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About Barbara

I am Dr. Barbara Ettinger, an ordained pastor and licensed mastery coach passionate about guiding pastors and leaders who are refining or discovering their vocational identity, navigating personal and professional transitions, or seeking to lead their organizations into a new future. With more than 25 years of experience in ministry and leadership development, I bring both deep pastoral understanding and proven coaching expertise to every engagement.

Currently serving as the Coaching Project Manager and Lead Coach Trainer for the Thriving in Ministry initiative of the Evangelical Covenant Church, I have created and developed an internal peer coaching network that has trained more than 225 leaders in coaching skills and deployed over 100 pastors to coach their peers. I earned my Doctor of Ministry in Leader Formation from Fuller Theological Seminary in 2024, where I focused on how God forms and shapes leaders over their lifetimes, with specific research on the intersection of clergy wellbeing and coaching.

My experience spans diverse ministry contexts—from InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, where I served as National Manager of Theological Formation for 1800 campus missionaries, to the East Coast Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church, where I oversaw leader formation and development for more than 175 credentialed ministers from Maine to Virginia. Whether working with campus missionaries, church planters, parish ministers, or denominational leaders, I create space for transformational growth that honors both calling and humanity.

Barbara and her husband Jeff enjoy traveling to far-flung places. They have two dynamic adult sons, two beloved international daughters-in-law, and the cutest grandson on the planet.

Areas of Focus:

Pastoral and Vocational Coaching

Organizational Leadership

Training and Development

Specialized Services

My Coaching Philosophy:

I believe that effective coaching happens at the intersection of deep listening, skillful questioning, and trust in the Holy Spirit’s transformative work. Drawing from my extensive experience in ministry contexts, I understand that leading in mission-driven environments requires a unique blend of spiritual formation, practical wisdom, and resilient self-care.

My approach recognizes that every leader’s journey is deeply personal and contextual. I’ve learned that the most profound growth often emerges not from quick fixes or external pressure, but from creating safe spaces where leaders can honestly examine their calling, confront their limitations, and discover new possibilities for faithful leadership.

Having walked through my own seasons of transition and discovery, I bring both professional expertise and personal understanding to the coaching relationship. I know firsthand the challenges of balancing personal wellbeing with pastoral responsibilities, of leading through uncertainty, and of maintaining spiritual vitality while serving others’ needs.

I’m particularly passionate about coaching leaders who find themselves at crossroads—whether that’s a recent seminary graduate discerning their path, a seasoned pastor navigating organizational change, or a ministry leader feeling called to something new but uncertain about the next steps. These liminal spaces, though often uncomfortable, are where God’s most transformative work happens.

Coaching Style:

My coaching style is relationally grounded and spiritually aware. I create a non-anxious presence where leaders can explore their deepest questions without judgment or pressure to have immediate answers. You’ll find me genuinely curious about your story and committed to helping you discover the wisdom that already exists within you.

I ask thoughtful questions that invite reflection and challenge assumptions, always with respect for your autonomy and trust in your ability to discern God’s leading. My background in theological formation means I understand the spiritual dimensions of leadership that secular coaching often misses, while my training in coaching excellence ensures our conversations remain focused and action-oriented.

I work collaboratively to help you clarify your values, identify your strengths, and develop strategies that align with both your calling and your context. Whether we’re exploring vocational transitions, addressing leadership challenges, or developing organizational strategies, I bring both pastoral sensitivity and practical tools to our partnership.

For leaders feeling overwhelmed or uncertain, I offer a steady presence and structured support. For those ready to step into new opportunities, I provide accountability and strategic thinking. In all cases, I hold space for both the human and divine elements of leadership transformation, recognizing that sustainable change happens when we honor both our limitations and our potential.

Coaching Credentials

Education:

Coaching Certifications:

Professional Experience:

My Contact Information

You can contact me via email or through these links to schedule a consultation or session.

Schedule a Free 30-Minute Consultation
Book a Single One-Hour Session

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