“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8

As Christian Life Coaches, our clients, families, and friends, are often looking to the coach in their midst for a different voice in the storm. Our empathetic voices can bring a sense of clarity, calmness, and hope.

There is a wonderful acronym for H.O.P.E.

H old

O n

P ain

E nds

As Christians, we have a choice to make. We can function with a “hope” mentality or a “despair” mentality. After all, we are called to be the salt and light of the earth.

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden;” Matt 5:13-14

How are you choosing to focus on hope? It is most certainly a minute-by-minute decision. Often, coaches and encouragers our struggling as well.

Perhaps, some tools for your personal toolbox might be in order?

1. Pray

Investing your time with the Father is not just a luxury but is a necessity. Bathe in the word and shut out the world. Create a sacred space and time. This will fill you up so you can ultimately pour into others.  If you want to learn more about how to pray,  you might enjoy this lession from Billy Graham on “How to Talk to God”.

2. Journal

During chaotic times, a place to document your thoughts and prayers could bring comfort and hope. When you come through the adversity, there will be a place to reflect and then praise God for the deliverance.  Interested in learning more about journaling?  Check out these tips from Desiring God on “Five Ways to Flourish in Journaling”. 

3. Learn

Take this time to tackle an online business building course that you have been putting off. For example, self-paced DISC Training Certification https://www.christiancoachinstitute.com/courses/certified-disc-facilitator/. Read one of the motivational books that have been gathering dust on the bookshelf. So many options to keep you moving forward personally and professionally.

4. Give

Your time and talents are needed right now. Reach out to clients, friends, family, and fellow coaches. God may be placing someone on your heart, respond to the Holy Spirit’s prompting. Encouraging and loving on others is such a gift. How can you bless someone today?

In conclusion, we at Christian Coach Institute are here for you as well. We are blanketing you all in prayer. Let’s bravely embrace a mentality of hope!

“God will help you overflow with hope in Him through the Holy Spirit’s power within you.” Romans 15:13

Don’t forget self-care! Here is another reading to enjoy:

https://www.christiancoachinstitute.com/self-care-tips-for-christian-life-coaches/#more-12450

The post Hope in Chaotic Times appeared first on Christian Life Coach Training and Certification.

So, as Christian coaches, how do we demonstrate “love in action” to our clients? Here are some thoughtful questions to ponder.

How are you filling yourself with love by prioritizing your time with the Father?

Giving Jesus our first fruits can alter how we see our clients and others. Agape love goes beyond loving those that are easy to love when they are lovable. Have you noticed that it’s easier to give our love to willing recipients, however more difficult if challenges are present? When we begin our day, as Jesus did, it becomes easier to see others through a God-lens. Mark 1:35 “And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, He departed and went out to a desolate place, and there He prayed.”

If everything is filtered through God’s loving hands, then how can you see each client as a loving gift from the Father?

As believers, we know that there are no accidents. In all honesty, at times, we may have a difficult client. Perhaps, one that you must keep reeling back as they run through the next rabbit trail. If we look at love as a verb, perhaps being patient and kind is a great action step for us as coaches. By listening and caring with an empathetic heart, you may be the very gift they needed that day. ”Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17

Could distractions be divine appointments of love?

Bob Goff in his devotional, Live in Grace, Walk in Love, says, “don’t let anything but Jesus distract you.” He goes on to say that the average person spends “one out of every five minutes on social media. It’s literally taking over our lives minute by minute.” Instead, what if we made Jesus our distraction? What would it look like to pray for our clients and others when we are tempted to go to our phone? Perhaps a Bible App versus a social media App? Ultimately filling ourselves in a more loving and life-giving way.1 John 3:18 “Let us not love with words and speech, but with action and in truth.” Again, love is an action. Let’s be doers of the word and not just hearers!

In theory, this all seems so simple. At times, love is what we do and also what we don’t do. We must follow the model of Jesus. He began each day in prayer, filling Himself first to leave the footprint of the gospel message of love where ever He was called.

One final question…

If we blanket our businesses with intentional love and prayer, just imagine how God could use us?!

Here is another reading to enjoy: Relationship Coaching:  It’s ALL About Relationship

The post Love in Action appeared first on Christian Life Coach Training and Certification.

