Final Master Template How to become a Soul Coach?
Final Comprehensive Master Template
Become a Soul Coach
Helping Others Grow as Living Souls Before God
Christian Leaders Institute / Christian Leaders Alliance Soul Coach Ministry Training
Course Identity
Course Title: Become a Soul Coach
Subtitle: Helping Others Grow as Living Souls Before God
Course Type: Introductory Christian Leaders Institute training course
Program Relationship: First course in the Soul Coach Ministry Program through Christian Leaders Alliance
Primary Audience: Soul Coach candidates, Life Coach candidates, Life Coach Chaplain candidates, Life Coach Minister candidates, Soul Center leaders, chaplains, pastors, elders, deacons, mentors, small group leaders, ministry volunteers, and Christians called to help others grow.
This template reflects the established course standards: Soul Coaching is permission-based, agency-honoring, role-aware, Christ-centered, non-reductionistic, connected to Christian Growth resources, and clear that it is not therapy, medical care, legal advice, crisis care, or pastoral replacement.
Course Professors
Professor Abigail Dominiak
Professor Abigail Munroe
These professors are presented as live course professors teaching conversationally, not merely as avatar or mechanical presenters.
Standard Two-Professor Opening
Professor Abigail Dominiak:
“Hi, I am Professor Abigail Dominiak.”
Professor Abigail Munroe:
“And I am Professor Abigail Munroe.”
Standard Single-Professor Opening
“Hi, I am Professor Abigail Dominiak.”
Or:
“Hi, I am Professor Abigail Munroe.”
Core Course Conviction
God designed life.
Sin distorts life.
Death wounds life.
Jesus redeems life.
The Holy Spirit renews life.
Soul Coaches help others take faithful next steps.
Course Description
Become a Soul Coach is an introductory Christian Leaders Institute training course designed for students preparing for the Soul Coach Ministry Program through Christian Leaders Alliance.
This course introduces the biblical, theological, philosophical, and practical foundations of Soul Coaching. Students learn what a human life is, what a soul is, how growth happens under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, what a Soul Coach does, what a Soul Coach must not do, how to discern whole-person stuckness, and how to help someone form a growth plan they personally own before God.
This course teaches that a human life is not merely a body, feeling, personality, problem, diagnosis, family story, social role, sin struggle, or set of goals.
A human life is a living soul created by God.
Humans are created in the image of God as spiritual and physical beings, organic male and female, called to fruitfulness, stewardship, relationship, worship, and purpose. Humanity is the crown of creation, yet sin has brought death, distortion, alienation, shame, confusion, and brokenness into the world.
Even after the fall, the image of God is distorted but not erased. The Imago Dei still echoes in every human life.
The hope of Soul Coaching is not self-improvement alone.
The hope is Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ saves the soul, renews the mind, restores identity, sanctifies the believer, forms the fruit of the Spirit, and gives a foretaste of coming resurrection life.
Soul Coaching is permission-based, grace-and-truth guided, non-coercive, role-aware, and growth-oriented. The Soul Coach honors the agency and responsibility of the person being coached while pointing, when appropriate and with permission, to Scripture, the Gospel, devotional practices, Christian Growth courses, wise community, and faithful next steps.
Master Definitions
Soul Coaching Definition
Soul Coaching is permission-based Christian growth coaching that helps a living soul take faithful next steps under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
Soul Coaching is not therapy, clinical counseling, medical care, crisis care, legal advice, or pastoral replacement. It is a ministry practice of listening, discernment, prayerful support, biblical wisdom, growth planning, and wise referral when needed.
Soul Coach Definition
A Soul Coach is a Christian helper who guides growth conversations with permission, humility, biblical wisdom, grace and truth, careful listening, wise questions, and respect for the agency and responsibility of the person being coached.
A Soul Coach helps a person discern where life is stuck, where sin or suffering has distorted life, where Christ is inviting renewal, and what faithful next step the person can own before God.
Ministry Sciences Definition
Ministry sciences refers to disciplined, research-informed, practice-tested learning that helps Christian leaders understand people, ministry, formation, helping conversations, safety, and growth.
Ministry sciences may draw from:
Practical theology
Pastoral care
Christian counseling boundaries
Coaching literature
Psychology
Addiction studies
Family systems
Trauma-informed care
Medicine and behavioral health
Adult learning
Sociology
Communication studies
Positive psychology
Implementation science
Spiritual formation studies
Ministry sciences are not the Gospel. They are not Scripture. They are not salvation. They are not the Holy Spirit. They are not a replacement for the church, pastoral oversight, professional care, or biblical wisdom.
