I have never doubted that God has a big, varied call on my life, but it was sometimes hard to know where to start. I decided to engage in coaching because I wanted someone to help me distill the call God had for me and take the small steps I needed to get to the ‘bigger things’ I was called to be doing.

I felt challenged and inspired by Ben. He asked questions that required pondering and uncovered promises, direction and purpose. I felt like I was catching up with a friend who kept me accountable, always pushed to see the best in me and knew exactly what to ask to take me to the next level.

I saw results from the very first call. Ben worked with me to commit to concrete behavioural changes that would lead to the outcomes I was seeking. The changes and commitments were small and achievable, and seeing instant results was an exciting motivator that kept me pushing in to God. This practice has helped me create a rhythm that has strengthened me, given me vision, increased my capacity and awoken me to the many ways God is currently using me, and seeks to use me in the future. I feel my direction is clearer and I have more vision than I ever had before. 

Coaching is the highest form of self care. It has helped me to walk more confidently along the path I am called to, which in turn helps my family and allows me to be more truly myself. I don’t think I would have asked those deep questions to myself or taken the time to really think about my options, history, call, present and future. Working with Ben was one of the best things I did this year, and helped me raise the bar of my performance in all areas  - I am forever grateful.

- Sarah Plunkett, Mother of Two

Before coaching, I did not have someone objective and separate from all the spaces I occupied. I was also having difficulty trusting my voice in my ministry position. I was frustrated that everyone wanted to solve the problem or find a solution to what I was feeling without listening or understanding.

Ben helped me talk out my frustration, see the situation from different perspectives and to break everything down. Ministry was overwhelming and full of other people’s expectations, but I realised coaching was really working when I started to trust my own voice during ministry leadership meetings. When I trust my voice and that God has placed me in this position of leadership, I can lead better. As my confidence has grown, my leadership improves and those around me are encouraged as well. It’s a domino effect. 

To anyone considering coaching, I’d encourage you to go in with an open mind and open heart. Keep a journal and write in it after every coaching session. It takes a village to encourage, mentor and pour into leaders in ministry and having a coach is a vital part of the village.

Speaking as a leader in an Indigenous ministry, who works in an Indigenous identified position and my entire family being Indigenous, there sometimes doesn’t seem like there is space to switch off, reflect or set goals. Ministry isn’t just the section of life that we carve out a couple of times a week – ministry is interwoven into our relationships with our families, friends, workmates and community. Coaching has given me the space to not only reflect, but importantly, to set a goal and create a vision for myself and steps on how to achieve it.  

- Raqual Nutley, Ministry Leader, Wiya-gal

Before coaching, I was hungry for growth. I had a choice between what I already knew and the humbling prospect that there might be more to know. Over the past 12 months of coaching with Ben, I can see evidence of where I have genuinely "leveled up" in different areas of my life. Coaching is an investment in yourself, your quality of life and that of those around you. If you're sitting on the fence about coaching, I implore you to give it a crack!

- Robbie Philpott, Educator

Coaching with Ben has been an immensely positive experience. He has helped me to identify areas in my life that need developing and create practical strategies to ensure I reach the goals I set for these areas. Coaching has helped me to grow in ways I didn't think I could, it has positively impacted on my work, relationships and hobbies and I will be forever grateful for this experience.

- Katherine Davies, Chaplain

I came to coaching with two main issues: firstly, I wanted to be a better husband to my wife; and secondly, I wanted to improve my leadership in my workplace. I didn’t know where to start or how to address these challenges, and often found myself getting angry that things weren’t improving. I suppose I felt a little helpless. Conversations with Ben helped me pinpoint what was going on, look at perspectives that I had previously been unaware of, and helped me gain clarity about simple, actionable steps that geared me toward success in those areas.

I realised coaching was working to solve my problems the day my wife noticed that I was acting differently around her (in a good way) and it was because I was being consistent with one of the action steps Ben had helped me commit to. After a year of coaching, my marriage is much healthier, we have a better understanding of each other and how we are wired so we can better love one another. My leadership at work has improved as well, being more secure in who I am, how to lead, and what it means to be a consistent leader. Coaching has shown me a new way of thinking and dialoguing to discover solutions to problems that I likely wouldn’t have found on my own. If you are struggling with a challenge that isn’t getting any better, try coaching with Ben to see just how simple action steps could be to begin the process of solving your problem!

- Nathan Shanks, Student Minister

Conversations with Ben always were what prayer sometimes can be: a place held in safety and trust, with a conversation partner who is gentle and clear. In his questions, reflections and encouragement, Ben is affirming, compassionate; straight-forward and unafraid. The greatest gift to me is that with every conversation, a wider and freer prospect is in clear view. Ben unapologetically points me onward to the goodness, joy and generosity of life.

- Ellen Grabner, Mother/Linguist/Volunteer