It all started when…

A number of years ago, a pastor approached us and asked if we could lead a retreat for the leadership team at his church. They needed to make decisions and wanted someone with an outside perspective to guide them through the process. As we planned and led the retreat, we recognized how well our gifts and training worked together, and how much we enjoyed the work of helping ministry teams reflect and move forward. It got us thinking.

A Passion Grew In Us…

More and more we heard people’s stories of how lonely ministry can be or how teams filled with great people can struggle to work well together, and we knew we had something to offer.

We started to dream about ways we could help pastors and ministry teams flourish. On walks through our neighbourhood and moments standing in our kitchen while our kids ran past, we shared ideas and possibilities until the whisps of “what if” became clear.

What Makes Us Different?

Churches and ministries often hire consultants who evaluate current practices and recommend a plan of action that will grow the church. Consultants can be helpful, but this is not what we do.

Our main concern is with the spiritual, emotional, and relational health of those in ministry. We want to see ministry leaders and teams thrive as you live your calling.

We use a coaching and spiritual direction approach to create space for you and your team to share, listen, discern, reflect, and grow. While we use a variety of tools to assist the process, perhaps our most unique offering is our presence and attentive listening.

Why Do We Have “Adventures” In Our Name?

Jon loves the wilderness. Give him a backpack, some dehydrated food, and a weekend in the mountains, and he’s happy. It’s his dream to bring others into nature, whether that’s on a backpacking trip, a day hike, or simply a reflective nature walk, and invite them to rest, reflect, and grow. (Many of the nature pictures on our site are ones he snapped on one of his adventures). He has led the “Shift Retreat,” a backcountry retreat for those on the brink of change, as well as reflective nature walks at conferences and as an offering for healthcare workers at the end of their workday. If you would like to spend a few days or a few hours in creation with an intentional focus on reflection and growth, Jon is the person to talk to.

Julianne also loves the outdoors, though, let’s be honest, she’s not as hardcore as Jon. For her, the adventure part of “Gilchrist Coaching and Adventures,” speaks to the journey of life in ministry. It’s about following God’s lead, watching people grow, and being open to what might unfold.

We care about women in ministry.

We care about all people in ministry flourishing. Specifically, though, we have a heart for women in ministry. We know many of the unique challenges women in ministry face. That’s why we sometimes offer programs and groups just for women.

You should also know

We welcome all who want space to rest, reflect, and grow.

We love to invite people into spaces of reflection and contemplation. We do in-depth conversations well. We’re comfortable with silence, tears, and hard stories.

AND. We are a bit sassy, laugh often, and try not to take ourselves too seriously.