The Bible teaches first.
Ministry sciences may echo, clarify, or support.
The Gospel gives the deepest diagnosis and the deepest hope.
Course Standards
Video Standard
Each video presentation may be up to 800 words.
Each video should include only one or maybe two Scripture references, woven naturally into the intended teaching. Do not overload videos with many Bible references.
Use World English Bible wording when quoting Scripture.
Each video should sound like live professors teaching a course, not like a mechanical script.
Tone: warm, biblical, pastoral, practical, academically informed, emotionally honest, ministry-safe, hopeful, and leader-focused.
Reading Standard
Each reading should be Moodle-ready and include:
Title
Course / Topic line
Coach connection line
Clear introduction
Biblical foundation with WEB Scripture quotations
Ministry teaching sections
Biblical wisdom and ministry sciences echoes
Gospel distinction
Practical coaching application
15-Aspect Soul Growth Discernment Model connection when appropriate
Christian Growth Resource connection when appropriate
Safety / referral caution when appropriate
Reflection questions
Closing thought
References for Deeper Study
Do not include SEO metadata.
Every reading should include strong, specific academic references in clean APA style.
Bible Study Standard
Bible studies may be added as optional course items.
Every Bible study must point to Christ or New Testament redemption themes, even when the main passage is from the Old Testament.
Bible studies should include:
Main passage
Supporting passage when useful
Bible study purpose
Clear biblical exposition
Christ-centered redemption connection
Soul Coaching application
Discussion questions
Personal reflection exercise
Closing prayer
Closing thought
Case Study Standard
Case studies should be:
Soul Coach-facing
Ministry-realistic
Gritty but not graphic
Emotionally honest
Story-driven
Biblically connected
Safety-aware
Practical for discussion
Useful for Soul Coaches, Life Coaches, Life Coach Ministers, Life Coach Chaplains, chaplains, pastors, Soul Center leaders, small group leaders, and mentors
Case studies should begin directly with the student-facing case study title and content.
Do not include instructor-facing intro/header blocks unless specifically requested.
Each case study should include:
Title
Narrative ministry story
Coach tension
What the coach did well
What the coach needed to avoid
Scripture reflection using WEB Scripture
Ministry sciences reflection
15-Aspect Soul Growth Discernment Model application
Christian Growth Resource connection when appropriate
Genogram caution when appropriate
Discussion questions
Personal reflection exercise
Closing thought
Avoid sensationalism. Avoid graphic trauma details. Make situations realistic, emotionally honest, and ministry-ready.
Alternate male and female protagonists when appropriate.
Worksheet Standard
Worksheets should help students practice Soul Coaching skills.
Each worksheet should include:
Opening thought
Coach self-assessment
Guided reflection sections
15-Aspect Soul Growth Discernment prompts when appropriate
Consent and safety prompts when appropriate
Fill-in-the-blank coaching language
Scripture reflection
Prayer
Final reflection
Simple practice for this week
Each worksheet should end with:
Prayer
Final Reflection
Simple Practice for This Week
AIKEN Quiz Standard
Each topic should include 40 challenging AIKEN-format questions.
Rules:
Correct answer is always A.
End every question with: ANSWER: A.
Each question must name the relevant source in the question text.
Questions should be challenging but fair.
Distractors should be plausible but clearly wrong.
Questions should test ministry judgment, not merely memory.
Include safety, role boundaries, Scripture, discernment, coaching posture, Gospel distinction, and academic credibility.
For Topic 2 and going forward, unless Henry asks otherwise, draw AIKEN questions from videos, readings, and case studies, excluding worksheets and Bible studies.
If Henry specifically asks to include worksheets or Bible studies, include them.
AIKEN Example
According to Video 2A: Salvation, Sanctification, and Spirit-Formed Change, why must a Soul Coach distinguish Christian soul growth from ordinary self-improvement?
A. Because Christian soul growth begins with God’s saving mercy in Christ and continues through the Holy Spirit’s sanctifying renewal of the whole person
B. Because ordinary self-improvement is always sinful and should never be discussed
C. Because Soul Coaching should focus only on emotional relief and not on spiritual transformation
D. Because Christian growth is mainly about becoming more productive and successful
ANSWER: A.
PowerPoint / Slide Deck Standard
The slide style for the whole course is locked from the Video 1A PowerPoint.
