Rev. Alison Hyder, MDiv, LCSW, CPC
Certified Coach, Ordained Minister, Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Clergy Coaching for Religious Professionals
Whether your congregation is stuck or stagnating, you are dealing with a dysfunctional situation, or you are having a hard time formulating a clear and effective vision, you could benefit from an experienced and objective perspective. My clergy coaching services are more practical than spiritual direction, and more focused than life coaching. It is a tool that will help you discern your vision and incorporate your values into your plans and goals. No matter your denomination or setting, my professional clergy coaching will help you become a more grounded, confident and articulate leader.
Ministry can be overwhelming. Few people have all of the skills and knowledge that are demanded of clergy today. And no one is harder on us than we, ourselves. We became clergy to serve others, and we do not want to disappoint or fail them. But can be hard to find a discreet, objective, and dependable advisor that we can trust to help and incourage our best work.
I became a clergy coach because I was looking for one myself. I know that there is a need for dedicated counselors with the background and experience to help religious professionals improve in their specific tasks, to understand the dynamics of congregational systems, staff relations, and the work of the board, to grasp the many styles and sizes of congregations, and to stress the importance of boundaries, ethics, and a good sense of humor.
The initial/trial session usually focuses on your hopes and goals in the basic areas of ministry practice, such as pastoral care, outreach, congregational dynamics, worship, and finances. However, these can be reduced or modified to fit your needs and specific setting. I will follow up with a summary of your goals. From there you may wish to have weekly phone sessions to help develop and commit to your tasks. Or you may be good at sticking to your plans and want monthly coaching to help you further your goals. Perhaps you are in a crisis situation, and need perspective and reassurance right now. No problem.
Coaching allows for this flexibility. Its only goal is to help you to be true to your calling and to serve with love and respect.
Currently, sessions are available between 1pm and 9pm Monday – Thursday. Each session lasts 50 minutes. The initial trial session costs $75; subsequent sessions are $100. A package of four sessions is $350. Once you contact me and we agree on an
appointment, you can make your payments in advance through the Paypal buttons at the bottom of this page.
How it works
The initial/trial session usually focuses on your hopes and goals in the basic areas of ministry practice, such as pastoral care, outreach, congregational dynamics, worship, and finances. However, these can be reduced or modified to fit your needs and specific setting. I will follow up with a summary of your goals. From there you may wish to have weekly phone sessions to help develop and commit to your tasks. Or you may be good at sticking to your plans and want monthly coaching to help you further your goals. Perhaps you are in a crisis situation, and need perspective and reassurance right now. No problem.
Coaching allows for this flexibility. Its only goal is to help you to be true to your calling and to serve with love and respect.
Currently, sessions are available between 1pm and 9pm Monday – Thursday. Each session lasts 45 minutes. The initial trial session is free through this website. Subsequent sessions are $100. A package of four sessions is $350. Once you contact me and we agree on an appointment, we can discuss payment options.
Who is this person?
I am a Unitarian Universalist minister with Christian and Jewish roots. I served a creative and conflictual congregation for eleven years and have worked as an interim minister and a religious education consultant. I also designed and lead clergy retreats on “Humor in Ministry.” I received my Masters in Divinity from Howard University in 1998 and a Masters in Social Work from the University of Maryland in 1987, working with the elderly, the chronically ill and people with AIDS, and in a day treatment program with mentally ill adults. I have received a certificate from the Fowler-Wainwright Institute of
Professional Life Coaching I enjoy painting, singing, and minor home repairs. I like to start my day with a book, a cup of tea, and my cat, Desmond.