Stop being stuck & spinning your wheels
Start choosing better ways to live, lead & coach
LIVE WELL
LEAD WELL
COACH WELL
USE A TRAINER/COACH TO . . .
- Craft a Rule of life | Life Compass.
- Discover & develop your callings.
- Reclaim your hobbies & passions.
- Rekindle life-giving friendships.
- Build new habits & norms.
- Establish better boundaries..
- Overcome limiting beliefs.
- Eliminate sabotaging behaviors .
- Increase your self-awareness.
- Live more purposefully & playfully.
USE A TRAINER/COACH TO . . .
- Define your leadership style.
- Learn new skills to lead others.
- Master 8 critical change steps.
- Create high performing teams.
- Learn to observe, ask, & experiment.
- Set, review & celebrate goals.
- Inspire clear, compelling visions.
- Delegate more effectively new.
- Learn to live well as you lead well.
- Build Personal Development Plans.
USE COACHING SKILLS TO . . .
- Create safe space for conversations.
- Be more fully present & engaged.
- Build trust and collaboration.
- Refine your listening skills.
- Address people's limiting beliefs.
- Help staff set better goals.
- Help leaders make better decisions.
- Build accountability into your plans.
- Help leaders be more creative.
- Help staff focus on the right things.
Jim LaDoux
Founder, Surface to Soul
It's easy to become stuck in patterns of thinking, being, and doing that no longer best benefit ourselves and the people we're called to serve. When we get to this point, we need a RESET where we REVIEW what's actually going on in our lives and ministries, RETHINK our attitudes, assumptions, approaches, and actions and then we REINVENT better, brighter futures using new maps for navigating next steps in life and ministry.
WE CAN HELP YOU
1 | GROW VIBRANT FAITH
Practical training that can be delivered in person, online, and asynchronously.
- 30 Minute Learning Labs
- 50 Minute Webinars
- 3 Hour MasterClasses
- Customized trainings
2 | GROW AGILE LEADERS
coaching for individuals, teams, and task forces
3 | RENEW YOUR CHURCH
- Assessments to pinpoint areas of life, leadership, and ministry that need greater attention.
4 | BECOME A CERTIFIED COACH
- ICF-certified coach training where leaders master 8 essential coaching skills.
5 | REINVENT YOUR FUTURE
Checklists, worksheets, and tools that accelerate your pace of transformation.
SERVICES WE PROVIDE
PRACTICAL TRAINING
Practical training that can be delivered in person, online, and asynchronously.
- 30 Minute Learning Labs
- 50 Minute Webinars
- 3 Hour MasterClasses
- Customized trainings
COACHING & CONSULTING
coaching for individuals, teams, and task forces
ASSESSMENTS
- Assessments to pinpoint areas of life, leadership, and ministry that need greater attention.
COACH TRAINING
- ICF-certified coach training where leaders master 8 essential coaching skills.
DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES
Checklists, worksheets, and tools that accelerate your pace of transformation.
How we work with clients
We begin where you are and what matters most to you. Through conversations, assessments, checklists, worksheets and tools, we help you discern what your hopes and challenges are, and what your preferred future might look like for you.
We begin where you are and what matters most to you. Through conversations, assessments, checklists, worksheets and tools, we help you discern what your hopes and challenges are, and what your preferred future might look like for you.
We will help you answer 5 important questions
- What is your current mission?
- Who are you seeking to serve?
- What do they need and value?
- Where are you making an impact?
- What's your plan and next steps?
USE A TRAINER/COACH TO . . .
- Clarify your purpose & direction.
- Design a 3-year strategic vision.
- Deepening authentic relationships.
- Spark Christ-centered conversations.
- Form vibrant faith in daily life.
- Create WOW hospitality experiences.
- Help members live into their callings.
- Gain skills for leading transformation.
- Design road maps that list next steps.
- Help people navigate next steps.
BUILD BETTER SYSTEMS
CLARIFY YOUR NEXT STEPS
Which area of your life or ministry in need of reinvention?
How will Surface to Soul walk alongside me?