Use the same visual style for every slide deck:
Warm, cinematic, pastoral, image-rich design
Dark green, earth, cream, and gold tones
Clean academic ministry training layout
Large readable slide titles
Minimal text per slide
Strong visual storytelling
Speaker notes should carry fuller transcript content
Slides should not be text-heavy
Use imagery connected to creation, soul, Scripture, coaching conversation, redemption, renewal, growth, and pastoral presence
Keep decks visually consistent across the whole course
When Henry asks for a PowerPoint by saying something like “1C” or “2A slides,” create a downloadable deck in this style.
Recommended Deck Structure
10–14 slides per video presentation
Title slide
Opening question or ministry scenario
Key theological idea
Scripture slide
Main teaching movements
Coaching application
What helps / what harms
Closing takeaway
Safety and Referral Standard
Soul Coaching may support spiritual formation, whole-person discernment, and faithful next steps, but it is not a replacement for pastoral, medical, counseling, crisis, legal, or safety care.
Soul Coaching is not a replacement for:
Emergency care
Medical care
Mental health counseling
Trauma treatment
Abuse intervention
Legal protection
Pastoral oversight
Addiction recovery support
Suicide prevention resources
Domestic violence safety planning
Licensed therapy
Clinical diagnosis
Medication management
Crisis intervention
Referral may be needed for:
Suicidal thoughts
Self-harm
Abuse
Domestic violence
Addiction crisis
Severe depression
Severe anxiety
Psychosis
Medical concerns
Legal issues
Trauma processing
Marriage danger
Child safety
Elder abuse
Criminal behavior
Threats of harm
Situations beyond the coach’s training
Preferred Safety Language
Do not write:
“A coach can help someone heal trauma.”
Write:
“A Soul Coach may provide spiritual encouragement and growth support, but trauma care may require trained counseling, pastoral oversight, medical care, crisis support, or specialized intervention.”
Do not write:
“Prayer is enough, so no outside care is needed.”
Write:
“Prayer is essential, and God may also use pastors, counselors, doctors, legal authorities, recovery groups, and trusted community support.”
Do not write:
“Forgiveness means immediate reconciliation.”
Write:
“Forgiveness, trust, reconciliation, justice, repentance, time, fruit, and safety must be carefully distinguished.”
Permission-Based Coaching
Permission-based coaching means the coach does not pressure, control, manipulate, diagnose, or take over.
The coach asks consent before offering Scripture, prayer, advice, challenge, resources, or direction.
Sample Permission Language
“Would it be helpful to talk about this from a Christian soul growth perspective?”
“Would you like me to mostly listen, ask questions, or offer a little direction?”
“May I share a Scripture that comes to mind?”
“Would you be open to praying about this?”
“Would it be helpful to look at this through the 15-aspect model?”
“Would you like to consider a Christian Growth course connected to this issue?”
“What next step do you sense God is inviting you to take?”
The 15-Aspect Soul Growth Discernment Model
This course teaches Dooyeweerd’s 15 aspects in adapted Soul Coaching language because Soul Coaching uses whole-person discernment.
Use this title:
The 15-Aspect Soul Growth Discernment Model
This model helps Soul Coaches notice where a person may be stuck and how growth may need to be integrated across the whole person.
Do not use the 15 aspects as a rigid checklist.
Do not use them to diagnose.
Do not use them to sound academically impressive.
Do use them to ask better questions, avoid reductionism, and help someone create a wise growth plan.
The 15 Aspects Adapted for Soul Coaching
Faith Aspect
Identity Aspect
Spiritual Practice Aspect
Embodied Life Aspect
Emotional Aspect
Thought and Mindset Aspect
Moral Aspect
Relational Aspect
Family Story Aspect
Communication Aspect
Stewardship Aspect
Calling and Vocation Aspect
Justice and Boundary Aspect
Beauty and Joy Aspect
Community and Kingdom Aspect
Dooyeweerd Clarity Standard
Do say:
“The 15-Aspect Soul Growth Discernment Model is shaped by a non-reductionistic Christian worldview.”
“Dooyeweerd’s modal aspects help Christian leaders avoid reducing a person to one issue.”
“In Soul Coaching, the 15 aspects become a discernment aid for asking wiser questions.”
Do not say:
“The 15 aspects replace Scripture.”
“The 15 aspects diagnose the person.”
“Every coaching conversation must cover all 15 aspects.”
“The model is a therapy method.”
The FRUIT Plan
Topic 7 teaches the FRUIT Plan as the way to help someone create a Soul Growth Plan they own.
F — Faithful
The plan is faithful to Christ, Scripture, and the person’s real calling before God.
