Internal Mentoring Vs. External Coaching
As we kick off 2026, join hosts Renée and Brandon Collins dive into a vital question for ministry leaders: Who is the best kind of person to walk with us when we just need another voice in our lives? Joined by veteran consultants and coaches Aqueelah Ligonde and Doug Ranck, this episode explores the nuances between coaching, mentoring, and guiding, and why having a “sounding board” is essential for long-term health in ministry.
Key Discussion Points
- Personal Stories of Impact: The hosts and guests share pivotal moments where a coach or mentor stepped in—from Brandon’s transition into an Executive Pastor role to Renée’s early days in youth ministry being mentored on organizational history.
- The Three Distinct Roles: Aqueelah breaks down the functional differences between these often-interchanged terms:
- Coach: Professional, task-oriented, specific to a role or season, and often paid.
- Mentor: Long-term, personal, and holistic, focusing on the “whole life” of the leader.
- Guide: Often spiritual and intuitive, providing wisdom in a specific direction or moment.
- The Dynamics of “Choosing”: Doug and Aqueelah discuss the difference between choosing a mentor versus being chosen by one, and how both can provide a necessary boost to a leader’s confidence and self-esteem.
- PSA for Senior Leaders: Aqueelah issues a “commercial break” warning: Do not use coaching or mentoring as a “last resort” before firing someone. Using these tools as a disciplinary measure creates a culture of fear and limits the effectiveness of the relationship.
Meet the Guests
| Guest | Role | Location | Fun Fact |
| Doug Ranck | Associate Pastor & Lead Consultant | Santa Barbara, CA | Has mentored Aqueelah in the past (and now she mentors him!). |
| Aqueelah Ligonde | Lead Consultant | Long Island, NY | Mentors numerous youth and her many nieces and nephews. |
Notable Quotes
“It’s an honor for someone to say, ‘I want to speak into your life.’ It gives you this courage and confidence knowing someone wise sees something in you.” — Aqueelah Ligonde
“I’m still in youth ministry because of those people who helped me pace myself.” — Doug Ranck
Resources Mentioned
- Ministry Architects: Consulting and coaching resources for churches.
- Gaide Institute at Westmont College: Mentoring programs for pastors.
- Eugene Peterson’s Memoirs: Discussed by Doug regarding shared mentors.
Contacts
Brandon Collins – brandon.collins@ministryarchitects.com
Renee Wilson – renee.wilson@ministryarchitects.com
Aqueelah Ligonde – aqueelah.ligonde@ministryarchitects.com
Doug Ranck – doug.ranck@ministryarchitects.com