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

Happy International Coaching Week!  It’s the 13^th annual observance, and traditionally during this first full week of February, coaches offer extra events and pro bono services to help increase the awareness and understanding of the power and benefits of coaching. 

In honor of International Coaching Week, I will be posting every day on Five Things to Know About Christian Coach Training.  As the author of The Complete Guide to Christian Coach Training (ebook), my hope is that you find the coach training that is uniquely right for you.  The posts this week are dedicated to supporting the decision about coach training that will be the best match for the vision that God has uniquely called you to.  For those starting this journey, here is the first of five things to know about Christian coach training.

Five Things to Know About Christian Coach Training:  Post 1 

There are a variety of Christian coach training program options.  Even after searching the web or asking an established Christian coach, people regularly call me, wondering if there are options.  After looking on the web, you will likely identify a handful of Christian coach training programs.  But not all are easily identified.  After researching on the web and receiving recommendations from known leaders in Christian coaching, the latest edition of my ebook features 15 programs.  These programs teach classic coaching, from a Christian perspective.  

So, “yes,” there are options!  Some programs are approved by the International Coach Federation (ICF) or the International Association of Coaches (IAC).  Some offer niche-specific training such as career, cross-cultural or life purpose coaching.  In addition to introductory courses, there are advanced courses as well.  Some programs are more geared toward coaching in Christian organizations and others focus on coaching individuals.  There are various options in delivery methods and price range.  For anyone considering Christian coach training, it is important to learn the options and choose the best match for the unique vision God has set before you.

The current edition of The Complete Guide to Christian Coach Training features fifteen 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, “are Christian coach training programs really ‘Christian?’”

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

Gary Wood is the new director of the Christian Coach Network. He’s not new to CCN, having served on the CCN board in the past.  But members have been getting to know him over the last few months, including me.  I’ve noticed that Gary has a deep desire for Christian coaches to be successful in whatever God has called them to do.  In the last CCN newsletter, Gary extended words of encouragement to Christian coaches and he gave me permission to share an excerpt of his article, Focused Persistence, here. 

I appreciate Gary’s willingness to tell the truth – that coaching is not “an easy road to riches” and it requires persistent work.  And I’ve enjoyed getting to know Gary’s heart of faith that believes that God faithfully provides for our needs as we work in alignment with His purposes.

Focused Persistence 

Bills have to be paid. Few of us have the luxury of not realizing a financial return for the time and effort we put into our work. If you can’t make a living, you can’t make a difference. Financial realities don’t wait for your dreams to catch up. They demand attention on their own terms.

Many budding coaches have become discouraged and left ‘the business’ within the first year or two of start-up. Truth is, often a solid business and marketing strategy was neglected in favor of a wide-eyed dream of eager clients flocking to buy ill defined services on the basis of thin air.

Coaching is not an easy road to riches. It never was. Those experiencing success have worked hard to achieve it. They have put in place good strategies, with clear offerings and consistent work, day after day, month after month and year after year. They innovated and cut their teeth on lean beginnings and steadily built business or ministry over time. They learned from every failure and turned on a dime to do it different the next time.

To those of you who have achieved … congratulations. You’ve worked hard for it.

To those who have not yet arrived, don’t be discouraged. You can build a solid coaching business. You may have to change some of your assumptions about how it will happen. You may have to work very hard on strategy development and consistent implementation, doing things you never felt comfortable with previously. There may be lean times where you will be cast on the Lord in new ways. But your persistent effort can pay off.

Be encouraged.

 
The Christian Coaches Network has just launched an exciting new website.  Check it out at www.ChristianCoaches.com