Spreading Viral Hope by Coaching for Positive Change.
Coaching is a process of asking the necessary questions to get to the right next step for you and your congregation. It's a chance to intentionally open up about grief, goals, and God questions. One congregation said this, "Coaching moved us from negativity to hope and that hope has spread easily and widely in our congregation."
Coaching News Articles:
Meet the Coaches:
Pr. Kirsten Nelson Roenfeldt
Kirsten Nelson Roenfeldt, MSW, MDiv, is a coach trained to the PCC level of certification. With experience in pastoring, therapy and organizational management, Kirsten brings a passion for emotional and spiritual health to each coaching relationship, either individual or group. Kirsten is a lifelong learner, especially interested in nurturing leadership in others and in Bowen Family Systems Theory. She holds a Master of Social Work from Colorado State University and a Master of Divinity from Iliff School of Theology in Denver, CO.
Rick Loseth
I worked in the mental health field as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) for 40 years before retirement in 2019. I was with Lutheran Social Service in South Dakota and Minnesota providing counseling and mental health services to individuals, families and couples. I also worked with congregations, clergy and clergy teams at times of transition and change. Most recently I worked with PACT for Families, supporting mental health services for children and families across a five county area. Included in the work with PACT was staff support and working to initiate and integrate service delivery programs across agencies. While with LSS/MN I was part of a team that offered Professional Boundary training within the SW MN Synod, provided Boundary trainings to other Synods in Minnesota, North Dakota and Ohio and to Mission Developers through the ELCA. I am a member of Vinje Lutheran Church in Willmar.
Pr. David Nelson
David Nelson is a graduate of Bemidji State University, the University of Iowa, and received a Masters degree in Divinity from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he served on the student council and managed the campus operations desk. David is a rostered member of the ELCA and currently serves as the senior pastor of United Bethlehem Parish in Lake Lillian and Atwater, Minnesota. He is recognized as a trained coach by the International Coaching Federation (ICF). David listens with a trained ear and calm presence to help clients reach their goals by working together. In his free time, he enjoys making music with a symphony and brass quintet, spending time with family and friends, and playing pickleball.
Pr. Gene Alms
Gene Alms is a compassionate visionary, who works with individuals and groups to imagine healthy pathways into their future. Using a core personality strength of “curiosity”, he encourages dialogue by asking deep questions and listening for the answers. His credentials include coach training, intentional interim ministry certification, and small business management. A “handyman” in retired life, you’ll often find him dusting off wood chips from a variety of tactile projects.
Pr. Janet Adams
Janet Adams is serving in her first call as pastor for Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Madelia, Minnesota, Janet is retired from the county criminal justice system, where she worked for almost 20 years. She is passionate about the good news, and helping others find new life and freedom in forgiveness and re-story-ing their lives. Married, with three adult children and two grandchildren, Janet has a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from The University of Saint Thomas (Saint Paul) and a Master of Divinity from Luther Seminary.
Pr. Dave Nelson
Dave Nelson, M Div. Retired. I served five calls within our synod in a variety of settings – large congregations and small, a mission start up and established congregations, solo and staff, Associate and Lead positions. Married 40 years, father of three married children, and “papa” to six grandchildren. I have a heart for pastors. I am empathetic, a good listener, and have a good sense of humor.