During our initial conversations, we'll determine the length and frequency of our meetings, what training and resources are needed to support your next steps, and how we can best support you between training and coaching sessions. Our trainers/coaches can be reached between sessions by text/email.
During our initial conversations, we'll determine the length and frequency of our meetings, what training and resources are needed to support your next steps, and how we can best support you between training and coaching sessions. Our trainers/coaches can be reached between sessions by text/email.
SYSTEM 1 | COMMUNICATIONS
- Clarify your purpose, your direction, and want you want for the people.
- Assess your internal and external communications.
- Form a communications team or task force with clear, compelling objectives.
- Build better systems for planning, promoting, and repurposing content.
SYSTEM 2 | CONNECTION
- Create a process for continually inviting people into ministry.
- Learn to extend extravagant hospitality.
- Equip members to befriend newcomers and deepen current friendships.
- Help people discern when, where, and how they wish to be engaged in mission.
SYSTEM 3 | GIVING
- Create a financial giving dashboard.
- Create scripts and stories around ministry impact and people's generosity.
- Design a year-round Ask, Thank, Tell stewardship campaign.
- Design processes for helping all people begin a journey of generosity.
SYSTEM 4 | GOVERNANCE
- Clarify the role of the Board and the staff.
- Use RACI model to help leaders collaborate better.
- Create a plans for continuously developing the capacities of Board members.
- Rethink the roles and responsibilities of your Nominating committees.
SYSTEM 5 | STAFFING
- Create or update job descriptions for all paid and unpaid servant positions.
- Create betters systems for selecting, onboarding, and support servant leaders.
- Help leaders and ministry teams set, review, and celebrate goals.
- Update policies and procedures to support all staffing positions.
SYSTEM 6 | VIBRANT FAITH
- Assist pastors and faith formation teams create a vision and plan for lifelong faith.
- Equip church leaders to discover and develop their callings.
- Help households embed Christ-centered conversations and practices in daily life
- Help households celebrate life and faith milestones throughout the year.
MEET OUR TEAM
Jim LaDoux
Director of Training & Coaching
- Jim's Story
Jim has been part of Vibrant Faith’ Leadership Team since 2003. He helped launch Vibrant Faith’s coaching services in 2005 that focused on lifelong faith formation and helping church leaders live and lead well. In 2019, Jim partnered with Rev. Dr. Felix Villanueva to launch Vibrant Faith’s ICF-certified Coaching School. Jim oversees the Coaching School’s marketing activities and the Coaching School Alumni Community, in addition to leading Vibrant Faith’s Leading Well’s Pastoral Leadership Development program. He lives in Minnesota with his wife, Gina. Jim enjoys biking, hiking, and kayaking, and believes that every coach should have a coach.
Rev. Dr. Felix Villanueva, MCC
Director of Coaching School, MCC
- Felix's Story
The Rev. Dr. Felix C. Villanueva is the Director and Co-Founder of the Vibrant Faith Coaching School. Dr. Villanueva has been coaching for over two decades. He is a Master Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation (ICF). Dr. Villanueva’s coaching practice includes: clergy and congregational coaching, executive and professional coaching, and group coaching. He is also specialist in the areas of grief and loss, diversity, equality and inclusion, team building, conflict management, and business and leadership development. Dr. Villanueva holds a Doctorate Degree in Organizational Leadership (EdD), and two Master Degrees: one in Divinity and the other in Pastoral Counseling. He was ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in 1982 and has served as a U.S. Navy Chaplain, local church pastor, and as a denominational executive. He is currently retired from church ministry and dedicates his time to transforming lives through coaching. Dr. Villanueva’s favorite faith practice is walking labyrinths. He says: “Walking a labyrinth refreshes my soul and inspires me. I never miss an opportunity to walk one.”
Rev. Dr. Mark Slaughter
Vital Churches Coach
- Mark's Story
I am honored to walk with God’s people as they seek to live and lead well. I am passionate about health, healing, and wholeness. As a Professionally Certified Coach (PCC) through the International Coaching Federation, I draw upon my experience and additional training as an End-of-Life Coach, Spiritual Coach, Positive Intelligence, and Boundless Compassion Facilitator. Most recently I have been engaged in growing my personal work around Racial Justice. This has taken the form of co-facilitating conversations with cohorts for self-discovery of their own racism and connecting it with their faith.
