Leadership Coaching for Pastors
Better Vision.
Better Leader.
Better Life.
Balcony Discipleship
Developing discipled leaders in the Wesleyan tradition.
The need for moral leadership in general and effective pastoral leadership in particular continues to grow. Balcony Discipleship is a pastoral coaching program offered by Rev. Dr. Thomas Lee Carver as a way to help meet that need.
Schedule an Informational Call
Why the Balcony?
A leadership principle developed by Ron Heifetz and Marty Linsky is the analogy of a balcony overlooking a dance floor. A leader must be able to gain a broader vision as if from a balcony in order to have a direction and plan when they return to the dance floor of life. Jesus taught his disciples to try to see from God's perspective. With a vision of God's kingdom on earth as it is in heaven, his followers have a direction to guide them in life.
Better Vision
A relationship with Jesus and other people can help gain clarity on where you and your church are currently and where you want to go next.
Better Leader
With a vision inspired plan, a leader has a greater chance of success when working with a team for accountability and support.
Better Life
Success will not only mean a transformation in your life but also in the lives of the people you lead. The effective ministry of a local church should make life better in the community where they serve.
Meet Dr Tom Carver
42 Years of Experience
I've served United Methodist congregations in rural, small town, and urban settings. My ministry has included over 20 years in one appointment and a term as a District Superintendent.
I'm a systems thinker who believes that relationships are everything. My coaching is grounded in real experience, formal education, and a deep love for the local church.
I've been married to Linda for 45 years and we have been blessed with 5 children and 12 grandchildren. Our home is in rural Warren County near Indianola, Iowa.
BA — Organizational Management
University of Northern Iowa, College of Business
DMin — Leadership Excellence
Wesley Theological Seminary
The Path to Success
Balcony Discipleship is designed to help pastoral leaders succeed in their mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. With a view from the balcony, these are the elements that will be addressed.
Trust
Establishing trust is the first, foremost and ongoing task of a leader.
Vision
Discerning and casting a compelling vision of God's preferred future in a way that is easily seen and desired by others.
Transformation
Change can be hard. But growth and progress can happen in individuals, churches and communities with the help of good leadership.
Regeneration
Following the example of Jesus, the ultimate goal is to raise up discipled leaders who can carry on when the leader is not there.
The Balcony Discipleship Process
Weekly 30 minute planning session
A structured time on the balcony with your group where your goals for the week are prioritized and put into a plan of action. The GoalCrazy Planner is used as a guide. All meetings are done over Zoom.
Weekly 60 minute small group coaching
Small group time for learning, sharing, accountability and support. This is where goals and action steps are developed and shared in order to take them into the "dance floor" of life. Sessions are recorded so that if someone has a conflict, they can view it on their schedule.
Regular "office hours" for individual discussion
Individual time with Tom is offered to "drop in" for specific questions, strategizing and encouragement.
Additional individual coaching as needed
If more extensive individual sharing is necessary, additional time with Tom can be arranged.
Who needs this?
Pastors starting in a new church appointment.
Pastors who feel overwhelmed with the demands of ministry.
Pastors who feel stuck in their church and want to make changes but not sure how to make it happen.
Pastors who struggle with time management because there are too many things to do and not enough time to get them done.
Pastors who need some inspiration to energize their ministry.
Pastors who are doing well in their current church but know that they could be doing even better.
Common Questions
01
What is the time frame?
The initial commitment is for 3 months at a time but the intention is that it would be renewed for a full year.
THE NEXT SESSION BEGINS IN JULY 2026.
02
How much does it cost?
$300 for a quarter of the year (3 months). The 4th consecutive quarter is discounted to $100 so that 12 months of coaching can be received for $1,000.
03
How much is it worth?
How much is it worth to you to gain a better vision that would make you a better leader and result in a better life for you, your church and the community where you serve?
Let's Make Life Better.
While there are a limited number of group member openings, I am always interested in networking, consulting and hearing from church leaders who want to make a difference. I would love to hear from you.
📧 Email
📞 Phone
(515) 442-5030
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