With the new year in full swing, how many of you are trying to wrap your head around the fact that it’s a new decade as well?! 2020 begs for the start of something new, different, and BIG! Could this be the year or decade where your vision becomes clearer and you actively walk into your calling?The new year always seems to start strong with big ambitions, but few take the time to document their vision or dream. Benjamin Franklin’s famous quote states this perfectly, “when you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.”

We at Christian Coach Institute want to help equip you to succeed this week, month, year, and decade. Let’s start with reciting our ABC’s, with a new twist! Perhaps, this new formula will help you cast away your fears and begin living the life for which God has called you. Let’s remember God’s promise in 1 Peter 5:6-7 “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”

A is for ACTION

Start by dreaming a bit. This is a great time to go before the Lord in prayer for His guidance for your life.

Ask yourself some questions:

• How do you want your life to look? This week? This month? This year? This decade?
• What do you want your home life to look like?
• What are your financial desires?
• What kind of legacy for the kingdom do you want to leave behind?

Enjoy the dreaming process, this is where you can dream BIG! There are no rules, so have some fun. In his book, The One Thing, Gary Keller reminds us, “Don’t fear big. Fear mediocrity. Fear waste. Fear lack of living your life to the fullest.”

B is for BRAVERY

This is the time to ask yourself and the Lord if your BIG dream or vision is feasible or possible. Be ready for an astounding YES and then be brave!

Ponder the following questions:

• What needs to occur for this dream to become reality?
• What might you learn or perhaps re-learn?
• “What is the one thing you can do such that by doing it everything else will be easier or unnecessary?” (The One Thing, by Gary Keller) This is a great question to ask daily, weekly, monthly, & yearly for all areas of your life.

Lest we forget, Ephesians 2:10; “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” As we bravely walk into our dreams, it is comforting to know we have the Holy Spirit living within us. When we are weak, He is strong!

C is for COMMITMENT

As you begin to navigate your new direction, remember that it takes 66 days to create a new habit. We can’t expect to keep doing the same thing we have always done and then expect a different result. True, lasting change will need a commitment.

Some thoughtful questions to marinate in:

• What are you willing to give up to make your dream a reality?
• How might creating a “success list” versus a “to-do” list benefit you daily?
• With whom can you share your precious dream?

According to Gary Keller, “Success is doing the right thing, not everything right.” We tend to be bogged down with our busyness, which leads to stress. Sometimes a mindset shift is what we need most. By committing to daily activities that will lead to a future payoff, we will undoubtedly start each day with the one thing that will yield the most success.

In summary, 2020 can be your year for a BIG change! Take time to reflect on 2019, remember all the lessons learned, then put it in your rearview mirror and focus on the road ahead. At Christian Coach Institute we can already hear you singing your ABCs! Casting your vision for the future takes action; be brave and participate in the process; then be committed to working your plan daily. While change can be scary, we always have our friend, Jesus, by our side. “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

Another reading to enjoy!

Goal Setting & Scriptures  

The post New Year, BIG Vision appeared first on Christian Life Coach Training and Certification.

Ready to commit to Life Coaching? The next step is choosing the right coach for you. As the demand for coaches increases, so do the options. This can make finding the right match confusing. Life coaches vary considerably in their specialties, approach and pricing. Because life coaching is a deeply personal process of self-discovery, a connection is important. So, how do you find the right coach for you? Invest time in the selection process. We have compiled our top ten tips to ensure you find the best possible coaching partnership.

Top Ten Tips to Choose the Best Life Coach for You 

1. What do you want to achieve? Before taking the first step toward hiring a Life Coach, identify why you are choosing this path. What are the reasons you want to hire a coach? Coaches are not counselors, mentors, or consultants. Make sure you know what coaching offers and if coaching is right for you, then pinpoint your personal reasons for choosing coaching. 

2. Identify your niche: While many Life Coaches are generalists, others focus on a particular area of interest, such as transitions, executive leadership, career change, etc.  So, ask yourself if you prefer someone who works with a broad range of issues, or identifies as a specialist.

3. Do your research: Most Life Coaches have information about their business online. Learn about who they are, what they offer, and how they work by searching the internet and social media. Also, ask for recommendations from friends and family members, but keep in mind that the attributes they consider important in a coach might differ from yours. This is why interviewing several coaches is important. 

