Challenges of Ministry

We Know Where You're Coming From

At True Course, we understand that the life of a congregational leader is unique as individuals struggle to balance the responsibilities of organizational and administrative work challenges with their Kingdom mindset to lead spiritually and their passion to make disciples. From seven-days-a-week work schedules and internal church dynamics to the financial income structure, various levels of personal accountability, and the constant struggle to obtain a healthy ministry-life balance, it's difficult to navigate the challenges of a congregational leader.

Studies Show That...

A study conducted by the Fuller Institute of Church Growth of pastors revealed:

  • 80% believe their pastoral ministry has negatively affected their families
  • 75% reported a significant stress-related crisis at least once in their ministry
  • 50% felt unable to meet the demands of the job
  • 90% felt inadequately trained to cope with ministry demands
  • 70% have lower self-image than when they began their professions
  • 50% had considered leaving the ministry within three months of completing the survey

We realize that a variety of distinctive factors exist in today's Church that contribute to congregational leaders' constant struggle to keep up with the numerous emotional and mental demands of their ministry.

Because we know that both the obstacles and rewards are matchless in nature, True Course utilizes a unique approach to individual mentoring, coaching, and consulting that is specifically designed to help congregational leaders achieve a sure start, a fruitful journey, and a faithful finish.

Understanding the Roots of the Matter

True Course knows that a numerous factors have contributed to the internal struggles that the local Church and congregational leaders and their staff face today, and our professionals are prepared to embrace the needs caused by these challenges through personalized mentoring, coaching, and consulting experiences.

Evaporating Resources

Training resources that denominational entities have traditionally offered at little or no cost to the local Church continue to diminish over time, mainly due to conflict, fragmentation, and declined interest from these long-established organizations that have supported the work of congregational leaders in the past.

Our professionals understand the growing concern and need for in-depth leadership development and training. True Course offers cost-effective mentoring, coaching, and consulting experiences for pastors and staff to meet the needs of leaders in full-time ministry.

Institutional Skepticism

Due to the growing wave of post-modern thought, our culture is experiencing a deeper level of skepticism about established denominational institutions, the traditional Church, and congregational leadership training organizations.

As a result of these cultural shifts, today's congregational leaders are utilizing a more free-spirited approach to their ministry, and pursuing styles similar to the New Testament Church. But as today's leaders change their ministry style, what will become of the traditional establishment of the local church and denominational organizations?

Guidance and wisdom will be sought after from individuals whom they deeply trust. These new leaders value spiritual authenticity, personal integrity, and a clear allegiance to Christ alone rather than to an institution of men. They desire a ministry that is Kingdom-focused, relationship-oriented, and mentor-advised.

True Course meets this need in today's culture through the personal relationships with experienced, trusted professionals who walk alongside their clients as they grow individually and in their ministry.

Missing Link Between Theory and Practice

In many professions, an internship or apprenticeship between classroom knowledge and real-world experience is required for individuals before they enter their field with full-time responsibilities.

At True Course, we value the principles behind this type of hands-on learning for congregational leaders who are transitioning from educational knowledge to actual work situations. We implement practical training throughout all of our mentoring, coaching, and consulting journeys as we design experiences intended to offer real-life experience and learning conducted in the context of your particular ministry.