Worksheet 8.4: My Soul Coach Practicum and Readiness Plan
Worksheet 8.4: My Soul Coach Practicum and Readiness Plan
Course: Become a Soul Coach
Topic 8: Practicum, Readiness, Referral, and Next Steps
Coach Connection: This worksheet helps Soul Coach candidates prepare for practicum, reflect on readiness, clarify role boundaries, practice referral awareness, and identify next steps in the Soul Coach Ministry pathway. This supports the course standard that Soul Coaching is permission-based, role-aware, agency-honoring, safety-conscious, connected to Christian Growth courses, and not a replacement for therapy, counseling, medical care, crisis care, legal advice, or pastoral oversight.
Opening Thought
Soul Coaching is holy ground.
A Soul Coach sits with a living soul before God. The conversation may include shame, confusion, grief, anger, hope, sin, suffering, longing, spiritual hunger, relational struggle, or one small step toward Christ.
The Soul Coach is not there to impress, diagnose, fix, rescue, control, or take over.
The Soul Coach is there to listen, ask permission, reflect wisely, notice whole-person themes, stay within role, refer when needed, and help the person discern one faithful next step under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
This worksheet helps you prepare for that kind of ministry.
Part 1: Scripture Reflection
Read these passages slowly.
“The things which you learned, received, heard, and saw in me: do these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”
— Philippians 4:9, WEB
“As each has received a gift, employ it in serving one another, as good managers of the grace of God in its various forms.”
— 1 Peter 4:10, WEB
Reflection Questions
What does Philippians 4:9 teach about moving from learning to practice?
What does 1 Peter 4:10 teach about gifts, service, and stewardship?
Why does a Soul Coach need both training and humility?
How can you serve as a steward rather than an owner of someone else’s growth?
Part 2: My Soul Coaching Role Clarity
Complete each statement.
A Soul Coach is:
A Soul Coach helps people by:
A Soul Coach is not:
Soul Coaching should never replace:
The person being coached is responsible before God for:
The Soul Coach is responsible for:
Part 3: Readiness Self-Assessment
Use the scale below.
1 = Rarely true of me
2 = Sometimes true of me
3 = Often true of me
4 = Consistently true of me
Spiritual Readiness
I seek Christ personally before trying to help others.
Score: ___I pray for wisdom and humility before helping conversations.
Score: ___I remember that Jesus is the Savior, not me.
Score: ___I can point people to grace and truth without pressure.
Score: ___
Character Readiness
I am growing in patience, gentleness, and self-control.
Score: ___I can keep appropriate confidentiality while honoring safety limits.
Score: ___I can receive correction and feedback without defensiveness.
Score: ___I can speak truth without harshness.
Score: ___
Skill Readiness
I can listen before offering advice.
Score: ___I can reflect what I hear accurately.
Score: ___I can ask open-ended questions.
Score: ___I can summarize a conversation clearly.
Score: ___I can ask permission before prayer, Scripture, advice, or challenge.
Score: ___I can help someone identify one faithful next step.
Score: ___
Boundary Readiness
I understand that Soul Coaching is not therapy or counseling.
Score: ___I understand that Soul Coaching is not medical, legal, or crisis care.
Score: ___I can say, “This deserves more help than I am trained to provide.”
Score: ___I can avoid becoming the person’s rescuer.
Score: ___
Referral Readiness
I can recognize major referral concerns.
Score: ___I know whom to contact in my ministry context if safety concerns arise.
Score: ___I understand that referral is wisdom, not failure.
Score: ___I can stay calm when someone shares something serious.
Score: ___
Reflection
My strongest readiness area is:
The readiness area I most need to grow in is:
One step I will take to grow in readiness is:
Part 4: Practicum Preparation
Before a Soul Coaching practicum, complete this checklist.
Before the Conversation
Check each item when complete.
