Jim LaDoux
Founder, Surface to Soul
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.
We are proud to have an ever-growing group of experienced and effective leaders working with us as coaches and trainers. Our team will come alongside you and your organization or faith community to spark transformation in one or more of the following of 8 ministry pathways:
1 | LIVE & LEAD WELL
- Create a vision and plan for lifelong faith.
- Help people discover, develop & deploy their callings.
- Embed Christ-centered conversations into daily life.
- Help households celebrate life and faith milestones.
2 | GROW VIBRANT FAITH
- Create a vision and plan for lifelong faith.
- Help people discover, develop & deploy their callings.
- Embed Christ-centered conversations into daily life.
- Help households celebrate life and faith milestones.
3 | GROW VITAL CONGREGATIONS
4 | IMPROVE CHURCH COMMUNICATIONS
- Define your mission, identify, and signature events.
- Describe your past, present, and future.
- Complete the 8 Pathways Audit.
- Gather feedback from your faith community.
- Design roadmaps for reinvention.
- Clarify your brand & key messages.
- Clarify what you offer and why it matters.
- Conduct internal & external communication audits.
- Form collaborative communication teams.
- Learn how to plan, promote & repurpose content.
5 | DEEPEN FRIENDSHIP & CONNECTIONS
- Turn first-time visitors into frequent guests.
- Teach members creative ways extend hospitality.
- Create plans to engage more members in ministry.
- Help people discern their callings & commitments.
6 | GROW GIVING & ENGAGEMENT
- Create a scorecard for measuring financial stewardship.
- Create impact & generosity storytelling scripts.
- Design year-round Ask, Thank, Tell generosity plans.
- Help people begin a journey of generosity.
7 | STREAMLINE YOUR SYSTEMS
- Clarify the roles that Board and staff play.
- Use RACI model to help leaders collaborate better.
- Create plans for ongoing Board development.
- Rethink and reimagine your nominating teams.
8 | STAFF & SUPERVISE WELL
- Update job descriptions for paid & unpaid servants.
- Build systems to select, onboard & supervise staff.
- Help leaders &teams set & celebrate annual goals.
- Create Policies & Procedures Manual for paid staff.
MEET OUR TEAM
Jim LaDoux
Director of Coaching Services
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
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.”
Cris Alsum
Administrator
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
Trainer & Coach, PCC
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
Trainer & Coach
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
Trainer & Coach
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. Dr. Mark Slaughter
Trainer & Coach
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. Dr. Mark Slaughter
Trainer & Coach
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. Tom Smith
Trainer & Coach
Tom's journey is one of compassion and insight, forged through his experiences in both the corporate realm and ministry. Specializing in fostering joy, productivity, and peace, Tom's approach is a blend of the latest neuroscience findings and his deep-rooted Christian faith. In his coaching space, he crafts a sanctuary of trust, where transformation flourishes in sessions filled with empathy and impact.
A beacon in the field, Tom proudly serves as a coach for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Greater Milwaukee Synod where he coaches faith leaders, leadership teams, and individuals from a variety of backgrounds and beliefs. With a unique blend of a Master of Divinity and a Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering, Tom's works bridge personal narratives with cutting-edge science, offering a rich tapestry of wisdom for those seeking guidance in personal growth and career development.
Beyond coaching, Tom finds joy spending time with his wife and, when available, his two adult children. He restores his soul in thrilling activities like downhill skiing, cycling, international travel and soulful moments with his furry companions – Samoyeds Lucy and Dwight, along with cats Winston and Koa.
His love for nature is evident in his favorite hiking spots, from the crimson rocks of Sedona to the enchanting trails of Walnut Canyon and Wisconsin's charming state parks.
Reach out today to embark on a transformative coaching journey with Tom. Dive into an introductory session, unravel your potential, and witness firsthand how Ridgeview Coaching can guide you towards discovering the greatness that lies within you. Tom's mission is to empower you to unlock your fullest potential and embrace resilience on your path to self-discovery and growth.
A beacon in the field, Tom proudly serves as a coach for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Greater Milwaukee Synod where he coaches faith leaders, leadership teams, and individuals from a variety of backgrounds and beliefs. With a unique blend of a Master of Divinity and a Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering, Tom's works bridge personal narratives with cutting-edge science, offering a rich tapestry of wisdom for those seeking guidance in personal growth and career development.
Beyond coaching, Tom finds joy spending time with his wife and, when available, his two adult children. He restores his soul in thrilling activities like downhill skiing, cycling, international travel and soulful moments with his furry companions – Samoyeds Lucy and Dwight, along with cats Winston and Koa.
His love for nature is evident in his favorite hiking spots, from the crimson rocks of Sedona to the enchanting trails of Walnut Canyon and Wisconsin's charming state parks.
Reach out today to embark on a transformative coaching journey with Tom. Dive into an introductory session, unravel your potential, and witness firsthand how Ridgeview Coaching can guide you towards discovering the greatness that lies within you. Tom's mission is to empower you to unlock your fullest potential and embrace resilience on your path to self-discovery and growth.