4. Check credentials: The International Coach Federation (ICF) is the most widely recognized  and reputable regulatory organization in the industry. There are only 25,000 ICF-certified coaches in the world today. ICF coaches adhere to core competencies that ensure high ethical and professional standards. This credential doesn’t guarantee a great coach, but statistics indicate coaches with credentials are more successful. Consider: In 2017 the ICF commissioned a Global Consumer Awareness Study to measure consumer awareness of personal and professional coaching around the world. Approximately 27,000 individuals over 18 were interviewed in 30 countries around the world. One key finding was that credentials/certifications are considered to be very important, among both those who have been coached and those who have not. In addition, reported satisfaction with coaching is higher among individuals whose coach held a credential than those whose coach did not. 

5. Education and Experience: Every client values different qualifications in a coach. Some look for a college degree while others put more stock in hours or years of experience. What does a coach need to attain in order for you to feel comfortable as a client? In addition, consider asking for testimonials, or other success stories the coach can share without breaking confidentiality.

6. Look for a lifelong learner: Excellent coaches are committed to ongoing personal and professional development. Look for a coach who is passionate about growth, and you will likely have a more successful coaching partnership. See below for recommended questions to ask during an interview. 

7. Set up interviews: Use this opportunity to ensure a coach is committed to ongoing professional development, knows how to get results, and feels safe. Coaching requires vulnerability; therefore make sure you trust them. Most coaches offer a free introductory session. If you feel pressured to purchase without a conversation, think again. Even if you are leaning toward a particular coach, interview at least three. Some great questions to ask a potential coach include: 

• • What are your core values and beliefs? As a Christian, you want to ensure the Holy Spirit is welcome in the process.
  • How do you stay on top of your profession? Look for a coach committed to ongoing learning and development
  • How have you grown as a coach in the last few years? 
  • How do you get results? Ask for testimonials or references. 

8. Assess what you can invest: Before you begin researching options, ask yourself the following practical questions:

• • How much time do I have?
  • What time of day is available?
  • How much money can I spend?
  • Do I prefer meeting virtually or in person?

9. Evaluate: Sit down with your notes and consider the following questions:

• • What stood out?
  • How well did the coach listen?
  • How “safe” did you feel with the coach? 
  • What did you learn about your own needs and interests?
  • Which coach seemed most passionate about partnering with you? 
  • What option is most practical?
  • What else?

Remember, the choice is yours. Keep an open mind and prepare to be surprised by a powerful connection. Pay attention to how you feel during the interview, and take notes on information offered.

10. Pray: Above all, invite the Lord into your decision-making process. He is your ultimate coach and will help guide your decision. 

Choosing wisely goes a long way

Choosing the right coach is critical to achieving your coaching goals. Be selective by following these ten tips and remember to include God in your search process. Proverbs 24:27 confirms that preparation is important: “Put your outdoor work in order and get your fields ready; after that, build your house.” Do the necessary work up front to find the best coach for you, and build the life God desires.

Of the ten tips above, what stands out as an important consideration to you?

What else might be an important consideration for you when hiring a coach?

Looking for a coach?  Visit our Find A Coach Directory 

The post How to Choose the Best Life Coach for You appeared first on Christian Life Coach Training and Certification.

Why is Self Care Important for Coaches?

First, practicing self care is necessary for professional Christian coaches to stay productive and passionate about our work. When we make our own needs a priority, the natural outflow is compassion for others. This leads to a desire to give back, which is reflected in our coaching relationships. Perhaps that’s why Jesus said to love our neighbors as ourselves, not instead of ourselves. If we neglect our personal needs, we will eventually experience illness or spiritual fatigue. 

Furthermore, if God loves us deeply, why should we treat ourselves any differently? As individuals made in His image, He desires we see ourselves as worthy of care and deserving of affection. If we neglect our needs, we discount our value and refuse to receive the abundant life Jesus sacrificed his life to provide for us. 

Finally, coaches who put their needs first set an example. Many in ministry give too much time and energy to others, disrupting their families and compromising their walk with God. By modeling self-care, we inspire our clients and communities to live healthier, more productive lives in their own circles of influence. 

Ten Easy Self Care Tips for Christian Life Coaches

So where can you start adding self-care into your life? Simplicity is important to avoid accidentally adding stress. Start with just one or two steps below to include in your routine. Build your routine slowly so the changes stick: 

1. Laugh! You’d be surprised how this changes your body chemistry for the better in real time! 

2.Say “No” sometimes so you can say “Yes” to self care!  You can’t fill other cups when yours is empty!