Throughout my ministry, I accompany leaders, congregations, and teams in coaching relationships targeted at formation, listening skills, and healthier working relationships. I am creative and seek to explore, empathize, innovate, navigate, and activate the change desired to be the best version of oneself, and their community. I serve on the Leadership Team for Leading Well and the Life of Faith Initiative, and I’m a member of the DEI team for Boundless Compassion.
Throughout my ministry, I accompany leaders, congregations, and teams in coaching relationships targeted at formation, listening skills, and healthier working relationships. I am creative and seek to explore, empathize, innovate, navigate, and activate the change desired to be the best version of oneself, and their community. I serve on the Leadership Team for Leading Well and the Life of Faith Initiative, and I’m a member of the DEI team for Boundless Compassion.
Cris Alsum
Administrator
- Cris's Story
Cris has spent her career supporting leaders and teams in different administrative and operations roles. She has experience in a variety of organizations from Christian publishing and church staff to technology and manufacturing companies. She enjoys organizing information and spaces and has a special place in her heart (and on her desk) for paper planners! Cris is married to Will, and they have two young adult daughters. They live in Colorado and enjoy spending time exploring the beauty and history around them.
Deacon Tammy Devine, PCC
Leading Well Coach, PCC
- Tammy's Story
I am honored to walk with God’s people as they seek to live and lead well. I am passionate about health, healing, and wholeness. As a Professionally Certified Coach (PCC) through the International Coaching Federation, I draw upon my experience and additional training as an End-of-Life Coach, Spiritual Coach, Positive Intelligence, and Boundless Compassion Facilitator. Most recently I have been engaged in growing my personal work around Racial Justice. This has taken the form of co-facilitating conversations with cohorts for self-discovery of their own racism and connecting it with their faith.
Throughout my ministry, I accompany leaders, congregations, and teams in coaching relationships targeted at formation, listening skills, and healthier working relationships. I am creative and seek to explore, empathize, innovate, navigate, and activate the change desired to be the best version of oneself, and their community. I serve on the Leadership Team for Leading Well and the Life of Faith Initiative, and I’m a member of the DEI team for Boundless Compassion.
Throughout my ministry, I accompany leaders, congregations, and teams in coaching relationships targeted at formation, listening skills, and healthier working relationships. I am creative and seek to explore, empathize, innovate, navigate, and activate the change desired to be the best version of oneself, and their community. I serve on the Leadership Team for Leading Well and the Life of Faith Initiative, and I’m a member of the DEI team for Boundless Compassion.
Rev. Jeff Marian, MCC
Director of Coaching School, MCC
- Jeff's Story
I'm excited to share a bit about myself and how I can support you on your journey towards personal and professional growth. I’m Jeff Marian, owner of Marian Coaching, and I'm a certified life and leadership coach.
Throughout my life, I have been passionate about helping individuals like you unlock their full potential and achieve their goals. I believe that each of us has a unique set of strengths and capabilities, and my mission is to guide you in harnessing those abilities to create a fulfilling and purposeful life.
With over 35 years of non-profit leadership and 10 years of experience in coaching, I have had the privilege of working with diverse individuals from various backgrounds. I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of coaching and the incredible impact it can have on people's lives. I am committed to helping individuals and teams in the non-profit and business community discern their goals and dreams, dance with their obstacles, and chart a course to their preferred future. Few things bring me more joy than seeing others thrive in the life of their choosing.
Whether you're seeking guidance in career development, personal relationships, mindset and motivation, or any other area of your life, I am dedicated to customizing our coaching sessions to meet your unique needs and objectives. I strongly believe in the power of accountability, and I will be your committed partner throughout your journey, providing support, encouragement, and constructive feedback.
I received a BA in psychology at the University of North Dakota and an M.Div. from the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago. While serving as a pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America for 35 years I received my Coach Practitioner and Narrative Coach Practitioner certifications from Learning Journeys, an ICF-certified coaching school in Woodbury, MN (www.learningjourneys.net).
