What is Coaching?

Christian coaching is a relational process in which your unique design and kingdom contribution, and your plans to see that become reality, are intentionally drawn out in conversation. That conversation uses skilled questions, active listening, setting action steps, and listening to God, to get you where you want to go as a leader.  You and the Holy Spirit are the experts in that process.

That’s my definition of Christian leader coaching.  But if you have never experienced coaching, it is probably still hard to grasp. Here is some additional information that might help.

More Help Understanding Coaching

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.  (Eccl 4:9-10, 12)

Counseling draws out past pain from a hurt client. Mentoring pours past experience into healthy mentee. Coaching draws out future growth plans from a healthy coachee, according to their unique God-given design, calling & vision. – Stephen Feild (adapted from others)

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.”

The ICF further clarifies that coaches are trained to listen, to observe, and to customize their approach to individual client needs. “They [coaches] seek to elicit solutions and strategies from the client; they believe the client is naturally creative and resourceful. The coach’s job is to provide support to enhance the skills, resources, and creativity that the client already has (emphasis added).”