EP 235 – Facing Crises and Embracing Change in Church Leadership with Will Cofield
On this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Will Cofield, who, besides being known as ‘Mr. Erin Cofield‘ (the trophy husband of one of the Bootcamp blog writers), shared insights from his remarkable and tumultuous journey in church leadership as he led a church to replant from within.
From beginning his ministry as a youth pastor and then moving into the lead pastor role in a struggling church with a history of division and turnover to facing severe challenges, including a church split over bluegrass, resistance to change, leadership disputes, almost getting into a fistfight with a deacon in his 80s who is on dialysis and a harrowing incident of abuse. Despite these trials, Will recounted how these crises eventually led to a profound transformation within the church. The congregation underwent a process of repentance, recommitted to its mission, and adopted a fresh approach to ministry that prioritizes Christ-centered worship and community outreach. Will emphasized the invaluable lessons learned through suffering, the importance of pastoral friendship, and the necessity of dependence on God above all.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Presentation
01:39 Guest’s Journey to Ministry
02:03 Challenges in the Church
05:28 Conflict and Confrontation
08:30 Facing the Dark Valley
12:57 The Path to Revitalization
19:25 Lessons from the Dark Valley
19:30 The Power of Community and Support
25:06 Closing Thoughts and Prayers