I’ve been married to my wife, Nancy, for 38 years. Together we have three adult children. I’m an avid cyclist, voracious reader, beer snob, and Bourbon lover.
Thank you for considering me as your coach. I am honored to be a part of your journey, and I look forward to working with you and witnessing your incredible growth.
To get started, feel free to explore the website and reach out to me for a complimentary consultation. Let's embark on this transformative journey together!
Throughout my life, I have been passionate about helping individuals like you unlock their full potential and achieve their goals. I believe that each of us has a unique set of strengths and capabilities, and my mission is to guide you in harnessing those abilities to create a fulfilling and purposeful life.
With over 35 years of non-profit leadership and 10 years of experience in coaching, I have had the privilege of working with diverse individuals from various backgrounds. I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of coaching and the incredible impact it can have on people's lives. I am committed to helping individuals and teams in the non-profit and business community discern their goals and dreams, dance with their obstacles, and chart a course to their preferred future. Few things bring me more joy than seeing others thrive in the life of their choosing.
Whether you're seeking guidance in career development, personal relationships, mindset and motivation, or any other area of your life, I am dedicated to customizing our coaching sessions to meet your unique needs and objectives. I strongly believe in the power of accountability, and I will be your committed partner throughout your journey, providing support, encouragement, and constructive feedback.
I received a BA in psychology at the University of North Dakota and an M.Div. from the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago. While serving as a pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America for 35 years I received my Coach Practitioner and Narrative Coach Practitioner certifications from Learning Journeys, an ICF-certified coaching school in Woodbury, MN (www.learningjourneys.net).
I’ve been married to my wife, Nancy, for 38 years. Together we have three adult children. I’m an avid cyclist, voracious reader, beer snob, and Bourbon lover.
Thank you for considering me as your coach. I am honored to be a part of your journey, and I look forward to working with you and witnessing your incredible growth.
To get started, feel free to explore the website and reach out to me for a complimentary consultation. Let's embark on this transformative journey together!
Janny Franken, PCC
Coach & Trainer, PCC
- Janny's Story
Janny started coaching First Grade students through a program called “Odyssey of the Mind.” She guided students in small-group problem-solving by asking questions, sharing observations, but not giving answers. She enjoyed their creativity and critical thinking skills. She has a heart for coaching people in congregations, ministry leaders around the nation, and women in transition. Janny has a Dutch Master’s Degree in Educational Sciences, a Bachelor’s in Pedagogy, and has completed training to lead a Dutch Elementary School in a foreign country. She holds the Professional Certified Coach (PCC) credential from the International Coaching Federation, and has her own coaching business – Frank ’n Sense. Her favorite faith practice is listening to music and singing along—she finds God through music, in the car, during exercise, with her family—everywhere!
Rev. Tom Smith, ACC
Leading Well Cohort Coach
BACKGROUND | FOCUS
Janny started coaching First Grade students through a program called “Odyssey of the Mind.” She guided students in small-group problem-solving by asking questions, sharing observations, but not giving answers. She enjoyed their creativity and critical thinking skills. She has a heart for coaching people in congregations, ministry leaders around the nation, and women in transition. Janny has a Dutch Master’s Degree in Educational Sciences, a Bachelor’s in Pedagogy, and has completed training to lead a Dutch Elementary School in a foreign country. She holds the Professional Certified Coach (PCC) credential from the International Coaching Federation, and has her own coaching business – Frank ’n Sense. Her favorite faith practice is listening to music and singing along—she finds God through music, in the car, during exercise, with her family—everywhere!
Jim's Perspective on Leading Change
Jim believes that training and coaching is about giving people the tools for asking the right questions, at the right time, with the right people that help individuals that help them align their days with their dreams. Our training and coaching helps people discover “what is” and imagine “what if." If you or your leaders feel stuck and wish to move beyond a "good enough" mindset, then consider using a trainer coach to call forth new possibilities in your life.
Jim trained, coached, and consulted with 100s of individuals and organizations across the country related to individual and organizational transformation. Jim is author of two books, Surface to Soul and Coaching Change, that provide tools for reinventing our lives and ministries.