3.Make time for silence and solitude. While this may be uncomfortable at first, it’s absolutely essential to staying in touch with God and your present reality.

4.Find your tribe. Spend time regularly with people who allow you to share what you are thinking and feeling with acceptance and love. 

5.Eat well 80% of the time. Give yourself grace to slack off or celebrate with the other 20%. Perfection is stressful! 

6.Practice prevention. Book all your regular check-ups as a gift to yourself, rather than a chore. 

7.Do something new. When we stop learning, we stop becoming all God intended. 

8.Rest. Remember, rejuvenation isn’t always about getting more sleep; sometimes it’s simply doing something you love alone or with others.

9.Manage your schedule. Even if you value flexibility, plan your week with blocks of time for coaching, marketing, family, fun and exercise. What else is essential to your day? 

10.Be true to yourself. Living an inauthentic life strains your relationships with yourself, others and God. It can even impact your health.

Self Care is Worth the Investment

Taking care of yourself has a huge return in terms of your productivity and joy. Keep it simple by following the above steps on a regular basis and you will experience results in your own life, as well as inspire those around you to take better care of themselves. 

Keep in mind, however, that prioritizing your self-care doesn’t mean that your needs always come first. When a crisis hits, you’ll be prepared to give everything until the storm passes. Facing a crisis in a depleted state of mind or body can lead to a break down, rather than a break through.

If you want to be a care-FULL coach, keep asking for what you need and finding ways to top up your tank.

What can you do today to support your health and wellbeing?

What are a few of your favorite self care tips for Christian Life Coaches?

The post Self Care Tips for Christian Life Coaches appeared first on Christian Life Coach Training and Certification.

What are Boundaries?

A boundary is an established perimeter that allows for healthy relationships. Think of it as a wall around your life, much like the wall around Jerusalem, as described in the book of Nehemiah. The purpose of this ancient wall was to create and contain a strong, productive community, as well as keep it safe from outside threats. As a coach, it’s important to establish a similar line of demarcation between yourself and your clients in order to:

• Create a relationship built on a foundation of trust
• Clarify responsibilities for both coach and client
• Increase your confidence
• Establish your credibility
• Preserve your joy at work
• Maximize your effectiveness
• Keep the focus on God’s will, versus your agenda

Assessing Your “Walls”

Nehemiah was an Isrealite displaced from Jerusalem by the exile. While he was serving the Persian King, God called him back to his homeland to rebuild the broken walls around Jerusalem and reestablish a holy community. When Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem to assess the damage, he walked around the perimeter of the city to evaluate each section. In some places the walls were cracked, while other sections were leveled. There were also numerous gates, all of which had been burned to allow Judah’s enemies easy access to the interior. In the same way, our boundaries have “doors”, which have the power to open and close at will, determining both what we allow in and out. Here are some common signs that your coaching “walls” and “gates” might require some repair work:

• Your clients are often late to their coaching sessions, if they show up at all.
• You often start coaching before a client has paid the fee.
• You regularly answer emails and phone calls outside of office hours.
• Your family and friends regularly comment that your work always comes fiYou experience more fatigue, anxiety, and frustration than joy or job satisfactioYour desk is uncharacteristically messy more often than not.
• You are forgetting important details and often feel rushed.
• Your relationship with God feels stagnant.

As servant leaders, sometimes it’s easy to let boundaries crumble in the name of “ministry”. Nehemiah’s example is inspiring if we regularly find ourselves compromising to make others feel loved, or attempting to secure their business. He didn’t waver in completing the restoration of Jerusalem’s boundaries, despite internal and external opposition. How can you contain your compassion in such a way that you honor yourself, increase your effectiveness with clients and communicate God’s love and grace? Here are some suggestions to prayerfully consider based on the example of Nehemiah:

• Ask God to reveal where work needs to be done. As Nehemiah did, stop and pray before taking any actions steps: Lord, please speak to my heart and reveal to me where my boundaries are broken in my personal relationships, interactions with others and interactions with you.
• Ask yourself: What is my part in the issue? Perhaps ask a trusted friend or family member or feedback to reveal blind spots.
• Determine what steps do you need to take to rebuild a healthier boundary and develop a plan.
• Consider what resources do you need to support making changes that will endure?
• Lead with love, not blame, to ensure you don’t go to the other extreme and build a fortress of self-protection around yourself.
• Stay enthusiastically committed to establishing appropriate parameters with every client, and you will be successful!  

