Church Planting and Pastoral Leadership Coaches

 

At the ICPA, we are committed to equipping church leaders with the tools and guidance they need to thrive in their ministry. Our coaching services are rooted in the CAM Coaching Model, a proven framework designed to help leaders gain clarity, build effective teams, and navigate the unique challenges of church planting and leadership.

Our coaches are not only certified through CAM 501, but also bring a wealth of real-world experience in pastoral leadership. Each coach has undergone extensive training and development, ensuring that they are equipped to guide you through the complexities of church leadership with wisdom and practical insight.

Josh Branham

Josh is the Lead Pastor of Hill City Church in Boise, Idaho. He moved to Boise from Fairbanks, Alaska to study preaching at Boise Bible College in 2009. He went on to get his Master of Arts in Christian Ministry from Grand Canyon University. Josh and his wife Shaina have three daughters. When Josh isn’t working, he enjoys running, biking, skiing, and playing with his two dogs. As a pastor and writer, Josh is passionate about helping you grow in your discipleship to Jesus. You can learn more about Josh and his work at joshuabranham.com.

Stephen Edwards

Steve was the Executive Director of the ICPA for the past 25 years, seeing 33 new churches planted where 25-30 thousand people worship God today. He is currently the Idaho Director for the ICPA. Steve has seen 3 new church planting movements started through churches planted in his tenure. Steve completed coaching training through Coach Approach Ministries in 2024.

Derek Murphy

Derek and his wife Bri live in Salt Lake City. He has served with Real Life on the Palouse helping to start campuses and is working on planting a church in the disciple-making movement model. Derek became the Executive Director of the ICPA on September 1st, 2022

Jesse Whitford

Jesse and his wife Jen live in Baker City, Oregon. Jesse has served on staff for the last 20 years at Baker City Christian Church, where he currently serves as Lead Pastor. Jesse enjoys coaching, mentoring, and learning from people in ministry and has a heart for those who serve in rural areas. Jesse is a graduate of Boise Bible College where he has served on the Board of Directors since 2020. Jesse has Completed Cam 501 Coaching Training. 

Group Coach

Mike Whitford

Mike and Cindy live in Richland, OR and attend Baker City Christian Church. Mike has served in two ICPA plants in the Treasure Valley, including Eagle Christian Church, and has more than 40 years of full-time leadership experience. Mike has been trained in leadership coaching and can coach church teams and leadership groups.

Tim Nay

Tim and his wife Khristyn planted LifeSpring Christian Church in Star ID with the ICPA in 2009 where he continues to serve as Lead Minister.  Tim loves coaching and mentoring ministers using his 30 years of church leadership experience, along with his Coach Approach Ministries training.  Tim is a graduate of Ozark Christian College (BBL) and Kentucky Christian University (M.A.) and has served on the ICPA board since 2021.

 

Preaching Coach

John Whittaker

John Whittaker is disciple of Jesus and a bible teacher whose goal is to provide what he calls “blue jeans theology” - theology for everyday life. He’s been a pastor and a church planter. He also taught at Boise Bible College full-time for 19 years, and still serves as an adjunct professor. One of his greatest joys in life is being a husband, father, and grandfather.

Currently, John is the creating all sorts of online Bible teaching resources to help people learn and live the Bible. One key resource is The Listener’s Commentary on the New Testament, which provides clear, down-to-earth teaching through the books of the New Testament. He loves seeing people come alive to the joy and transforming power of walking with Jesus in the midst of their everyday life. Learn more about sermon coaching with John here.

Why Coaching?

Whether you're in the early stages of planting a church or looking to grow and strengthen your existing ministry, our coaching will empower you to:

  • Clarify your vision and mission.

  • Build strong, effective teams.

  • Develop systems for long-term sustainability and growth.

  • Overcome the challenges unique to church planting and pastoral leadership.

We offer one-on-one coaching sessions tailored to your needs, along with group coaching opportunities to foster community and mutual support among leaders.

Take the next step in your leadership journey with a coach who understands the challenges you face and is ready to help you move forward with confidence and clarity.