With permission, I am republishing the following article, written by Judy Santos.  Judy is a Master Certified Coach and the founder and director of the Christian Coaches Network (CCN).  This article was originally published in the Christian Coaches Network Member News June 2006.

Why CCN Aligns with ICF

We are sometimes asked why the Christian Coaches Network chooses to respectfully align with the International Coach Federation, a secular organization.  

Denominations and mega churches tend to write their own rules on the application of coaching.  Each is standing alone in establishing guidelines and applications within the framework of their world view.  Some are associating with other Christian organizations.  We can only hope that the name of professional coaching is not misconstrued.

The credibility and effectiveness of coaching always comes back to the same things: having programs led by well-trained, experienced coaches. Within the profession, no standard is more widely recognized or respected than ICF certification and accreditation of coach training courses.

We have to keep our focus on the big picture and look at how Christian coaches integrate into both secular and Christian settings.

ICF has over 10,000 paying members worldwide, after the recent changes in membership requirements.  That means at least 10,000 coaches agree to align to professional coaching standards and ethics set out by ICF.  This sets a professional standard.
The ICF has been in existence for more than a decade and is the professional umbrella organization that is respected worldwide.  It is ICF who has the highest standards for certifying coaches and also for accrediting coach training courses.

ICF has worked tirelessly to educate the public about the philosophy and benefits of professional coaching.  This is huge task, but one that bears fruit.  Most cutting edge corporations who hire coaches now have an ICF standard requirement.

CCN not only represents many denominations but also members who feel led to coach in the secular marketplace.  By aligning with ICF, we are adding credibility to what is still a new profession.

As Christian coaching turns corners, it is in the process of creating new avenues, formats and applications within parachurch organizations, denominations, seminaries and the local church.  It’s a very exciting time to be a coach involved in ministry organizations and the Lord is opening doors of opportunity to integrate coaching into ministry either formally or informally.

By aligning ourselves with the highest standards in the profession while serving Christ, we believe the credibility and effectiveness of Christian coaching is without bounds.

Article written by Judy Santos;  please see acknowledgement above.

Why is certification important?  If no states require licensing for coaches, why does certification matter to you?
 

Yep, it’s true that there are practicing life coaches who have never had professional life coach training.  They may be successful in business and they may be good coaches, but they’ve never pursued training or ICF certification and they don’t plan to.
 

No, they aren’t violating any state regulations at this point.  That doesn’t mean you as a coach are free and clear from any possible interest from your state’s governing body.  In some states coaches have faced challenges - in particular where their work may be perceived as counseling or therapy (just to clarify - that’s not a good thing).  The ICF has info available on these issues.  You may also want to check with your local ICF chapter to learn what other professional coaches in your area know about these issues in your state.
 

So why do you care about becoming certified?
 

Well, increasingly it matters to clients - including churches and ministry organizations.  Judy Santos, founder and director of the Christian Coaches Network, reports that even in the Christian community, potential clients and hiring organizations are more frequently seeking coaches with ICF credentials.
 

Also, many think that licensing of coaches will become required in the future as the profession matures.  So the training decisions you make now could have implications in the future regarding your ease and ability to gain licensing.
 

What about ICF?  It’s true that in the big broad coaching community there are political “camps” with various opinions on ICF.  A few other professional organizations have surfaced.  But the reality is that ICF has been around the longest, and with 10,000 international members it does set the professional standards.
 

Why should Christians life coaches care about ICF?  Tomorrow I will re-publish an article here - one written by Judy Santos and originally included in the Christian Coaches Network Member News June 2006 - that will address this question.
 

If you came back last week for a discussion here about making the training decision - sorry.  I was sick and decided blogging had to wait.  This is a great time for me to encourage you, if you haven’t done so already, to look to the right of this entry and sign up for e-mail updates.  Rather than having to return to the blog for the latest entry, you will then receive it via e-mail.  This is a nifty, efficient way to stay connected and of course you can unsubscribe at any time you choose.