Coaching Groups Year 1 – Leading Second

Get the coaching, tools, and community you need to thrive in the second chair.

Start Your Journey

Year 1 Coaching Groups are for church leaders who are ready to grow, stretch, and be sharpened in their calling. This experience is about more than gaining leadership knowledge—it’s about transformation through consistent coaching, authentic relationships, and spiritual leadership development.

Whether you’re new to your role or simply ready to invest in yourself, Year 1 is designed to help you thrive where God has placed you.

Apply Today

Executive church leaders serving in a second chair role (staff or key volunteer)
First-time participants in Leading Second Coaching Groups
Leaders seeking growth, guidance, and leadership community
Anyone ready to build healthy leadership rhythms and gain clarity in their calling

Get Started

📅 Monthly Coaching Calls — Join your cohort once a month on Zoom for high-impact leadership development.
👤 Three One-on-One Coaching Sessions — Personalized time with your coach to help apply what you’re learning.
🏕️ In-Person Summit — A 3-day retreat to connect with your group and receive immersive leadership investment.

🤝 Coaching Cohort Community — Build authentic relationships with leaders across the country who understand your seat.
📚 Exclusive Resources — Get tools, templates, and bonus content curated for second chair leaders.

Apply for Year 1

Exclusive 3-day leadership retreat in Phoenix, AZ for Coaching Group participants. December 3-5, 2025.

2025

August 27 (Kick-off Call) | September 10 | October 08

November 19 | Coaching Summit

2026

January 14 | February 11 | March 18

April 08 | May 13 | June 10

July 15 | August 19

TIME

9:30am-11:00am PT

All calls will take place on Wednesdays.

We offer two pricing plans to choose from:

Pay in Full

One Payment of $2300

Pay in Two Parts

Two Payments of $1350

1. Pay in full comes at a discounted rate. Payment is due by 09/04/25.
2. The two payment option will be two payments of $1,350. Payment one is due by 09/04/25. Payment two is due by 11/06/25.

Step into a leadership journey designed with you in mind. Join a tribe of leaders who are committed to growth, community, and calling. We’d love to walk this year with you.

APPLY FOR YEAR 1 NOW

“Leading Second Coaching Groups have provided clarity for me in my mind and spirit amidst the noise of the world and the pace of ministry that has kept me "in the game" through the most difficult seasons of my life.”
Lorenzo GrajedaExecutive Pastor at Avenue Church (Las Vegas, NV)

“I don't know if I would still be in Ministry, let alone looking forward to my future in Ministry, if it were not for the impact Leading Second Coaching has had on my life!””
Chere JewittMinistry Pastor at Grace Point Northwest (Enumclaw, WA)

“Being part of Leading Second Coaching Groups has been one of the most incredible experiences. Through this community, I have not only grown as a leader but also built connections I never knew I needed. I can confidently say, I’ve found my people.”
Emilee GarciaNext Gen/Family Executive at Revolution Church (San Antonio, TX)

What are Leading Second Coaching Groups?

Leading Second Coaching Groups are a 12 month leadership development program for church leaders featuring monthly coaching sessions and a summit for Coaching Group participants in early December.

What is the difference between Year One & Year Two?

Year One is for first time Coaching Group participants. This is a 12-month coaching experience which includes monthly coaching Zoom calls, 3 1:1 sessions with your coach, and an in-person Summit in Phoenix, AZ.

Year Two is for participants who have completed Year 1 of Coaching Groups who want to continue their journey of learning how to master the art of second-chair leadership. Year Two is a 12-month coaching experience which includes monthly coaching Zoom calls, 3 1:1 sessions with your coach, an in-person Summit in Phoenix, AZ, plus an additional onsite observation/training event.

Do I have to work at a church to apply for Leading Second Coaching Groups?

Leading Second Coaching Groups are for leaders in church ministry. Paid or volunteer staff members are welcome to apply. Our cohorts are designed for Executive Pastors, Campus Pastors, and Leadership Team members. We believe that anyone serving their church can lead second. When stating “second-chair”, we are referencing the spirit of leading second, not just a leader sitting in the second seat on the org chart.

When are the meeting times for Coaching Groups?

Group meetings happen once per month on Wednesdays or Thursdays.

To find the full schedule, see the “SCHEDULE” section above.

How many leaders are in each cohort?

Each cohort will be intentionally small with a coach dedicated to just their cohort. We are creating a space for leaders to grow deeper relationships and have the ability to be coached on a personal level.

When are the next cohorts happening?

Leading Second Coaching Groups are launching in September 2025. Applications for 2025-2026 are open from May 8th-August 20th (or until all spots are filled.)

What is needed to apply to join a Leading Second Coaching Group cohort?

Before applying to join Leading Second Coaching Groups, please review the following requirements for applications:

– 3-5 minute video testimony

– Completion of the coaching groups application including a 500 word essay

– 2 References (Peer & Direct Report)

– $25 nonrefundable application fee

When will I know that I’ve been accepted for Coaching Groups?

Once your application and non-refundable application fee have been received, you will receive final notice of the status of your application via email within 3 weeks.

What are the time commitments for being in Coaching Groups?

Participants can expect to spend 4-8 hours a month on Coaching Groups. Each month (besides December due to the in-person summit) will feature a teaching lesson, a 90-minute coaching session, and tools & practices to put into action in their leadership. There will be an in-person leadership summit in Phoenix, AZ in early December. Participants are expected to travel to Phoenix and be present for this summit.

Can I choose my coach or cohort?

Coaches and cohorts will be assigned at the discretion of Leading Second. We will be praying and applying wisdom to best match leaders to the cohorts and coaches that will benefit them the most. All decisions on coaches and cohorts will be final.

Are there sponsorships or scholarships available?

Many churches have special budgets for pastoral staff to attend conferences and buy reading materials to develop their ministry skills. If Leading Second Coaching Groups sound like something that would be a great fit but you’re not sure how funding would work, consider writing an email to your supervisor or elders and ask if there might be a ministry development fund that could be applied towards this program.

If you are part of a church-plant and are interested in Leading Second Coaching Groups, but are unable to get funding through your church, reach out to us at coaching@leadingsecond.com and tell us your story. We’d love to talk through possible solutions for funding.

Is the in-person summit required?

Participants in Leading Second Coaching Groups are required to attend the in-person leadership summit in Phoenix, AZ on December 3-5, 2025. Participants are responsible for their own travel, lodging, and transportation. Food, refreshments, and admission to the summit are included in your registration cost.

What are the dates and location for the in-person summit?

The in-person leadership summit will be on December 3-5, 2025 in Phoenix, AZ. The venue for meetings will be determined at a later date. Participants are responsible for their own lodging, travel, & transportation.