About Bob Harris
Robert A. (Bob) Harris is mostly retired but has been a Professional Certified Coach member of the International Coach Federation who has spent over 1400 hours coaching clients. He is especially qualified to work with pastors who are new to a church. As a Presbyterian Interim Pastor and called pastor he has helped four churches do major turnarounds. When he entered the system they were conflicted and dysfunctional. After he worked with them, they were energized with new vision and unity and had a clear sense of being a team.
Experience and Training
- Certificate in Leadership Coaching - Georgetown University Center for Professional Development - 2004
- Trained Facilitator - EQi 2.0 - Emotional Intelligence instrument - 2014
- Trained Facilitator - Church Assessment Tool (CAT Scan) - Holy Cow Consulting - 2014
- Trained Facilitator – Healthy Congregations Workshop – uses Peter Steinke’s systems approach to congregations
- 40 years experience as parish pastor - coaching, counseling, leading, planning, including serving as interim pastor in four churches (helping them develop clear mission, vision, solve problems, etc..
- Led interim pastors groups in both National Capital and Baltimore Presbyteries
- B.S. Physics, Missouri University of Science and Technology (aka in 1963 as Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy)
- M.Div., Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
- corporate experience with A.T.&T., McDonnell Aircraft.
Interests and Abilities
- special training in dealing with organizations, conflict between persons in systems, leadership training, developing a vision for the organization, turning around an organization that is dis-spirited and discouraged.
- an ability to ask tough questions and draw forth a person’s best stuff.
- a passionate interest in helping persons grow in mind and spirit.
- ability to help people address ethical issues.
- a generous spirit and sense of humor.
Memberships
- National Capital Presbytery, Presbyterian Church, U.S.A.
- Formerly member of the International Coach Federation - Professional Certified Coach
On a personal note – Bob has been married to Mary Helen since 1963. Their two sons and wives each have two children. Bob and Mary Helen enjoy international travel, interesting foods, and are active in community affairs.