“It is not difficult to know a thing; what is difficult is to know how to use what you know.” 

– Han Fei Tzu 

It’s not therapy. Although many of the communication techniques are the same, like active listening, reflecting, use of questions, limited advice giving, etc., therapy focuses on the past to bring healing and unblock a person to move ahead. Coaching is future and action-oriented, for people who are basically clear of psychological and emotional issues. 

It’s not mentoring. Mentors are experts in a particular field who seek to pass on their expertise to a person. Mentors provide knowledge, advice, guidance, correction, and encouragement to people who are newer and junior—by experience if not by position or age. They may use some coaching techniques, vinia.org/coaching 

but mentors usually play the roles of advisor and teacher to guide and impart knowledge and wisdom. 

It’s not training. In training, the trainer sets the agenda. Change comes from outside the participant, i.e. the trainer. In coaching, you set the agenda. Coaches use adult learning principles of self-discovery to motivate change from within you. 

It’s not authoritarian. Did you have a tough sports coach that used to yell at you and make you do a million push-ups if you made a mistake? That’s not coaching. Your coach will push you beyond what you might think you can do, but will always be 

Coaching works because it brings out your best – what God put in! Coaches believe you can create your own best answers and are trained to support you in that process. 

Specifically, this is what your coach will do during coaching sessions: 

• Listen. Coaches listen fully. You are the focus. Coaches listen to what you say, what you are trying to say, and what you are not saying. They also listen to the Holy Spirit and encourage you to do the same. 

• Share. After you have fully communicated, coaches may share with you their ideas, comments, and views on your situation, dilemma, or opportunity. 

• Encourage. Anyone who’s trying to accomplish something needs, yes, needs, an outside voice full of encouragement, compassion, and acknowledgement. Not a yes-type person, but someone who knows what it takes to achieve. 

• Suggest. Coaches want a lot for you. They want you to have a life that fully expresses your God-given uniqueness and calling. Part of a coach’s job is to be at least three steps ahead of you, yet be with you. 

The reasons people want coaching are endless, and as unique as the person. Here are a few examples that motivate people to use a coach. 

• To make significant changes 

• To better deal with uncertainty 

• To make better decisions 

• To set better goals 

• To reach goals faster 

vinia.org/coaching 

• To grow spiritually 

• To become financially more stable 

• To get ahead personally 

• To have a collaborative partner 

• To improve their relationships 

• To make a bigger impact on the world 

• To be a better leader 

• To simplify their lives 

• To reduce stress 

• To keep up with the speed of life 

• To address transitions in location and employment 

Coaches, Christian or not, will use many of the same communication tools. The big difference is that Christian coaches bring Christian beliefs and practices to the coaching relationship. If you are a Believer, you have the Holy Spirit. It’s paramount that you listen to what He says regarding your goals, actions and next steps. Christian coaches will encourage you to listen more to the Holy Spirit and then act. Together you will look at how God has called and equipped you in life and achievement. You can feel comfortable sharing your spiritual needs, doubts, and desires. Christian coaches will support you where you are and encourage you in the direction you want to grow. 

 Working with a coach is all about growth and awareness – spiritually, personally, and professionally. Your coach will help you learn, grow, and be fruitful. As you meet together, you will find yourself significantly benefiting in your thinking, actions, and learning. Part of working with your coach is being asked to give a lot, and often more than you would ask of yourself. Be willing to experiment with fresh approaches and be open to adjusting and redesigning some parts of your life. This is often necessary to help you reach your goals and live an integrated and fulfilled life. In all cases, however, you choose and act; after all, it’s your life. 

Coaching sessions 

Each session you will call your coach or join via zoom. Together, you will set the agenda for the session based on what you want to accomplish. In the first session-you will set your coaching series goals. Your coach will listen, ask questions, encourage, challenge, expand, and support you. You will leave each session with clear action steps for you to do before the next session. 

Enjoy the process 

You’ll have work to do together with your coach, clearly, but feel free to enjoy the session. After several sessions, you may find you’re taking a little time to catch up on life and joys you’ve experienced, and you may begin sharing personal and confidential aspects of life. That’s natural. It’s often a lot of fun. And remember, you are free to set the tone of the session and your coach will respect what you need. 

Come to the coaching session prepared, with a specific agenda 

Each session normally lasts about an hour. Preparing a written list of topics for you to share and discuss will accelerate progress in individual sessions. On this list, you may want to include things like: 

• Successes and wins that you have had during the week 

• How the Lord’s spoken to you and how you’ve responded 

• Progress on action steps you completed 

• Problems you faced and how you handled them 

• Solutions you want to discover regarding a situation 

• What you’re currently working on and how it is going 

• New skills you want to develop 

• Insights, aha’s, and new awareness which excite you 

• Strategies you wish to explore 

 Do your assignments 

This is not homework like in school. These are tasks, actions, results or changes you are telling yourself and your coach that you will do your best to complete before the next session. You must apply yourself and take action to achieve your personal and professional goals. 

• Coach has completed formal training and is certified according to recognized standards (e.g., International Coach Federation or equivalent). Within the Missionary Church, we are creating a team of certified coaches.

• Coach primarily practices non-directive, client-focused coaching with clear distinction from mentoring, counseling, or consulting.

• Coach maintains ethical standards and strict confidentiality - this is non-negotiable.-Pastor and coach meet at least once each month for formal coaching sessions - with increased frequency based on season or need.

• Pastor and coach have signed a coaching agreement outlining frequency, duration, and expectations of coaching sessions.

• Pastor demonstrates readiness for coaching by staying humble, open, honest, and willing to be challenged.

• Pastor is committed to preparing for sessions, implementing action steps, and reporting progress.