Reading 7.2: Create Your Christian Life Coach Next-Step Plan

A calling becomes clearer when reflection leads to action.

This reading will help you create a simple plan for your next stage of Christian coaching preparation.

Step One: Review What You Have Learned

Before selecting a pathway, summarize your understanding of Christian life coaching.

Christian life coaching is a Christ-centered ministry of:

  • Listening

  • Reflection

  • Prayer

  • Biblical encouragement

  • Accountability

  • Soul Growth discernment

  • Christian Growth resources

  • Faithful next-step support

Christian coaching is not:

  • Psychotherapy

  • Clinical counseling

  • Psychiatric care

  • Medical treatment

  • Legal representation

  • Financial advising

  • Crisis intervention

  • Unqualified trauma treatment

  • Controlling another person’s decisions

  • Creating dependence upon the coach

A healthy Christian coach understands both the possibilities and the limits of the role.

Step Two: Name the People You Hope to Serve

Complete this sentence:

I am especially interested in serving people who _______________________________.

You might feel drawn toward people who are:

  • Exploring their calling

  • Seeking spiritual growth

  • Navigating life transitions

  • Working toward responsible goals

  • Recovering from discouragement

  • Strengthening relationships

  • Building healthier habits

  • Seeking greater clarity

  • Participating in a Christian Growth Course

  • Looking for encouragement and accountability

Avoid claiming competence in areas where you lack training.

For example, feeling compassion for people who have experienced trauma does not automatically qualify you to provide trauma treatment. You may still encourage, listen, pray, and refer within the boundaries of your role.

Step Three: Identify Your Present Pathway

Check the statement that most closely describes your present direction:

  • I primarily want Christian coaching education without ordination.

  • I am exploring the Soul Coach Ordination Credential.

  • I am exploring the Ordained Christian Life Coach Credential.

  • I am exploring the Life Coach Minister Ordination Credential.

  • I need more time and training before choosing.

  • I want to begin with a Christian Growth Course.

  • I want to speak with a trusted Christian leader before deciding.

You are allowed to change your answer as your calling becomes clearer.

Step Four: Review Your Profile

Your Christian Leaders profile should communicate your story truthfully.

Review whether your profile includes:

  • Your Christian testimony

  • Your relationship with Jesus Christ

  • Your sense of calling

  • Your interest in Christian coaching

  • Your completed training

  • Your current ministry involvement

  • The people you hope to serve

  • Your present credential or pathway direction

  • Honest descriptions of your experience

  • Appropriate acknowledgment of your limitations

Avoid language that suggests you possess licenses, degrees, experience, or professional qualifications that you do not have.

A clear profile does not need to be impressive. It needs to be truthful.

Step Five: Identify Your Support Community

Christian coaching ministry should not develop in isolation.

Write the names of one or two people who could support your discernment:

Consider who might:

  • Pray with you

  • Offer honest feedback

  • Observe your coaching development

  • Help you recognize blind spots

  • Confirm your character

  • Participate in future endorsement

  • Connect you with a local Christian community

  • Support commissioning if you pursue ordination

Step Six: Choose Your Next Course

Review your Available Credentials panel and identify the course that best fits your next step.

Possible beginning points may include:

  • A foundational coaching course

  • Soul Coaching Skills

  • Multiplying Christian Leaders

  • An approved Christian Growth Course

  • A theological foundation

  • People Smart for Ministry

  • Semi-Directive and Directive Ministry Coaching

  • Building a Life Coach Ministry Practice

  • Another course currently required by your selected pathway

Confirm the active requirements before enrolling.

Write the title of the next course you intend to begin:

My next course: __________________________________________

Step Seven: Create a Study Rhythm

Self-paced learning works best when you create a realistic rhythm.

Complete the following:

Days I plan to study: ____________________________________

Approximate study time each week: _________________________

Place where I will usually study: __________________________

Person who can encourage my progress: _____________________

Do not rush through quizzes merely to finish. Return to the learning material when you discover gaps in your understanding.

Your integrity is part of your preparation for trusted Christian service.

Step Eight: Complete Your Next-Step Commitment

Finish these statements:

The Christian coaching role I am presently exploring is:

The area in which I most need additional formation is:

The person I will ask for feedback is:

The next course or action I will begin is:

I hope to begin this step by:

A Final Reminder

You do not need to decide your whole future today.

Begin with the credential, pathway, course, or conversation that fits your present calling.

Formation comes before recognition.

Training comes before expanded responsibility.

Listening comes before directing.

A healthy Christian coach knows when to refer.

The goal is not to become important. The goal is to become prepared to serve.



Last modified: Thursday, July 30, 2026, 1:27 PM