___ I have prayed for humility and wisdom.
___ I understand my role as a Soul Coach candidate.
___ I know the limits of confidentiality.
___ I know what to do if safety concerns arise.
___ I am prepared to listen before advising.
___ I am prepared to ask permission before offering Scripture or prayer.
___ I am prepared to help the person own one next step.
___ I am prepared to receive feedback after the conversation.
My Opening Role Statement
Write a brief role statement you could use at the beginning of a practicum conversation.
Include:
The purpose of the conversation
Your role
What Soul Coaching is not
Safety/referral awareness
Your opening statement:
Helpful example:
“Thank you for meeting with me. My role as a Soul Coach candidate is to listen, ask questions, and help you discern one faithful next step. This is not therapy, counseling, medical care, legal advice, crisis care, or pastoral replacement. If something comes up that needs more support, we can talk about appropriate help.”
Part 5: Practicum Conversation Flow
Use this guide during practice.
1. Welcome
Write a welcoming question.
Example:
“What would be helpful to talk about today?”
2. Listen
Write two listening prompts.
Prompt 1:
Prompt 2:
Examples:
“Tell me more about that.”
“What has that been like for you?”
3. Reflect
Write two reflection starters.
Starter 1:
Starter 2:
Examples:
“What I hear you saying is…”
“It sounds like…”
4. Ask Permission
Write three permission-based phrases.
Phrase 1:
Phrase 2:
Phrase 3:
Examples:
“May I ask a spiritual question?”
“Would it be helpful to look at this from a few angles?”
“Would prayer be welcome right now?”
5. Discern
Write one question that helps the person notice what is happening.
Example:
“What pattern do you notice when this struggle shows up?”
6. Narrow
Write one question that helps the person focus.
Example:
“Of everything we named, what feels most important to focus on first?”
7. Next Step
Write one question that helps the person own a step.
Example:
“What is one faithful step you sense God may be inviting you to take this week?”
8. Support
Write one question about support.
Example:
“Who could support you wisely as you take this step?”
9. Close
Write one closing question.
Example:
“Would it be helpful to summarize the step you chose before we close?”
Part 6: Practicum Scenario Practice
Read the following scenario.
Scenario:
Derek is forty-one, married, and has recently returned to church after several years away. He asks to meet because he says, “I want to be more faithful, but I keep drifting.”
As he talks, Derek says he feels spiritually inconsistent. He starts reading the Bible, then stops. He wants to pray with his wife, but he feels awkward. He works long hours and often comes home exhausted. He says his father mocked religion when he was young, so spiritual conversation still feels uncomfortable. He says, “I know I should be leading better, but I feel fake.”
Part 7: Listen Before Leading
What is Derek’s presenting concern?
What emotions do you hear?
What shame-based or identity-based words does Derek use?
What whole-person themes might be involved?
Write one reflection you could offer Derek.
Part 8: 15-Aspect Listening Lens
Use the 15-Aspect Soul Growth Discernment Model as a listening aid. Do not turn it into a checklist during conversation.
1. Faith Aspect
What might Derek believe or fear about God?
2. Identity Aspect
What false identity might Derek be carrying?
3. Spiritual Practice Aspect
What practice struggle is visible?
4. Embodied Life Aspect
How might exhaustion be involved?
5. Emotional Aspect
What emotions are present?
6. Thought and Mindset Aspect
What thought pattern may be shaping him?
7. Moral Aspect
What responsibility may be his to own?
8. Relational Aspect
How does this affect his marriage?
9. Family Story Aspect
How might his father’s mockery still echo?
10. Communication Aspect
What conversation feels difficult?
11. Stewardship Aspect
What needs wiser stewardship?
12. Calling and Vocation Aspect
How does this connect to his calling as husband, worker, and believer?
13. Justice and Boundary Aspect
What boundary may help?
14. Beauty and Joy Aspect
Where might joy in faith be missing?
15. Community and Kingdom Aspect
Who could support Derek?
