Bill Wilson – Life Coach
With a deep passion for the local church, as well as a commitment to the health and success of both clergy and congregations, Dr. William “Bill” Wilson founded The Center for Healthy Churches in 2014. This followed his service of over 4 years as President of the Center for Congregational Health at Wake Forest University Hospital. He brings over 33 years of local church ministry experience to the Center, having served as pastor in churches located in Virginia, South Carolina, and Georgia.
He has taught adjunctively at Baptist Theological Seminary of Richmond, McAfee School of Divinity, and Central Theological Seminary and led conferences and workshops in multiple settings. He is currently a member of the Board for Baptist News Global. Dr. Wilson is a certified coach and facilitator, and he has experience as a consultant in numerous settings including organizations, faith communities, and churches. Bill has been an ICF certified coach for ten years and has extensive experience working with pastors and other church leaders to explore life goals, vision, and vocational direction.
He received his M.Div. at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and his D.Min. at the Graduate Theological Foundation in South Bend, IN. Along with Dr. Bob Dale, he co-authored Weaving Strong Leaders: How Leaders Grow Down, Grow Up and Grow Together.
He writes: “I first discovered coaching as a ministry tool while I was a pastor, and I frequently say that it helped me in ways no book, conference or workshop ever had. I would never pastor again without a leadership coach. In this current season of life when I serve as a coach for many clergy, I am finding the same truth being lived out in many lives. Having someone ask the right question at the right time about a project, personal relationship challenge, opportunity or simply how to navigate this new and uncharted world of ministry we all live in is nothing less than a gift. Coaching can be such a life-giving, encouraging, and invigorating influence upon those faithfully seeking to hone their gifts and talents for ministry.”
“Bill Wilson is a superb coach with an empathetic ear. With a keen understanding of the local church setting, his years of experience in pastoral ministry are used to sharpen the insight of ministers, to remind them they are not alone, and to empower them within their specific context. In the nearly five years of being coached by Bill, I have never left a session without feeling emboldened to take significant steps of faith that result in greater personal health and enhanced kingdom impact. I would highly recommend him.”
“Bill worked individually and collectively with our four-person associate pastor team as we stepped up to lead after the resignation of the senior pastor. His spirit-led (and practical) coaching was invaluable — both professionally and personally — and with his guidance help our church was able to experience a season of much-needed healing and growth.”