Karen L. Battle is a graduate of Trinity Lutheran Seminary (’86) and has served in pastoral leadership for 34 years as a mission developer of an ELCA and PC(USA) congregation and co-pastored a joint ELCA and PC(USA) worshiping community in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and redevelopment congregations in Chicago, Illinois and Columbus, Ohio. She led resource development efforts for the Center for Disease Control and Women of the ELCA. She was deeply involved in community organizing efforts with organizations in Columbus, Ohio (BREAD: Building Responsibility Equality and Dignity) and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (PIIN: Pittsburgh Interfaith Impact Network).
Education: ELCA Segment 1; Segment 2 (Stewardship, Mission Development/Congregational Vitality); Teams (Summit Coaching); Groups (NC Synod Leadership Renewal Cohort); Certificate in Spiritual Direction and Spiritual Leadership in Communal Discernment (Pneuma Institute); Certified Grief and End of Life Coach (Coaching at End of Life); Certificate in Spiritual Exercises (Pneuma Institute); Death and Grief Certification (Center for Loss and Life Transitions), Certificate in End of Life Care (UNCC).
As a coach, I am passionate about working with those who focus on mission development/congregational vitality in under resourced urban areas and those facing significant personal life and/or congregational losses that want to incorporate spirituality into their coaching focus. Using deep listening, powerful questions, and silence we will engage in a sacred conversation held within the presence of the Holy Spirit. If loss and grief emerge, I will act as a companion to offer a safe space, an open heart, affirmation and hope. The client will act as the expert as I witness, learn and accompany them through the wilderness of grief and mourning.
My mission is to provide a nonjudgmental, compassionate, and hospitable environment through individual, group or team coaching, that assists clients, who want to go from good to great, achieve their desired outcomes, and companion those who have experienced significant losses or unprocessed grief to find hope, healing, meaning, and new life.