Finally, reevaluate your Coaching Agreement and make discussing it a priority with every client. Establishing clear expectations up front allows clients to wholeheartedly pursue the process with you, and actually develop a deeper more trusting relationship. This is often the single most important step you can take in healthier, more productive coach/client relationships.

Start Today!!

Taking these steps to establish healthy boundaries requires commitment and a willingness to change deeply ingrained beliefs and behaviors, but the rewards are great! When Nehemiah and his team finished the wall around Jerusalem, God was glorified (Neh. 6:16) and a community rooted in teamwork was established. When we attend to our lives and work in a way that honors God above our own needs, He is seen through our success. Your “labor of love” will impact your clients, family, friends, as well as your walk with the Lord, resulting in more peace, joy and energy for the work God has given you.

Boundaries don’t contain your potential, they expand it!  

How effective are the boundaries in your personal life?

Where might the walls around your professional life need attention?

The post Helping Coaches Build Healthy Boundaries appeared first on Christian Life Coach Training and Certification.

Comparison is particularly harmful to new coaches. It hinders your ability to hear from Holy Spirit in your coaching sessions, learn from others, and grow your unique gifts and strengths. Additionally, it empowers your false self–that person you believe others want you to be. When hiding behind this mask you will never discover your authentic coaching style and voice, robbing others of receiving the unique gifts you offer. Inauthenticity is also exhausting, and will likely send you down rabbit trails that end in giving up. A trap is designed to be well disguised so you walk in unaware. Therefore, one of the most valuable lessons you can learn as a coach is how to recognize comparison as a potential blind spot before it steals the joy that comes from measuring your potential against others.

So how can you make sure that you stay focused on what you are called to create, and trust God in the process? Focus on the following:

Listen to Holy Spirit

We all have a lot of voices competing for our attention. Anytime we are stepping into something new, particularly if it centers around Christ, we meet strong resistance. Our inner critic might even become louder, drowning out Holy Spirit’s encouragement and guidance. If you are spending more time acknowledging the voices that say “not enough” or “can’t”, then it’s likely you are tuning into the frequency of the world. Resist the urge to “prove” yourself, which can lead to burnout. Rather, return to God’s promises and slow down to rediscover that “still, small voice inside” (1 Kings 19:12). Just because it isn’t loud doesn’t make it any less true–or powerful.

What scripture can you find to remind yourself that God’s opinion is most important?

Grow Your Strengths

If God has called you into this new venture then He doesn’t expect you to come fully prepared. One danger of comparison is that it halts improvement because it centers on measuring your value against others, versus your ability. When you find yourself evaluating another coach’s skills, gifting or business savvy against your own, take a step back. Those coaches you admire aren’t any more worthy than you, only more experienced. Remain teachable, so you continue to grow. Celebrate your courage to step into something new.  Use your energy to improve your skills through practice, and learn how to capitalize on your strengths. Even spiritual gifts aren’t honed without application.

While your focus is on developing your strengths, embrace your limitations as they actually qualify you to influence others! Paul said that, “My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Rejoice in those areas where you still seek growth. They keep you humble, which is a huge asset for coach because without it you stop growing spiritually and professionally. Seek input and inspiration from friends, family and coaches who have built businesses you aspire to emulate. Be sure to celebrate every success God grants you along the way.

What do you want to learn next? What step can you take today to become an even better coach?

Give Yourself Grace

It’s easy to disqualify yourself over simple mistakes, particularly in the early days of coaching when it seems there is much to learn. One unhappy client can trigger thoughts that you’ll never be as successful as your mentors. Be careful that you aren’t buying into the belief that “successful” coaches are also perfect. When you set such a high standard for yourself, you stop learning from your mistakes and taking risks that can cultivate growth. Christ said, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48), but he wasn’t speaking about being without fault. The Greek translation for “perfect” in this verse actually means “complete” or “whole”, referring to our character in Christ. While you may have a long way to go in terms of refining your skills, give yourself grace to be in the lifelong process of “becoming” in all areas of your life. Releasing the need to control the outcome can be incredibly exciting and help you stay focused on your path.

Inspire those Coming Behind

Remember that as much as you progress in your coaching, you are also influencing new coaches,  They will also compare themselves to you! How can you be an encouragement to those coming behind? What can you do to support their success and disseminate the spirit of comparison? Coaches who embrace servant leadership call out strengths in other coaches.  They know that in God’s economy everyone is successful who trusts in His plan and pursues lifting others along the way.

