Jerri Udelson, MCC, says, “When I started National Coaching Week (which later became International Coaching Week) in 1999, I had no idea that it would soon take on a life of its own. I really am delighted that this Week is becoming a focal point for both publicizing coaching worldwide and providing the public with a sense of the possibilities that coaching offers.”  To learn more about International Coaching Week, CLICK HERE for Jerri’s website.

During this 13th annual International Coaching Week observance, I’m posting on Five Things to Know About Christian Coach Training.  Here is Post 3:

Questions about certification and accreditation are probably not the most important ones.  At least, they are not the first questions to ask.  Most importantly, make your initial questions about what your unique vision is and how to clearly identify what you’ve been called to do.  This is a great time for you to work with a coach.  Determining what you believe God has called you to do will reveal your answer to other questions like whether certification and accreditation are important for you.

Sorting out the meaning and value of the various types of certification offered, and that of accreditation of schools, is challenging.  It is primarily important to know that the terms “certified” and “accredited” mean different things in different conversations.  So expect to confront a learning curve if you decide to evaluate this for yourself.  Many schools offer proprietary certificates and titles – with widely varied requirements amongst schools.  The current professional standard for certification and accreditation is found with the International Coach Federation (or “ICF” at www.coachfederation.org).

There is no “one size fits all” answer to the questions about certification and accredited training.  One can point out that it’s possible to be a coach without certification and without attending accredited training.  That is very true.  Furthermore, there are examples of successful coaches who have never had formal coach training of any kind. 

To offer you a personal example, the ICF accredited training I took mattered to an employer who contracted with me for coaching and consulting services.  The Christian coach training I chose was part of the fulfillment of the vision God had for me.  The question for you then becomes, what training (accredited or not) and then what certification (if any), is necessary for you to fulfill the unique vision to which God has called you?

Some may be surprised by my need to clarify the issue discussed in my post today.  Others see the need as obvious.  Whatever your perspective is, my desire is to again give you information that helps you make the Christian coach training decision that is uniquely right for you. 

Five Things to Know About Christian Coach Training:  Post 2

Christian coach trainers express a compelling desire to honor Christ and the authority of Bible in their training.  This is true of all the programs featured in my ebook.  Some programs use spiritual language and biblical references more profusely than others in their marketing materials.  But all acknowledge the centrality of Christ and cite the Bible as the authoritative word of God.  

Integrating Christian faith and biblical principals with coaching concepts and practices is the focus of Christian coach training programs.   As you read marketing materials and review programs you may want to know more about how a particular program integrates Christian precepts with coach training.  Maybe you have questions about how a program uses scripture or views the work of the Holy Spirit in coaching, for examples.  If you have these questions, contact programs directly and allow program directors to speak for themselves.  When considering these types of questions, base your evaluations of programs on your direct communication with representatives from each program.

The current edition of The Complete Guide to Christian Coach Training featuresfifteen programs that teach classic coaching in a Christian context. Included are thorough descriptions of certification and accreditation. Eleven decision-making factors for how to choose coach training are identified. The ebook goes beyond answering the obvious questions and equips those new to the field with the answers they need in order to make great decisions for themselves. Learn more about the ebook by clicking HERE.

Tomorrow’s post will address the question, “how important is accrediation and certification?’”

I will be at the blog regularly this week. Feel free to post questions here or email me at: CoachLinda at ChristianCoachingResources dot com