The 3D Pathway: Our Process for Coaching Pastors and Ministry Staff

You were called by God to do His will and work according to the gifts, abilities, and unique personality He gave you. There are three key areas where you have a God-given opportunity to fully realize your potential:

The 3D Pathway is our proprietary process for cultivating your experience so you can further step into the greater ministry responsibilities prepared by God for you. No matter your church or ministry size, ministry experience, gift set, or 'stuff' in your background, the 3D Pathway process recognizes you as a child of God first and a ministry servant second.

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I know ministry well. I've been in many different seasons of ministry, faced many challenges, and even struggled at times in ministry and in life. These experiences will help me provide you the support you need to flourish. Here's what one client shared about our experience working together:

"I can trust Pat to listen to my struggles and frustrations. He challenged me when my perspective limited me from seeing a situation clearly and assured me when my perspective reflected reality. At one such time, he willingly defended my position in a disagreement which was resolved peaceably, thanks to his help. Pat knew I was struggling in my ministry position for a while. He never condemned my feelings, forced me to a decision, nor questioned my calling. Instead, Pat listened patiently. Instead of giving me a solution, he gently asked questions that helped me reflect on my thoughts and feelings, which helped me come to my own conclusions and solution. He was a coach and mentor at a time when I needed to make a change but was afraid to change and didn’t know how to go about it. I’ll always be grateful to Pat for walking with me into the next phase of ministry that God had planned for me." - David B.

Would you like to talk? I offer a complimentary 30-minute phone consultation to see if we may be a good fit together. Click the button below to book a time that works best for you.

The Story Behind White Cedar

Hi, it's Pat Wester, founder of White Cedar Consulting. I choose White Cedar because the tree represents the nature of my ministry to others.

My numerous excursions to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in northern Minnesota brought my attention to the northern white cedar, which is one of the most resilient trees with some being estimated to be 1,000 years old. This unique tree often grows along the water's edge. Their root systems intertwine with one another to strengthen their foundation in the shallow rocky ground. These trees are strongest when they grow together. Supporting one another, they flourish in extreme conditions.

During my 25 years as a pastor, I spent most of my time stumbling along with some close friends and co-workers. Other pastors and I were like a bunch of small cedar trees fighting against the challenges of everyday ministry. I did not have someone coach me until I was 55. I have since worked with two coaches, which accelerated my growth in ministry. I regret not seeking out a ministry coach earlier. It would have greatly benefited me and the people under my pastoral care.

Like the White Cedar where small trees use larger trees for stability, coaching can bring stability and accelerated growth in ministry. It connects rising pastors and ministry leaders to someone who will listen well and ask good questions. Most importantly, it connects you with an outside supporter who can help you weather the storms of ministry and life so you can thrive.