FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
From: The Columbia Partnership
DATE:June 24, 2008
RE:Formation of New Coach-Focused Organization
CONTACT:Norman Jameson (919) 607-4991
The Columbia Partnership Spins Off Coach Training Group
After three years developing a strong presence nationally in coaching, coach training and church renewal, The Columbia Partnership decided June 23 that partners who are primarily coach focused will form a new and separate organization called Coach Approach Ministries.
Formed with 11 partners in 2005 to “transform the capacity of the North American Protestant church to pursue and sustain vital Christ-centered ministry,” TCP has grown to include 30 ministry associates who participate on a project basis.
Members of TCP work with individuals, churches, parachurch organizations, educational institutions, judicatories and denominations to “help them live into God’s story.” TCP is involved in projects literally coast to coast.
While all TCP team members utilize a coach approach in ministry, the training of Christian coaches became a significant focus of several original partners, who are launching Coach Approach Ministries to focus on that ministry.
Linda Miller, Phoenix, Az.; Jane Creswell, West Lafayette, Ind.; Chad Hall, Raleigh, N.C. and Bill Copper, Lenoir, N.C., will form the new organization, with startup funding from TCP.
Ken Kessler of Richmond, Va., will continue as TCP president. George Bullard, of Columbia, S.C., who was responsible for pulling together the original partners, will become vice president and strategic coordinator. Jim Royston of Kingsport, Tn., will be treasurer. Other ministry partners who will continue with TCP are Dick Hamm, Indianapolis, Ind.; Eddie Hammett, Hendersonville, N.C., and Norman Jameson, Raleigh, N.C.
"We are excited about birthing this new coach-focused organization,” Kessler said.” We believe that both TCP and Coach Approach Ministries are in position to serve churches, denominations, and Christian leaders with renewed focus and energy."
“Christian leadership coaching is a still emerging field within North American Christianity,” said Bullard. “TCP has been involved in coaching in two major ways. We use a coach approach to work with leaders and teams in their ministry context and we have worked to develop the capacity of leaders to engage in coaching and to create a coaching culture in their organizations.”
The emphases of TCP and Coach Approach Ministries will reflect these focuses. By launching the new organization ministry TCP partners feel both ministries will be better positioned for service in the marketplace, with a clear voice and promise to constituents and clients.
TCP offices will move from Hickory, N.C. to Columbia, S.C. The new address will be 332 Valley Springs Rd., Columbia, SC 29223-6934. The national number for TCP will remain 866-966-4TCP.
The Columbia Partnership will continue to offer a wide variety of services for leaders, congregations, denominations, and parachurch organizations to help them engage in vital ministry.
The TCP Leadership Series books with Chalice Press will continue as the publishing arm. The most recent TCP Leadership Series book is “Every Congregation Needs a Little Conflict,” by Bullard. Its popular offering, “Reaching People Under 40 While Keeping People Over 60,” by Hammett continues to draw national attention increase demands on Hammett as conference leader.