Preserve the Joy

Traps are not only well disguised, they are also easy (even natural) to enter, but impossible to leave in your own strength.  If you feel stuck in the trap of comparison, know that Jesus understands how debilitating it feels. Ask Him to open the door to freedom so that you can move forward in becoming the coach He envisions for your life. The purpose of Christian coaching isn’t to build a “winning team”, but to participate in transforming lives, one at a time. Focus on each client as if they were the only one, and “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Col. 3:23)

Comparison can either elevate us, or stop our growth and development completely. It’s a matter of perspective. Excellent coaches are examples to emulate, not adversaries.

Shift your mindset to operate from your uniqueness – your strengths, experiences, skills, and gifts, and become the person God created you to be.  In doing so, you will fulfill your purpose with joy and give the gift of your authentic coaching voice to your clients.

The post How Coaches Can Avoid the Trap of Comparison appeared first on Christian Life Coach Training and Certification.

What defines a servant leader?

While our culture tends to recognize leaders as those with a particular skill set or personality, servant leadership isn’t based on talent or position; rather, it’s God’s high call on everyone’s life who is committed to following Jesus. This includes parents, corporate executives, and coaches. Servant leaders aren’t born, they are developed through a willingness to put others before themselves, and be transformed by intentionally living in God’s will and being obedient to His Word. Ultimately, it’s about the heart. Unlike traditional leadership models that focus on building one’s own power and influence, the servant leader’s greatest desire is seeing others achieve God’s best for their lives, even if it means sacrificing their own agenda.

Christian coaching aligns with this approach in that the client is considered the expert, and God’s will is paramount. The coach’s role is to stand in the gap and assist individuals in furthering their goals. Regardless how much knowledge or experience a coach has, the intention is to see God glorified through others. When a client succeeds, a servant leader isn’t envious or require sharing the spotlight–rather he is on his knees thanking God he had a part.

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Henri Nouwen writes of Christian leaders:  The way of the Christian leader is not the way of upward mobility in which our world has invested so much, but the way of downward mobility ending on the cross. This might sound morbid and masochistic, but for those who have heard the voice of the first love and said “yes” to it, the downward-moving way of Jesus is the way to the joy and peace of God, a joy and peace that is not of this world. Here we touch the most important quality of Christian leadership in the future. It is not a leadership of power and control, but leadership of powerlessness and humility in which the suffering servant of God, Jesus Christ, is made manifest.

While there are plenty of resources to learn about servant leadership, Jesus is our role model. He embodies what it means to truly give your life for another. His life and death illustrate that why we lead is far more important than where we lead, or how many. It all comes down to motivation. What draws you to coaching? If your greatest desire is to serve God by caring for others, then you are a servant leader.

How can coaches lead with kingdom influence?

Whether you are certified coach or praying about becoming one, start by considering those individuals who have had the greatest impact on your life: Who inspired you to help others reach their potential through coaching? What qualities do these individuals possess? Integrity? Faith? Commitment to excellence? Humility? Oftentimes we are most inspired by those with strong character, versus an impressive position or large platform. A true leader makes the right decision even when no one is watching, and it shows in every aspect of their public life. Andy Stanley calls this powerful quality “moral authority” — and it’s our most valuable asset as coaches and leaders.

“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.”Hebrews 13:7

Ask God to help you invest as much effort into building your character as you do into growing your skills as a coach. Perhaps start with the fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5: love, joy, peace, patiences, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Stop and pray, asking God to show you where to concentrate on cultivating your influence through who you are over what you do. How can you bring these qualities to your coaching sessions?

In addition Christian coaches can lead by:

• Trusting in God’s greater purpose over personal desires and gain.
• Being humble (teachable) and committed to the process of becoming a better person, not a perfect one.
• Championing your client’s success over your own.
• Committing to obeying God regardless of the cost, in your private and professional life.
• Pointing to Jesus as the ultimate source of knowledge and power.
• Knowing your true Identity: You are a child of God over your title, any other calling Jesus has assigned you.
• Foregoing competition: Build your business on your core values and God-given strengths, not on what other coaches offer that you can’t. Model servant leadership in your community by praying for other coaches to succeed as well.
• Meet with Coach Jesus on a regular basis. Listen to the questions he is asking you.