R — Rooted
The plan is rooted in prayer, Scripture, devotional engagement, and dependence on the Holy Spirit.
U — User-Owned
The person being coached owns the plan. The coach does not control it, force it, or take responsibility for it.
I — Integrated
The plan considers the whole person through the 15-Aspect Soul Growth Discernment Model.
T — Trackable
The plan includes a concrete next step, a time frame, a way to notice progress, and a follow-up conversation.
Christian Growth Resources
Christian Growth Resources are public-facing courses and tools that help people grow in specific areas, such as:
Christian Gratitude Growth
Introduction to Spiritual Growth
Christian Marriage Growth
Anger Reset
Confidence courses
Identity courses
Family growth resources
Peacemaking resources
Other courses for life and godliness under the Lordship of Christ
A Soul Coach may recommend these resources with permission.
Do not assign courses as punishment.
Do not use courses to shame.
Do not treat course completion as proof of transformation.
Do use courses as supportive tools for faithful next steps.
Genogram Ministry Conversations
Genogram Ministry Conversations may help a person notice family patterns, blessings, wounds, relational dynamics, generational themes, and spiritual legacy.
In this course, genogram awareness is introduced as a ministry conversation tool, not as therapy, diagnosis, or trauma treatment.
Course Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
Define a human life as a living soul created by God, made in the image of God, spiritual and physical, organic male and female, called to fruitfulness, stewardship, relationship, worship, and purpose.
Explain how sin, death, shame, distortion, and alienation affect human life and why salvation and sanctification in Jesus Christ are necessary for true soul growth.
Describe Christian soul growth as Spirit-formed transformation under the Lordship of Christ, including renewal of the mind, repentance, obedience, fruit of the Spirit, devotional engagement, and resurrection hope.
Define the role of a Soul Coach as a permission-based, grace-and-truth guide who honors the agency, responsibility, and growth ownership of the person being coached.
Identify the scope and guardrails of Soul Coaching, including what a Soul Coach is not: not a fixer, not a savior, not a therapist, not a counselor, not a manipulator, not an answer machine, and not a replacement for pastoral, medical, legal, or mental health care.
Use the 15-Aspect Soul Growth Discernment Model to discern where a person may be stuck and to help create an integrated plan for growth.
Practice basic Soul Coaching conversation skills, including listening, asking wise questions, reflecting, summarizing, praying with permission, using silence, and helping someone identify one faithful next step.
Help someone develop a FRUIT Plan they own, including the role of the Holy Spirit, Scripture, prayer, devotional practice, accountability, Christian Growth resources, and wise referral when needed.
Demonstrate practicum readiness through role clarity, listening, permission-based spiritual conversation, referral awareness, and continued formation.
Course Structure
This course has 8 topics.
Each topic normally includes:
3 video transcripts
2 readings
1 case study
1 worksheet
Optional Bible study
40 AIKEN questions
Optional discussion forum
Optional formation journal
Optional PowerPoint decks for each video
Required Deliverable Pattern by Topic
When Henry types:
X a b c
Create three live-professor video transcripts.
When Henry types:
X a b c d
Create four live-professor video transcripts if the topic includes an optional fourth video.
Then:
X.1 = First reading
X.2 = Second reading
X.3 = Case study
X.4 = Worksheet
X.5 = Optional Bible study
AIKEN Questions = 40 challenging AIKEN-format questions
When Henry asks for PowerPoint slides:
Create a downloadable deck in the locked warm, cinematic, pastoral visual style.
Complete Topic Structure
Topic 1: What Is a Life, a Soul?
Students learn the biblical foundation of human life as a living soul created by God. This topic introduces creation, image of God, spiritual and physical personhood, organic male and female, fruitfulness, stewardship, purpose, the crown of creation, and the entrance of death through sin.
Topic 1 Moodle Layout
Video 1A: What Is a Life, a Soul?
Transcript Title: Created as Living Souls Before God
Video 1B: Image of God, Organic Humanity, and Purpose
Transcript Title: Male and Female, Fruitful and Called
Video 1C: Sin, Death, Distortion, and the Hope of Renewal
Transcript Title: When the Crown of Creation Fell — and Christ Began Renewal
Video 1D: Seeing the Image-Bearer Before God
Transcript Title: The First Discipline of a Soul Coach
Reading 1.1: The Human Person as a Living Soul Before God
Reading 1.2: Image-Bearers of God, Creation Purpose, and the Hope of Renewal
Case Study 1.3: When Marcus Thought He Was Just a Problem to Solve
Worksheet 1.4: Seeing the Person as a Living Soul
Quiz 1: What Is a Life, a Soul?
