MIN 252 - Ministry Coaching Foundations (1 Credit) | 2026 Version
Section outline
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Christian Leaders Institute • Ministry Formation Course
Ministry Coaching Foundations
Learn how to walk alongside others with prayer, Scripture, listening, encouragement, discernment, and faithful next-step support as a Spirit-led Christian ministry coach.
Ministry Coaching Foundations introduces Christian ministry coaching as a biblical, Spirit-empowered, and people-focused calling rooted in prayer, Scripture, listening, encouragement, discernment, and faithful support.Ministry Coaches are ministers who coach. They walk alongside people with humility, biblical wisdom, prayerful discernment, and respect for the work of the Holy Spirit.
Course Overview
This foundational course is designed for aspiring Ministry Coaches in the Christian Leaders Institute and Christian Leaders Alliance pathways, as well as Christian leaders serving in churches, Soul Centers, families, small groups, and local or online ministry settings.
Students will learn how ministers can support others as they seek spiritual growth, clarity, responsibility, wisdom, and faithful next steps under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
This course is not a secular coaching certification course. It is a ministry formation course for Spirit-led Christian leaders who desire to help others grow in truth, grace, wisdom, responsibility, and obedience to Christ.
A Ministry Coach does not take control of another person’s life. A Ministry Coach walks alongside others with prayer, wisdom, encouragement, and faithful next-step support.
Three Ministry Coaching Approaches
Students will learn how to use non-directive, semi-directive, and directive coaching approaches wisely, depending on the person’s openness, needs, maturity, and spiritual context.
Non-Directive Coaching
The coach listens carefully, asks thoughtful questions, and helps the person reflect, discern, and take ownership of faithful next steps.
Semi-Directive Coaching
The coach combines listening and questions with appropriate biblical insight, ministry wisdom, suggestions, and practical guidance.
Directive Coaching
The coach provides clearer instruction or guidance when the situation, relationship, spiritual context, or ministry responsibility appropriately calls for it.
What You Will Learn
Core Ministry Coaching Skills
- Listen with loving and prayerful attention
- Ask thoughtful and spiritually aware questions
- Offer biblical encouragement and Scripture wisely
- Support faithful next steps without taking control
- Use prayer appropriately and by permission
- Recognize the work of the Holy Spirit in growth and change
Wisdom, Boundaries, and Discernment
- Choose between non-directive, semi-directive, and directive approaches
- Respect the openness, needs, and spiritual context of the person being coached
- Distinguish ministry coaching from counseling and clinical care
- Practice role clarity and healthy ministry boundaries
- Recognize when referral or additional support is needed
- Serve with humility, accountability, and biblical integrity
Ministry Coaching Settings
The principles and practices in this course can be used in a wide variety of Christian ministry and relational settings.
Church and Community Ministry
- Local churches
- Soul Centers
- Small groups
- Discipleship relationships
- Community ministries
- Volunteer ministry settings
Personal and Online Ministry
- Family and relational circles
- One-on-one ministry conversations
- Christian coaching relationships
- Online ministry settings
- Christian Growth Course support
- Leadership and ministry development
What Ministry Coaching Is Not
Ministry Coaches are not licensed professional counselors or clinical coaches unless they have received separate professional training, licensing, and authorization.
Ministry coaching does not replace counseling, mental health treatment, medical care, crisis intervention, legal advice, or other licensed professional services.
Ministry coaching is also distinct from discipleship, although coaching and discipleship may overlap in some Christian ministry settings. Ministry Coaches must understand their role, remain accountable, respect appropriate boundaries, and practice referral wisdom.
Ministry coaching is a Christian ministry of presence and support.
It helps people reflect, receive encouragement, recognize responsibility, engage biblical wisdom, and take faithful next steps without replacing the work of the Holy Spirit or appropriate professional care.Course Outcomes
Upon completion of Ministry Coaching Foundations, students will be able to:
- Explain a biblical foundation for Christian ministry coaching as a Spirit-led ministry calling.
- Practice listening, thoughtful questions, prayer, encouragement, and faithful next-step support.
- Use non-directive, semi-directive, and directive coaching approaches with wisdom, humility, and respect.
- Distinguish ministry coaching from counseling, clinical care, and discipleship.
- Practice healthy boundaries, role clarity, accountability, and referral wisdom.
- Apply ministry coaching in churches, Soul Centers, families, small groups, and local or online ministry settings.
Course Structure
The course includes video presentations by Steve Elzinga and Henry Reyenga, recommended readings, quizzes, and reflection or practice assignments.
Course Learning Activities
- Video lectures
- Required and recommended readings
- Quizzes
- Reflection assignments
- Practice assignments
- Final course feedback survey
Student Expectations
- Watch all required video lectures
- Complete all required readings
- Complete all quizzes
- Submit required reflection or practice assignments
- Complete all work before the course deadline
- Offer thoughtful feedback at the end of the course
Grading and Passing Requirements
Quizzes are based on the course lectures and readings and make up 100% of the course grade.
- Each quiz has a 75-minute time limit.
- Students may refer back to course materials while completing quizzes.
- A minimum average of 60% is required to pass the course.
- Students who do not reach a 60% average will receive no credit for the course.
Course Deadline
You have 180 days to complete this course.
All quizzes, assignments, and required activities must be submitted before the deadline. If the deadline is missed, you will be administratively withdrawn and must re-enroll and restart the course to receive credit.Preparing for Further Specialization
Upon completion, students will be prepared for additional ministry coaching specialization courses and pathways.
Potential Specializations
- Identity Coaching
- Romance Coaching
- Life Coaching Ministry
- Soul Coaching
- Leadership Coaching
- Other ministry coaching pathways
Continued Ministry Formation
- Deeper coaching skills
- Biblical and theological growth
- Ministry practice development
- Role-specific specialization
- Christian Leaders Alliance credential pathways
- Local church and Soul Center ministry
Final Feedback Survey
The final course activity invites students to share feedback about the course. Students are encouraged to note suggestions, questions, or technical issues as they study so that the course can continue to improve for future learners.
By the end of this course, students will be better prepared to serve others as Spirit-led Christian ministry coaches who listen carefully, ask wise questions, offer biblical encouragement, practice healthy boundaries, and support faithful next steps under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. -
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