"…And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."
- Luke 22:32b

I’ve enjoyed a mentored relationship with John for the past seven years. His gifted ability to see the big picture and resource to my specific and yet changing need has been a tremendous blessing. His gentle yet direct approach comes from the sincere desire to see me developed to my greatest potential. As a life coach John guided me into specific rhythms that helped provide stability and guide me to greater achievement. As a Ministry Coach John was there to provide specific resourcing to help me avoid major blunders and achieve greater success. In the area of Leadership he helped me establish a leadership style and key objectives prior to my appointment. These strategies have provided a platform from which to intentionally lead. This coaching relationship with John has enabled me to transition well to greater effectiveness. I’m eternally grateful for John’s gifting and the energies spent on my behalf.

John Kimball has been my mentor since 2008. It’s been an awesome journey. He has the ability to ask the hard questions that make you think and dig deep so that you can get to the root of the issue instead of covering up the reactions from it. He has helped me learn how to mature in Christ through teaching me the spiritual disciplines, bible study and prayer. The different programs and processes he uses help me to keep on track of my goals and purpose in life; however, when issues arise he takes the appropriate and needed time to help work through the problems. His advice is always guided by scripture. He is not only my mentor I consider him a good friend. My favorite part is that he actually practices what he preaches.

When I was called to my current Pastorate, I was called to a conflicted, hurting and confused congregation. I needed help navigating the “stormy seas” of church conflict, mistrust, disappointment and rejection. In addition we needed to redefine leadership roles and responsibilities according to the Biblical texts. Dr. John Kimball was able and willing to walk with me through the many challenges and hurtles that came with ministering to a Church that was on the verge of splitting. John drew on his years of experience as well as his repertoire of knowledge on biblical peacemaking, conflict resolution, and leadership development to help me better serve “the people of his pasture” entrusted to my care. John has a Pastor’s heart, a desire to see God glorified, and to also see the leaders of His Church prosper and grow in their faith and Divine design. I am fortunate to have such a wonderful mentor and friend.

John Kimball has been my coach for the past several years. John introduced the concept of coaching/mentoring to me when he was helping our church work through revitalization/redevelopment. John has a depth of understanding of Scripture that comes from years of study, application, and pastoral ministry. He has a unique ability to listen to someone and at the same time discern what the Holy Spirit is saying. So often, most every time, when we meet, whether it is face-to-face or through multi-media, I have gained insight into strengths that God has developed in me and weaknesses that God what to use for His glory. John is encouraging, supportive, and willing to dig deep into the heart of the matter at hand. John does not side step those issues that one wished would be left alone; in loving, kind, gentle, and yet bold ways God’s desired growth is experienced. I walk away from our visits built up in a truth I know is right and pondering a new truth that causes me to grow. When I think of the work God is doing through John, Ephesians 4:11-16 comes to mind: “Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church” (5:15 NLT). Growth and transformation is a wonderful experience with John as a coach.

I have known John Kimball since 1997 when I was a young youth pastor of a church near to one he was pastoring. Pastor John always gave sound advice, direction, and biblical wisdom. While we both moved to different ministries, he and I continued to stay in touch and he continued to provide me with same solid counsel he always had. In 2015 I entered into a more formal coaching relationship with Pastor John. I was struggling personally, spiritually and in ministry. I was in a place of ministry where I was unable to clearly see or hear what the Lord wanted to do in my life. Pastor John took me through a journey where he was able to help me find my place in the Kingdom of God again as he led me to practice steps of hearing from the Lord. He coached me through a process of becoming spiritually healthy again. I thank the Lord for John’s investment in my life not only spiritually and in ministry but on a personal level. I am deeply grateful for his investment in my life.