Topic 1 Status
Videos 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D have been drafted in the updated style.
PowerPoints for 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D were created in the locked visual slide style.
Topic 2: What Is Soul Growth?
Students learn that Christian soul growth is not mere self-improvement. Soul growth includes salvation, sanctification, renewal of the mind, repentance, obedience, fruit of the Spirit, devotional engagement, and transformation under the Lordship of Jesus Christ as a foretaste of resurrection life.
Topic 2 Moodle Layout
Video 2A: What Is Soul Growth?
Transcript Title: Salvation, Sanctification, and Spirit-Formed Change
Video 2B: Jesus Saves and Transforms the Soul
Transcript Title: Savior, Lord, and the Hope of New Life
Video 2C: Growth Now as a Foretaste of Resurrection Life
Transcript Title: Becoming What We Will Fully Be
Reading 2.1: Salvation, Sanctification, and Christian Soul Growth
Reading 2.2: Spiritual Renewal, Devotional Practice, and the Fruit of the Spirit
Case Study 2.3: When Alisha Wanted Change Without Surrender
Worksheet 2.4: My Christian Soul Growth Reflection Map
Bible Study 2.5: Transformed by the Renewing of the Mind
Quiz 2: What Is Soul Growth?
Topic 2 Status
Videos 2A, 2B, and 2C drafted.
Readings 2.1 and 2.2 drafted.
Case Study 2.3 drafted.
Worksheet 2.4 drafted.
Bible Study 2.5 drafted.
AIKEN questions created and revised to exclude worksheet and Bible study unless requested.
Topic 3: What Is a Soul Coach?
Students learn the identity and posture of a Soul Coach. A Soul Coach points to grace and truth, honors the responsibility of the person being coached, guides mostly in a non-directive way, and offers direction only when asked, permitted, and appropriate. Students learn how Christian Growth courses can support Soul Coaching conversations.
Topic 3 Moodle Layout
Video 3A: What Is a Soul Coach?
Transcript Title: A Grace-and-Truth Guide for Soul Growth
Video 3B: Honoring Agency and Responsibility
Transcript Title: Helping Without Taking Over
Video 3C: Using Christian Growth Resources Wisely
Transcript Title: Courses, Conversations, and Faithful Next Steps
Reading 3.1: The Soul Coach as a Permission-Based Guide
Reading 3.2: Using Christian Growth Courses Without Pressure
Case Study 3.3: When Denise Wanted the Coach to Decide for Her
Worksheet 3.4: My Soul Coach Posture Assessment
Quiz 3: What Is a Soul Coach?
Topic 3 Status
Videos 3A, 3B, and 3C drafted in updated live-professor style.
Topic 4: Scope and Guardrails of Soul Coaching
Students learn what a Soul Coach is not. The coach is not a fixer, savior, therapist, licensed counselor, answer machine, manipulator, rescuer, judge, or replacement for church, family, medical care, counseling, legal help, or crisis support. This topic also introduces biblical coach traits connected to 1 Timothy 3, Titus 1, Galatians 6, James 1, Proverbs, and 1 Peter 5.
Topic 4 Moodle Layout
Video 4A: Scope and Guardrails of Soul Coaching
Transcript Title: What a Soul Coach Is Not
Video 4B: Biblical Character for Soul Coaches
Transcript Title: Traits Shaped by 1 Timothy 3 and the Whole Counsel of Scripture
Video 4C: Referral, Safety, and Humility
Transcript Title: Knowing When More Help Is Needed
Reading 4.1: Not a Fixer, Not a Therapist, Not a Savior
Reading 4.2: Biblical Traits of a Soul Coach
Case Study 4.3: When Pastor Leo Tried to Fix Too Much
Worksheet 4.4: Soul Coaching Guardrails and Referral Readiness
Quiz 4: Scope and Guardrails of Soul Coaching
Biblical Coach Traits to Include in Topic 4
Above reproach
Faithful in relationships
Sober-minded
Self-controlled
Respectable
Hospitable
Able to teach when the role calls for it
Not violent but gentle
Not quarrelsome
Not greedy
Tested and trustworthy
Dignified
Not double-tongued
Clear conscience
Humble
Patient
Quick to listen
Slow to speak
Slow to anger
Gentle with the struggling
Restorative
Prayerful
Truthful
Compassionate
Wise with boundaries
Safe with confidentiality
Courageous with referral
Dependent on the Holy Spirit
Grounded in Scripture
Submitted to Christ
Topic 5: Christian Discernment Model for Permission-Based Soul Coaching
Students learn the 15-Aspect Soul Growth Discernment Model and how it helps a Soul Coach discern where someone may be stuck. This topic includes specific examples using anger, marriage, confidence, gratitude, family patterns, spiritual drift, and identity struggles.
