Coaching is “a collaborative relationship which forwards action or deepens understanding, based on trust and integrity.”  In this sense, coaching “focuses on the goals, development and dreams of the person being coached, with specific expectations for growth.”  Successful coaching, therefore, is “a mutual conversation that follows a predictable process and leads to superior performance, commitment to sustained improvement, and positive relationships." (1)  According to the International Coach Federation, “professional coaching is an ongoing partnership that helps clients produce fulfilling results in their personal and professional lives. Through the process of coaching, clients deepen their learning, improve their performance, and enhance their quality of life." (2)

The most notable model of this coaching process is found in Jesus Christ.  However, we only have 40 days recorded about Jesus’ discipling of the twelve.  Still, an in-depth study of the Bible reveals that the coaching model was not only a part of the New Testament discipleship process, but coaching skills and other elements were prevalent throughout the Old Testament as well. Hence, the content for a Christian coaching program had already been written several thousand years ago. (3)  Accordingly, I believe that the Christian coaching model for discipleship/spiritual formation is a must for the 21st century church.  

The Christian coach assumes untapped potential in everyone and insists that it be discovered and developed.  The Bible gives some basic tenants on which a Christian coach builds his coaching.  First, the coach enters into each coaching opportunity with an understanding of Psalm 139:14-16 and John 1:12-13 which say we are all wonderfully made children of the Creator.  The Bible gives a Christian coach incredible hope to share with the person being coached (PBC).  Genesis 1:28-30 also is foundational in the coaching process; God has given the PBC dominion over all the earth.  From the very onset of the coaching relationship the PBC needs to understand and be reminded of Jeremiah 29:11-13 that God knows the plan for him/her and according to Ephesians 1:18-23, 3:16-21 His hope, riches, and power are at their disposal.  The coach needs to continually bring the PBC to Acts 1:8 and coach him/her in using the power of the Holy Spirit.  

After looking at this biblical foundation it becomes more apparent that biblical coaching is about giving support, inspiring, challenging, modeling trust and integrity, facilitating growth and change, and partnering for success.  The goal of coaching is the development, growth and success of those being coached.  Coaching is supportive, respectful, encouraging, curious, and positive.  Coaching is about positive movement.  It is important that the coach sets the foundation before coaching begins.  Understanding of coaching ethics and standards and ability to apply them appropriately in all coaching situations needs to be taught as part of the church coaching curriculum.  It is important as well that the distinctions between coaching, consulting, psychotherapy and other support professions are also taught to and understood by coaches.   

It is helpful for all those entering into the coaching relationship to understand that coaching is not the same thing as counseling.  Counseling, or therapy, often looks to the past in order to discover, heal and understand.  Coaching, on the other hand, looks to the future in order to make a good life even better.  In coaching, the starting point is the PBC’s desire for personal and professional success as a committed follower of Christ.  Coaching focuses on forwarding all aspects of the PBC’s life to extraordinary.  Coaching is not about how you came to be who you are; it’s about getting you from where you are now to a future that you want.

A coach is not a consultant.  A consultant is an expert who dispenses advice and has answers. The consultant holds the agenda, imparts knowledge and offers suggestions to improve effectiveness and increase success.  On the contrary, coaching sees the disciple as creative, capable, intelligent, and having answers within themselves or the resources to find them. Coaches act on the premise that the definitive expert regarding your life and work is you.  A coach is neither not a mentor.  A mentor often has many more years of experience than the person being coached.  Mentoring is akin to role-modeling where the disciple sees attributes, qualities or abilities in the mentor that he/she wishes to learn or emulate.  Coaching, rather, is a partnering of two equals and focuses on the unique and intrinsic qualities already within the disciple that may not be recognized or appreciated.  The coach helps the disciple affirm and embrace their own true self that God created according to Psalm 139:15-16. A coach must know when to refer a PBC to another support professional as needed, knowing when this is needed and the available resources. 

A coach is a merchant of possibilities-distinct from counselors or therapists, who usually ask people to describe their problems and who see their job as prescribing some kind of treatment.  A coaching conversation is one in which individuals are coached into realizing their possibilities, first by believing in them and second by interacting with them in a way that expands their skills and capabilities.  This usually involves the coach observing the person, making assessments, and providing that which is missing that will make a difference, a new idea, fresh approach, or an innovative solution. (4)