Your Life is Your Ministry

Servant leaders aren’t born, they are developed through challenges and opportunities. Character is cultivated in the fine stitching of our lives but becomes apparent under duress. As a coach, your greatest opportunity to influence others is born of how you handle obstacles – including failure – not what you are able to accomplish.

What trials are you undergoing? How can you lean into God in such a way that this season further defines you as a servant leader? If the answers aren’t apparent, ask God.

Building a principled life doesn’t require an impressive resume; in fact, the most influential leaders often bring nothing to the table but a deep faith in the goodness of God and a commitment to becoming more like Christ, regardless of the cost. The Bible is full of examples of servant leaders God selected long before they had any “job” experience, or even moral authority. Then, they spent their lives being refined and developed to grow into the leader God envisioned. David was still a shepherd when Samuel, at God’s request, tapped him to become the future King of Israel. Moses was an aging murderer and fugitive; and Paul – the most prolific writer of the New Testament – was a violent legalist until Jesus met him on the road and gave him spiritual sight. All three men continued to “boast” of weaknesses throughout their lives, but demonstrated dependence on God.

God equips the called with what’s needed in the moment. If you are willing to show up to the task at hand, God will develop the leader inside of you for the calling He has assigned you. Over time you will acquire more skills, but what God regards as critical is the condition of your heart.

Regardless of your past or your doubts and concerns about your future, God is inviting you to become a servant leader through your call to coach. God loves leaders who are still in the process of becoming.

Servant leadership is the narrow road and runs countercultural to what the world expects, but the return is far greater. By adopting the above principles you can have a far greater impact as a coach and draw closer to Christ. Coaches who follow Jesus’ model of servant leadership descend into greatness. What greater honor than to serve others in such a way that their greatest desire is to know Christ?

How do your core values align with servant leadership?

What is God asking you to change in order to be more influential as a coach with kingdom influence?

The post Christian Coaching: The Call to Servant Leadership appeared first on Christian Life Coach Training and Certification.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

What other better place to start than by going straight to God’s word?

Psalm 127:1 says that “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.”

Pretty strong language, is it not? It’s enough to stop someone in their tracks. I don’t know about you, but it makes me consider whether I might be putting in immense effort on goals that might not even be in line with God’s will.

So, what to do? How might we more clearly see what God would like us to be focused on?

First, we must prepare our hearts.

Sure, we might have an idea or direction of where to start. But, let’s make it a point to first get clear on where God wants us before we take steps forward.

Pray

As you get started, be sure to pray throughout the process.

Ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you. Ask God to reveal to you where He’d like your focus to be, for instance. And you know what? God promises He will do just that. “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” (Psalm 32:8)

Go to God’s Word

“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” (Proverbs 19:21)

Ask God to give you scripture to guide your focus. Then, be extra alert to the verses you hear and topics in conversation over the next couple weeks. God’s word will provide insight and direction on where to focus.

Additionally, consider taking it a step further by reading before and after the verse or verses He’s nudging you towards. Understand the context of what’s happening in the passage of scripture He’s directing you to.

Connect through journaling

Take time to journal or prayerfully consider how God has prepared you for this task at hand. Meditate on how will He be present with you throughout the journey. Maybe even look up some scripture to remind you of this truth. Remember, He is there ALWAYS, each day, each moment, every step of the way. “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” (Matthew 6:33-34)

Dream with God

Next, think BIG. Really big. You might be wondering…”How will I know if I’m thinking really big enough?” Essentially, you might not be thinking big enough if the goal can be accomplished in your own strength… you’re probably not thinking big enough. (Good, right? I heard this notion from a teaching from Michelle Myers of She Works His Way). Make room for God to work miracles. Specifically, make it clear that HE made it happen and is to be glorified by making the big goal!

Define Success

Then, consider what success will look like. How will you know you’ve reached your goal? What will have happened? What milestones will be met? Do yourself a favor and make that clear from the get go! (Plus, you’ll know that when you’ve reached those milestones, you can celebrate!)

Also, ask yourself, what’s the kingdom impact of the goal(s)? To start, you might want to consider how these goals are connected to loving God and making disciples- the great command and great commission… two goals that God made clear are meant for everyone.

CONSIDER THE PATH FORWARD

Create a Plan

Through prayer and journal time, loosely map out the steps to take that will bring you from where you are to where God wants you to go. Partner with God to create this strategy.

