Pastor
Kingdom Advancers Family Church
Carson, CA

What an encouraging email!  And it’s results like these that have me so pumped about this next network, starting August 19.

If Kenneth’s story resonates with you, I hope you’ll apply for my Tele-Coaching Network for Senior Pastors - but hurry, it’s almost full already!

For more information and to apply now, visit:

www.ChurchLeaderInsights.com/telecoaching

NEW PODCAST – Nelson Searcy in the Hot Seat

Don’t miss this month’s Church Leader Insights Podcast, where Scott Whitaker finally got me in the “hot seat.”

In this informative podcast, Scott warms things up by having me answer some of the most commonly asked questions about my upcoming Senior Pastor Tele-Coaching Network (which begins on August 19).

You’ll get an insider’s look at the network and you’ll discover how my coaching networks have impacted numerous churches across many denominations. Plus, listen closely for a special bonus!

Click Here to Listen Now

P.S. Did you know that you can subscribe to the podcast, so that you’ll automatically get each month’s CLI Podcast?

For more info on Subscribing to the Podcast, click here.