Topic 5 Moodle Layout
Video 5A: The 15-Aspect Soul Growth Discernment Model
Transcript Title: Seeing the Whole Person Before God
Video 5B: Discerning Where Someone Is Stuck
Transcript Title: When One Problem Has Many Dimensions
Video 5C: Using the Model with Permission
Transcript Title: Gentle Questions for Whole-Life Growth
Reading 5.1: The 15-Aspect Soul Growth Discernment Model
Reading 5.2: From Stuckness to Wise Discernment
Case Study 5.3: When Carlos Said, “I Just Have an Anger Problem”
Worksheet 5.4: Practicing the 15-Aspect Soul Growth Discernment Model
Bible Study 5.5: Discerning the Whole Life Before God
Quiz 5: Christian Discernment Model for Permission-Based Soul Coaching
Topic 5 Status
Reading 5.1 drafted.
Reading 5.2 drafted.
Case Study 5.3 drafted.
Worksheet 5.4 drafted.
Bible Study 5.5 drafted.
Topic 6: Soul Coaching Conversation Skills
Students learn basic Soul Coaching conversation skills: presence, listening, asking wise questions, reflecting, summarizing, silence, prayer with permission, Scripture with permission, emotional pacing, and avoiding premature advice.
Topic 6 Moodle Layout
Video 6A: Soul Coaching Conversation Skills
Transcript Title: Listening Before Leading
Video 6B: Asking Questions That Invite Ownership
Transcript Title: Wise Questions, Not Quick Answers
Video 6C: Prayer, Scripture, Silence, and Summary
Transcript Title: Spiritual Presence in the Coaching Conversation
Reading 6.1: Listening, Reflecting, and Asking Wise Questions
Reading 6.2: Permission-Based Prayer, Scripture, and Spiritual Conversation
Case Study 6.3: When Naomi Learned to Stop Talking First
Worksheet 6.4: Soul Coaching Conversation Practice Guide
Bible Study 6.5: Listening Before Speaking
Quiz 6: Soul Coaching Conversation Skills
Topic 6 Status
Reading 6.1 drafted.
Reading 6.2 drafted.
Case Study 6.3 drafted.
Worksheet 6.4 drafted.
Bible Study 6.5 drafted.
Topic 7: Helping Someone Make a Soul Growth Plan They Own
Students learn how to help someone create a growth plan that belongs to them. The plan must connect to discernment, the Holy Spirit, Scripture, prayer, devotional engagement, community support, wise accountability, and specific next steps.
Topic 7 Moodle Layout
Video 7A: Helping Someone Make a Soul Growth Plan They Own
Transcript Title: From Discernment to Faithful Action
Video 7B: The FRUIT Plan
Transcript Title: Faithful, Rooted, User-Owned, Integrated, Trackable
Video 7C: Holy Spirit, Devotional Practice, and Accountability
Transcript Title: Growth That Depends on God and Takes Responsibility
Reading 7.1: From Discernment to an Owned Soul Growth Plan
Reading 7.2: Devotional Engagement, Accountability, and Christian Growth Resources
Case Study 7.3: When Jamal Finally Owned One Faithful Step
Worksheet 7.4: My FRUIT Plan Field Worksheet
Bible Study 7.5: Abiding in Christ and Bearing Fruit
Quiz 7: Helping Someone Make a Soul Growth Plan They Own
Topic 7 Status
Reading 7.1 drafted.
Reading 7.2 drafted.
Case Study 7.3 drafted.
Worksheet 7.4 drafted.
Bible Study 7.5 drafted.
Topic 8: Practicum, Readiness, Referral, and Next Steps
Students practice what they have learned and discern readiness for Soul Coaching. This topic includes a short practicum, role clarity, referral awareness, use of Christian Growth courses, cautious use of Genogram Ministry Conversations, and next steps in the Soul Coach Ministry Program.