Part 9: Permission-Based Spiritual Conversation
Write three questions you could ask Derek with permission.
Question 1
Question 2
Question 3
Helpful examples:
“May I ask what makes prayer with your wife feel awkward?”
“Would it be helpful to talk about the difference between faithful leadership and spiritual performance?”
“Would you be open to considering one small spiritual practice that feels honest rather than fake?”
Part 10: Scripture With Permission
Choose one Scripture that may fit Derek’s situation.
Possible passages:
James 1:22
Matthew 11:28
Romans 12:1–2
John 15:5
Psalm 139:23–24
Proverbs 3:5–6
Philippians 1:6
Scripture chosen:
Why it may fit:
Permission-based way to offer it:
Example:
“Would it be helpful to hear a Scripture about depending on Christ rather than trying to produce growth alone?”
Follow-up question after reading Scripture:
Example:
“How do you hear God’s invitation in this passage?”
Part 11: FRUIT Plan Practice
Help Derek form one faithful next step.
F — Faithful
What step might be faithful to Christ?
R — Rooted
How could this step be rooted in prayer, Scripture, or dependence on God?
U — User-Owned
How would you help Derek choose the step himself?
I — Integrated
What real-life factors should the step consider?
T — Trackable
Make the step specific.
What exactly will Derek do?
When?
Where?
How often?
How will he know he practiced it?
Part 12: Safety and Referral Awareness
Soul Coaches must recognize when more help is needed.
Referral Concerns to Watch For
Check any that appear or may need gentle follow-up:
___ Suicidal thoughts
___ Self-harm
___ Abuse
___ Domestic violence
___ Addiction crisis
___ Severe depression
___ Severe anxiety
___ Psychosis
___ Medical concerns
___ Legal concerns
___ Trauma processing
___ Threats of harm
___ Child safety concerns
___ Elder abuse
___ Criminal behavior
___ Danger in marriage or family
___ Situation beyond the coach’s training
___ None visible from the scenario
Follow-Up Questions
If you are unsure about safety, what careful question could you ask?
What would you say if Derek’s concern was beyond Soul Coaching?
Helpful example:
“This matters deeply, and it deserves more support than I am trained to provide as a Soul Coach. Let’s think about appropriate help.”
Part 13: Christian Growth Resource Connection
Which Christian Growth resource might support Derek?
Circle one or more:
Introduction to Spiritual Growth
Christian Marriage Growth
Christian Gratitude Growth
Anger Reset
Identity-focused resource
Confidence-focused resource
A Soul Center group
A mentor or prayer partner
Other: _______________________________________
Why might this resource help?
Write a permission-based way to offer the resource.
Helpful example:
“Would an Introduction to Spiritual Growth resource feel supportive as you practice one small rhythm with Christ, or would a mentor conversation be more helpful first?”
Part 14: Feedback Readiness
After practicum, a Soul Coach candidate should receive feedback humbly.
Complete these statements.
One thing I hope I do well in practicum is:
One mistake I may be tempted to make is:
One kind of feedback I need to hear is:
When I receive correction, I want to respond by:
A prayer I can pray before receiving feedback is:
Part 15: After-Practicum Reflection
After a practicum conversation, answer these questions.
What did the person first name as the concern?
What did I hear beneath the first concern?
Did I listen before advising?
What reflection seemed helpful?
What question opened the conversation?
Did I ask permission before Scripture, prayer, advice, or challenge?
Did I stay within my role?
Did any safety or referral concern appear?
Did the person identify one faithful next step?
What feedback did I receive?
What will I practice differently next time?
Part 16: My Referral Plan
Write the referral contacts or categories you should know in your ministry context.
