For congregations and church leaders
When your church is carrying something heavy.
Grief that's never been named. Fewer people in the pews. A building, a pastor, or a whole era you've lost. A council that's simply tired. You don't have to figure it out alone.
Churches exist to walk with people, not just to survive.
Your guide
I know the pews and the council table.
I'm Joe McGarry. I served as a parish pastor for 18 years in New York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Today I'm an ICF Professional Certified Coach, a chaplain, and Dean of the New England Synod's School of Lay Ministry.
I've sat with congregations in their hardest seasons. I won't hand you a program or tell you what you're doing wrong. I'll ask honest questions, help you name what's really going on, and walk with you toward what comes next.
How we can walk together
Three ways to start
Every congregation is different. Each of these starts with a conversation about where you are.
Congregational grief coaching
Group sessions that give your congregation or leadership team room to name what you've lost and what you had hoped for, and to find your footing again.
Church coaching & consulting
For pastors, councils, and leadership teams facing decline, change, conflict, or a season that feels stuck. Honest questions, a clear next step, and someone beside you.
“Christ, Be Our Light”
A five-week stewardship series built around the hymn, one verse each week. A way to talk about generosity that's grounded in hope, not fear.
New England Synod, ELCA
School of Lay Ministry
Equipping people in the pews to lead, teach, and serve. The School of Lay Ministry is a nine-month program of the New England Synod for lay leaders who want to grow in faith and in practical ministry.
I serve as Dean, and I'd love to see people from your congregation in the next class.
The School of Lay Ministry is a ministry of the New England Synod. Registration and details are on its website.
- Bible & TheologyLevels 1 and 2
- Practical MinistryThe skills of everyday ministry
- Being the Church in the WorldFaith lived out beyond the building
What happens next
Simple, and no pressure
Talk
Book a conversation. Tell me what your congregation is carrying.
Listen
We figure out together what would actually help, and what wouldn't.
Walk
We take the road together, at a pace your people can sustain.
You don't have to walk this road alone.
Whether you're a pastor, a council president, or a member who's worried about your church, start with a conversation.
Book a conversation →