Topic 8 Moodle Layout
Video 8A: Practicing a Soul Coaching Conversation
Transcript Title: Bringing the Course Together
Video 8B: Readiness, Referral, and Role Clarity
Transcript Title: Knowing Your Lane and Serving Wisely
Video 8C: Next Steps in the Soul Coach Ministry Program
Transcript Title: From Introduction to Ministry Formation
Reading 8.1: Practicum and Readiness for Soul Coaching
Reading 8.2: Referral Wisdom and Continuing the Soul Coach Ministry Pathway
Case Study 8.3: When Rebecca Realized Coaching Was Holy Ground
Worksheet 8.4: My Soul Coach Practicum and Readiness Plan
Bible Study 8.5: Serving Wisely Within Your Calling
Quiz 8: Practicum, Readiness, Referral, and Next Steps
Topic 8 Status
Reading 8.1 drafted.
Reading 8.2 drafted.
Case Study 8.3 drafted.
Worksheet 8.4 drafted.
Bible Study 8.5 drafted.
Topic 8 Role Framework
1. Soul Coach Candidate
A Soul Coach candidate is learning to guide growth conversations with humility, permission, Scripture, prayer, and clear boundaries.
2. Soul Coach
A Soul Coach helps people work through Christian Growth courses and take faithful next steps in life. This role is connected to Soul Center ministry and course-supported Christian growth.
3. Life Coach
A Life Coach has broader training and may guide more structured coaching conversations, depending on preparation, endorsement, and role recognition.
4. Life Coach Chaplain
A Life Coach Chaplain integrates coaching posture with chaplaincy presence, careful consent, and role-specific boundaries.
5. Life Coach Minister
A Life Coach Minister may use coaching as a ministry practice with deeper biblical, theological, and practical training. The Life Coach Minister may use non-directive, semi-directive, and permission-based directive approaches when appropriate.
6. Soul Center Connection
Soul Centers may offer Soul Coaching conversations, Christian Growth course support, group learning, and community-based encouragement within safe ministry boundaries.
7. Referral Awareness
The Soul Coach must know when to refer and when more help is needed.
CLA Life Coaching Ministry Ladder
Use this ladder order in future materials:
1. Soul Coach
Entry-level, course-connected role. Helps people work through Christian Growth courses and take faithful next steps in life.
Required Curriculum
Soul Coach Orientation
One approved Christian Growth specialization/content course
Multiplying Christian Leaders
Level One Endorsement
Credential Outputs
Soul Coach Certificate
Specialization Letter of Good Standing
CLA ID Card with role identification
Optional Soul Center inclusion
CLA directory listing
2. Life Coach
Foundational Christian coaching credential with broader training.
Required Curriculum
Coaching Ministry Foundations
Christian Basics: Introduction to Christian Doctrine or Christian Leaders Theology
One approved specialization
Level One Endorsement
Credential Outputs
Life Coach Certificate
Specialization Letter of Good Standing
CLA ID Card with role identification
Optional Soul Center inclusion
CLA directory listing
3. Life Coach Chaplain
Chaplaincy/coaching hybrid role.
Required Curriculum
Coaching Ministry Foundations
Christian Basics: Introduction to Christian Doctrine or Christian Leaders Theology
Officiating Chaplain Foundations
Public School Chaplain Foundations or alternative chaplain module as assigned
Building a Life Coach Ministry Practice
Level One Endorsement
Background check when required
Credential Outputs
Life Coach Chaplain Certificate
Letter of Good Standing
Chaplain ID
CLA directory listing
Optional Soul Center inclusion
4. Life Coach Minister
Credentialed coaching ministry role with deeper biblical, theological, and practical formation.
Required Curriculum
Coaching Ministry Foundations
Christian Basics: Introduction to Christian Doctrine or Christian Leaders Theology
Christian Leaders Connections
Life Coaching Ministry
Semi-Directive and Directive Ministry Coaching
Building a Life Coach Ministry Practice
Multiplying Christian Leaders
Level One Endorsement
Credential Outputs
Life Coach Minister Certificate
Letter of Good Standing
CLA ID
CLA directory listing
Optional Soul Center inclusion
Suggested Reference Themes by Topic
Topic 1
Biblical anthropology, image of God, theological anthropology, body-soul unity, creation theology, male and female, vocation, fall and sin, new creation, sanctification, renewal.
Topic 2
Salvation, sanctification, spiritual formation, fruit of the Spirit, renewal of the mind, discipleship, habit formation, resurrection hope.
Topic 3
Christian coaching, agency, responsibility, pastoral care, adult learning, coaching ethics, discipleship resources, Christian Growth courses.
