What is Coaching?
The International Coach Federation (ICF) defines coaching as "partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential."
"Coaching is "a positive approach that looks to the future. It is an accountability process that helps the person being coached set goals, find solutions, and make forward progress. Coaching is a tool that helps unlock the potential inside a person."
"The purposes of a person's heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding will draw it out."
Proverbs 20:5 (ESV)
Coaching draws out the truth inside the person, good or bad, and allows them to make the best decisions. Coaching empowers people to walk out their God-given gifts and talents. Coaching is the process of coming alongside a person or team to help them discover God's agenda for their life and ministry and then cooperating with the Holy Spirit to see that agenda become a reality.
What do people need to understand about life coaching?
Most people need to understand that life coaching is all about the person being coached (PBC). The coach sets no agenda. The PBC is the expert in their life. Therefore, the coach’s priority is to help them discover what is already in their heart. Life coaching is a leadership development resource. Through a self-discovery process guided by powerful questions, leaders can gain insight into their lives and set and accomplish goals that help keep them growing and moving forward to a flourishing life.
How it works
You choose the topic every session, and together (through asking questions), we dig to find solutions, gain clarity, discover, and build goals with relevant action steps that lead you in a continual forward motion in life. We offer coaching in single sessions and four and eight-session plans.
We aim to be flexible with your needs and make coaching for life and leadership health affordable for everyone.
Biblical Foundations for Coaching
At its best, coaching is grounded in biblical principles and practice. Coaching is a discovery process, much like our walk with Christ. Ogne and Roehl point out that throughout the Word of God, we see the people of God be equipped and empowered through those willing (such as Paul, Barnabas, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit) to come alongside others by being present, asking questions, empowering, and releasing people to be the best versions of themselves. They believe the Scripture gives ample evidence that coaching is supported biblically. The Old and New Testaments give us great models, instructions, and scenarios to help us in our coaching journey.
Throughout the New Testament, we see Jesus coach the disciples and others He came in contact with. In Matthew 16:13-20 (NKJV), Jesus has a coaching conversation with his disciples. He asks them, "Who do men say that I am?" This question allows them to reflect on what people have been saying. He then asks a question that promotes great internal discovery, "But who do you say that I am?" This profound question builds Peter's faith in Christ and instills greater confidence to stay on mission. Coaching is an incarnational relationship between one leader and another intended to empower their life and ministry.
Creswell, J. (2008). The complete idiots guide to coaching for excellence. Penguin Group.
Easter, D. (2012). Empowered coaching: Drawing out the best you lead [e-book]. Dennis W. Easter D. Min.
Ogne, S., & Roehl, T. (2019). Transformissional coaching. Missional Challenge Publishing.