Coaching in Transformationsprozessen kirchlicher Einrichtungen

The first part of this article discusses the requirements for transformational change in ecclesiastical institutions. The focus is on how downsizing processes have an impact on different levels, the institutional structure, the identification of employees, and their scope of action, and how this is reflected in coaching of senior executives. These Leaders, who in majority have been socialised in these institutions, have to deal with particular tensions. On the one hand, they have to set up their institution to meet the demands of the future, but on the other hand, they need to relate to employees—of whom many are volunteers—and church members. The second part of this article presents strategies proven in practice, and useful coaching tools for working with senior executives in an innerecclesiastical context.