Research Paper By Rachelle Triay
(Life Coach, UNITED STATES)
When I first started developing my coaching practice, I had the notion that I might need to hide my Christian faith so that I did not offend people or turn potential clients away. That lasted about a week! I quickly came to the realization that to be an excellent coach, I first and foremost need to be authentic. I am a Christian. To hide this fact felt to me like I was deceiving others! I do not want to coach someone on false pretense. As a coach, I am happy to coach those who are not Christian, and of course, I will not push my faith on client, but I think it is important for the client to know foundationally where I am coming from as a coach.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes… Romans 1:16
The more I have studied and learned about the tenents of good coaching, the more I find correlations to the Bible. The Bible is the most widely printed book of all time, with more copies of it than any other book ever. I think this is partly because it is filled with so much wisdom and truth. Additionally, I have been amazed at how much of what I am hearing at church aligns with what I am hearing in the classroom! Within the last couple years, our pastor has taught on series titled, “Perspectives,” “Transformed,” What on Earth am I Here For?” “A Better Life,” “Be Real,” “Live Well (Keys to the Best Year Yet),” and “Ignite (your passion, faith, influence, and dreams).”(Church of the King; Mandeville, Louisiana; churchoftheking.com)
God wants us to thrive! He wants us to grow and develop our gifts, reach goals, and live each day purpose-filled. As a Christian, I believe each person was placed on this earth for a specific purpose that only they can fulfill. How wonderful to be able to partner with people to help them grow and develop their talents and gifts and reach for goals and dreams to fulfill their purpose! And I believe God wants us to dream big! So big in fact, that at the end of the day, when we reach our dreams, we will give Him the glory and say, “I only achieved this by the grace of God.”
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us…Ephesians 3:20
I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. John 10:10
I have also seen articles and spoken to people who aren’t sure if Life Coaching and Christianity go together. They have preconceived ideas of how coaching has to be and argue that Christianity and Life Coaching do not mesh. The purpose of this paper is to dispel some of these concerns and offer encouragement to fellow Christian coaches who also have felt the Divine calling to be a Life Coach by looking at supporting scriptures for the ICF Core Competencies.
The ICF Core Competencies are divided into 4 sections. The first section talks about setting the foundation as a coach, which includes meeting ethical guidelines, professional standards, and establishing the coaching agreement. As Christians, God calls us to live to high standards in every aspect of our lives, including professionally. Some supporting scriptures for this area of the ICF Core Competencies are:
In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. Titus 2:7-8
Thus you will walk in the ways of the good and keep to the paths of the righteous. For the upright will live in the land, and the blameless will remain in it; Proverbs 2:20-21
Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out. Proverbs 10:9
The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity. Proverbs 11:3
I will not violate my covenant or alter what my lips have uttered. Psalms 89:34
Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the king. 1 Peter 2:17
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.1 Thessalonians 5:11
There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community. Proverbs 6:16-19
Do not steal. Do not lie. Do not deceive one another. Leviticus 19:11
Do not use dishonest standards when measuring length, weight or quantity. Leviticus 19:35
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, Hebrews 10:24
The second section of the ICF Core Competencies has to do with co-creating the coaching relationship, including establishing trust and intimacy with the client and having a coaching presence. The Bible teaches us so much wisdom about relationships, much of which can be applied to the coaching relationship. The bible is filled with wisdom that can help us focus on our clients, add lightness where needed, and encourages us to form supportive relationships.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29
The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 12:18
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. Proverbs 25:11
When a man makes a vow to the Lord or takes an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but must do everything he said. Numbers 30:2
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:3-4
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Above all, my brothers and sisters do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.” Otherwise you will be condemned. James 5:12
Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. 1 Corinthians 4:2
Do to others as you would have them do to you. Luke 6:31
Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:6
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Romans 12:15
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; Ecclesiastes 3:4
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32
If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:1-8
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:12-14
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15
The third area of the ICF Core Competencies says as coaches we need to be able to communicate effectively through active listening, powerful questioning, and direction communication. Jesus was a master at communicating. Besides studying His life in particular to gain wisdom, the Bible is filled with some powerful verses on this subject.
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry James 1:19
To answer before listening— that is folly and shame. Proverbs 18:13
The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint and whoever has understanding is even-tempered. Proverbs 17:27
The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out. Proverbs 20:5
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25
Turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding— indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. Proverbs 2: 2-5
Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:6
And he was teaching them many things in parables Mark 4:2
The fourth and final section of the ICF Core Competencies focuses on the skills needed to facilitate learning and results. This includes the skills used to create awareness in our clients, design actions, planning and goal setting and managing progress and accountability. Here are some scriptures to encourage us in this area of coaching:
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8
For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. 1 Corinthians 13:12
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, Hebrews 10:24
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-14
Where there is no vision, the people perish. Proverbs 29:18
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, Hebrews 12:2
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness Galatians 5:22
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34
As I said earlier in this paper, I feel like coaching is a Divine Appointment by God for me. Last Summer, I prayed for hours over the course of many days for God to give me direction in what the next chapter of my life should be, and even though up until that point I had never heard of Life Coaching, I feel strongly that God led me to ICA.
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
Additionally, I consider God to be my business partner. Each morning I spend time with Him in prayer asking what I should do for my business today. I journal, take notes and act. Also, I take time before each coaching session to pray for my clients and for God to guide me through the coaching session.
If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. John 14:15-17
The Lord answered, “If you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘May you be uprooted and thrown into the sea,’ and it would obey you! Luke 17:6
Be still, and know that I am God. Psalms 46:10
By opening myself as a willing vessel for God to use to reach others and by being in the place where He has called me to be, I feel like the evidence of God’s blessings on my coaching practice has been manyfold.
If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. John 14:15-17
I hope you are encouraged by this compilation! If you have not asked God to send his Spirit to guide you in your coaching practice, I want to encourage you to invite Him in!
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26