Arizona Mission Offering supports pastors through coaching and connection

Anthony Franklin

The Arizona Mission Offering has provided the opportunity for senior pastors across the state to connect with their peers for training, coaching, resources and support.

Since January, 22 pastors have participated in Church Boom coaching cohorts. Two groups of 11 pastors have met monthly via Zoom to develop leadership skills that will enable them to grow and revitalize their churches. These cohorts are led by coaches Monty Patton, associate executive director of Arizona Mission Network, and Chad Garrison, senior pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Lake Havasu City.

“These pastors want to see their church get to the next level, whether it is to get unstuck, increase momentum, grow the congregation, or expand their impact,” said Patton.

Each month, pastors meet for 90 minutes to learn techniques, share challenges and encourage each other. They focus on their vision for the church, as well as its mission, core values and goals. From there, they develop strategies to equip their leadership teams.

“Revitalizing Churches” is one of eight ministry categories supported by this year’s Arizona Mission Offering, which has the theme “Connect.” The emphasis takes place throughout September. The goals are $200,000 and the participation of 200 churches.

At the end of the formal Church Boom program, the pastors head to an exclusive getaway for a 4-day soul care retreat. There, they receive the rest, counseling and care they need to get healthy and stay healthy.

“It’s been such a blessing to be in a safe place with pastors on the same level who share your concerns, your feelings and your emotions,” said Anthony Franklin, senior pastor of Bethesda Community Baptist Church in Phoenix. “[It’s also a blessing] to know that I am not out there by myself. We learn from each other’s experiences and challenges.

“I am really looking forward to meeting my fellow pastors in person, to sit in fellowship with them. We have developed strong relationships since the beginning of the year.”

Franklin has been senior pastor for about 18 months. Through the years, he has served in church leadership, on executive teams, finance teams and trustee boards. Still, he is grateful for the opportunity to be in the cohort.

“It’s been a personal blessing to me as an individual and as a senior pastor,” he said, “to be part of strengthening our church with leadership that is unified and understands the vision and mission of the church.”

The Arizona Mission Offering has opened doors for additional training and strengthening leaders, allowing the church to continue community outreach.

“We feed the homeless every Monday, have backpack drives for our kids, hold neighborhood events and have been able to invest in scholarships for our young people,” Franklin said. “We are seeing growth in outreach, evangelism and in attendance.”

For more information regarding new cohorts that will begin in October, contact Monty Patton at mpatton@azmn.org.

Learn more about the Arizona Mission Offering at azmn.org/amo/

Irene A. Harkleroad, a freelance writer living in Carefree, is a member of Black Mountain Baptist Church, Cave Creek.