Topic 4
Coaching boundaries, pastoral ethics, 1 Timothy 3, Titus 1, referral ethics, mental health boundaries, trauma-informed ministry, chaplaincy standards.
Topic 5
Dooyeweerd, non-reductionistic worldview, whole-person care, practical theology, discernment, family systems, gratitude research, narrative identity.
Topic 6
Active listening, coaching questions, motivational interviewing, spiritual direction, chaplaincy presence, pastoral counseling basics, consent-based care.
Topic 7
Goal setting, implementation intentions, habit formation, spiritual disciplines, accountability, adult learning, coaching plans, discipleship pathways.
Topic 8
Practicum learning, reflective practice, supervision, referral wisdom, ministry readiness, coaching ethics, chaplaincy boundaries, continuing formation.
Academic Reference Bank
Use these as possible references when building readings. Each reading should still include 5–10 topic-specific references.
American Association of Christian Counselors. AACC Code of Ethics.
Bavinck, H. Reformed Dogmatics.
Benner, D. G. Strategic Pastoral Counseling.
Berkhof, L. Systematic Theology.
Berkouwer, G. C. Man: The Image of God.
Bonhoeffer, D. Life Together.
Calvin, J. Institutes of the Christian Religion.
Cloud, H., & Townsend, J. Boundaries.
Collins, G. R. Christian Coaching.
Cranton, P. Understanding and Promoting Transformative Learning.
Doehring, C. The Practice of Pastoral Care.
Dooyeweerd, H. A New Critique of Theoretical Thought.
Duhigg, C. The Power of Habit.
Egan, G., & Reese, R. J. The Skilled Helper.
Fogg, B. J. Tiny Habits.
Foster, R. J. Celebration of Discipline.
Friedman, E. H. Generation to Generation.
Gollwitzer, P. M. “Implementation Intentions: Strong Effects of Simple Plans.”
Gorman, M. Becoming the Gospel.
Grenz, S. The Social God and the Relational Self.
Hoekema, A. Created in God’s Image.
International Coaching Federation. ICF Code of Ethics.
Ivey, A. E., Ivey, M. B., & Zalaquett, C. P. Intentional Interviewing and Counseling.
Johnson, E. L. Psychology and Christianity: Five Views.
Keller, T. Every Good Endeavor.
Koenig, H. Religion, Spirituality, and Health.
Loder, J. The Transforming Moment.
McAdams, D. The Stories We Live By.
McMinn, M. R. Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling.
Middleton, J. R. The Liberating Image.
Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. Motivational Interviewing.
Mulholland, M. R. Invitation to a Journey.
Nouwen, H. J. M. The Wounded Healer.
Osmer, R. R. Practical Theology.
Packer, J. I. Knowing God.
Peterson, E. H. A Long Obedience in the Same Direction.
Peterson, C., & Seligman, M. Character Strengths and Virtues.
Powlison, D. Seeing with New Eyes.
Seligman, M. Flourish.
Sire, J. The Universe Next Door.
Smith, J. K. A. You Are What You Love.
Stone, H. W. The Caring Church.
Stone, H., & Duke, J. How to Think Theologically.
Swinton, J., & Mowat, H. Practical Theology and Qualitative Research.
Thompson, C. D. The Soul of Shame.
Vanhoozer, K. Faith Speaking Understanding.
Willard, D. Renovation of the Heart.
Wolters, A. Creation Regained.
Wright, N. T. Surprised by Hope.
Wright, N. T. After You Believe.
Final Course Reminder
This course should consistently teach that Soul Coaching is:
Biblical
Christ-centered
Gospel-rooted
Creation-grounded
Image-of-God honoring
Spirit-dependent
Prayerful
Permission-based
Agency-honoring
Whole-person aware
Non-reductionistic
Academically credible
Ministry-practical
Emotionally honest
Safety-conscious
Referral-aware
Connected to Christian Growth courses
Useful for Soul Centers
Helpful for Soul Coach Ministry formation
Grounded in resurrection hope
It is not:
Therapy
Clinical counseling
Medical care
Crisis care
Legal advice
A replacement for pastoral oversight
A replacement for licensed professionals
A way to control people
A way to give simplistic answers
A way to avoid lament
A way to force change
A personality improvement program
A self-help gimmick
A technique without the Gospel
A plan the coach owns for the person
Final Soul Coach Prayer
“Lord, help me see this person as a living soul before you. Help me see the echo of your image, even where sin has distorted life. Help me listen with humility, speak with grace and truth, discern wisely, honor their responsibility, and guide one faithful next step under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.”