In the 40-day devotional, Draw the Circle, Mark Batterson suggests to, “Work like it depends on you. Pray like it depends on God.”

Keep God’s Will in the Forefront

Additionally, consider whether your goals leave room for God to move. I noticed that I wasn’t leaving enough margin for the unexpected because I was filling my schedule to the brim.

And, as you encounter challenges and perhaps need to reassess what’s going on, you may want to ask yourself the hard question of whether you love God’s will more than your own (gotquestions.org). Here’s some scripture to consider to go along with this concept, “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:36 NIV).

Stay Focused

Related to that, …let’s acknowledge that yes, sometimes the journey seems difficult (even with God on our side!). It takes effort and dedication to persevere. But remember, God has already prepared us for that. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”(Hebrews 12:1) Remember our God is a way maker! Let’s endure (and celebrate) by meditating on that truth more than our obstacles!

Keep Praise + Celebration

Also… success can be scary! When you do make amazing progress on the goal that God’s given you (I’m excited for you!), focus less on what that means for you and more on what that means for others and their walk with God. “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:13-16) Yes, He’s chosen you to do great works, and that is amazing. But at the end of day, let’s remember that it’s all to glorify Him. “Whatever you do do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

Run the Race!

Brothers and sisters in Christ, I hope that these words encourage you and make it clear that goal setting and scripture do go hand in hand. I pray that you are given fresh eyes or a new perspective today.

We would love to hear what God sized dream He has placed on your heart in the comments below!

(Guest post by one of our graduates, Coach Alexandra Kaval, CPLC of https://www.gracespacechristiancoaching.com and you can learn more about her on our Find a Coach Directory)

The post Goal Setting and Scriptures appeared first on Christian Life Coach Training and Certification.

However, one of the best skills you can develop as a life coach is to slow down when asking your coaching client curious questions and give a generous portion of grace space to your client.

This of course, is much easier said then done. Along with most other coaching skills, you must practice! Let’s step through a few tips and techniques that helped me master and understand the power of grace and space. Keep in mind the ultimate goal is to be present and focused on your coaching client, not your next question or inserting a personal story.

Serve your Client FIRST!

At the Christian Coach Institute, this is one of the 1st surprise lessons students learn in our CPLC course. A life coach does not mean you provide answers, solutions nor drum up a give-and-take conversation. You are partnering with your client who hired you to listen and ask curious questions – curious questions that serve them on their journey of discovery. In other words, this is all about  your client, not you!

Silence is Powerful

When was the last time you made a huge transformational decision? Perhaps getting married, buying your home, moving into a new career. Did you make this decision during a light, casual conversation? Or did you take time, prayerful thought and discernment? I find silence, especially during prayer is sacred. It’s that slice of heaven that is created when you become so quiet, that God’s grace can be felt. The same powerful experience is available when you invite your client time to absorb your last question. By allowing your coaching client a safe, silent space, God’s grace begins to do it’s amazing job of transformation. And that is such a beautiful thing to witness your coaching client arrive at that 1st “A-HA” moment.

Practice “Grace Space”

The online definition of grace is to honor or credit to (someone or something) by one’s presence. I love the word honor. Honoring your client is one of the keys to successful coaching, and our staff wholeheartedly believes in at the Christian Coach Institute. Just as we honor Jesus as Christians through our actions, the same concept applies to how you can honor your client. Pray for discipline to just wait and allow Holy Spirit to do the work.  I actually imagine if I jump in too soon that I have just stepped on Holy Spirit’s toes and that is not a comfortable place for me to be. How about you?

“Pause, sit in silence for a few moments, invite Holy Spirit to do HIS work with the client.”  Janice LaVore-Fletcher, PCC

Wouldn’t you agree that ALL of us could use more Grace Space in this world? God so desperately wants to transform, heal and move each and every one of us forward. Give yourself Grace Space as well and trust Holy Spirit.  After all,  He is really doing the work in the moment…my role?  Well, sometimes the best coach is the coach who knows when to wait, and say nothing at all.

*How are you allowing grace space to your clients to process their emotions, and hear from the Holy Spirit? 

*How can you extend “grace space” to those in your own life?

What might be the impact in your own life if you gave yourself the gift of grace space?

Read more on the topic silence!

Grace Space is an invitation for the Holy Spirit to do His work with the client
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The post Create “Grace” Space” for all your Coaching Clients appeared first on Christian Life Coach Training and Certification.