Pastor / Elder / Ministry Leader
Name or role:
Contact process:
Licensed Counselor or Counseling Referral Option
Name, organization, or referral process:
Contact process:
Medical Referral Option
Doctor, clinic, or local process:
Contact process:
Crisis Support / Emergency Process
Local emergency number or crisis process:
Contact process:
Domestic Violence / Abuse Support
Organization or ministry policy:
Contact process:
Child or Elder Safety Reporting Process
Ministry policy or local process:
Contact process:
Recovery Support
Group, pastor, or program:
Contact process:
Other Important Referral Resource
Resource:
Contact process:
Part 17: Confidentiality Statement Practice
Write a simple confidentiality statement that includes limits.
Your statement:
Helpful example:
“I want to respect what you share and will not casually repeat your story. However, if safety is at risk, if someone may be harmed, or if the law or ministry policy requires action, I may need to involve appropriate help.”
Part 18: My Continuing Formation Plan
Soul Coaching readiness continues after this course.
Choose three areas for continued growth.
Growth Area 1
Why this matters:
Next step:
Growth Area 2
Why this matters:
Next step:
Growth Area 3
Why this matters:
Next step:
Possible areas:
Prayer life
Scripture knowledge
Listening skills
Referral awareness
Boundaries
Christian Growth resource familiarity
Soul Center involvement
Mentoring
Practicum experience
Feedback readiness
Marriage ministry awareness
Anger support resources
Spiritual growth resources
Confidence or identity resources
Chaplaincy preparation
Life Coach pathway preparation
Part 19: Soul Coach Ministry Pathway Reflection
Reflect on your possible next steps.
Which role are you currently exploring?
Circle one:
Soul Coach
Life Coach
Life Coach Chaplain
Life Coach Minister
Soul Center Leader
Pastor / Elder / Deacon support role
Small Group or Mentor role
Other: _______________________________________
Why does this role interest you?
What training, endorsement, or ministry connection do you still need?
Who can help you discern your next step?
What is one action you will take after this course?
Part 20: Fill-in-the-Blank Coaching Language
Complete each sentence.
“Thank you for meeting with me. My role today is ______________________________.”
“This conversation is not a replacement for ______________________________.”
“What would be helpful to talk about ______________________________?”
“What I hear you saying is ______________________________.”
“Would it be helpful to explore this from ______________________________?”
“May I ask a spiritual question about ______________________________?”
“Of everything we named, what feels most important to focus on ______________________________?”
“What is one faithful step you sense God may be inviting you to take ______________________________?”
“Who could support you wisely as you take this step ______________________________?”
“This concern may deserve more support than I can provide as a Soul Coach because ______________________________.”
“Would prayer be welcome as we close ______________________________?”
“Before we finish, let me summarize the step you chose: ______________________________.”
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ,
you are the true Shepherd and Savior of the soul.
Teach me to serve with humility, not pride.
Teach me to listen before leading.
Teach me to ask permission before offering prayer, Scripture, advice, or challenge.
Help me stay within my role and honor the agency of the person before you.
Give me wisdom to notice when referral is needed.
Give me courage to seek help when safety is involved.
Make me teachable in practicum and faithful in continuing formation.
Use my gifts as a steward of your grace, for your glory.
Amen.
Final Reflection
Complete the following statements.
Soul Coaching practicum is important because:
The skill I most need to practice is:
The boundary I most need to remember is:
The referral concern I most need to be ready for is:
The next step I sense God inviting me to take after this course is:
One prayer I will carry into Soul Coaching ministry is:
Simple Practice for This Week
This week, practice a 15-minute Soul Coaching-style conversation with an appropriate practice partner.
Before beginning, clarify that this is practice, not counseling, therapy, medical care, legal advice, crisis care, or pastoral replacement.
During the conversation, practice:
Listening
Reflecting
Asking permission
One open-ended question
One summary
One next-step question
Prayer only if welcomed
Referral awareness if needed
Afterward, ask your practice partner:
“What helped you feel heard?”
“What felt rushed or unclear?”
“What question helped you think more deeply?”
“What could I practice next time?”
Then write your learning here: