Christian Coaching

• Definition

• Coaching versus Counseling

• What You Can Expect from Coaching with Dr. David Oliver

• Benefits of Christian Coaching

• The Value of Coaching

• Ways to Pay for Coaching/Spiritual Direction

Definition
The simplest definition of coaching is “a collaborative relationship which forwards action or deepens understanding, based on trust and integrity. Coaching focuses on the goals, development and dreams of the person being coached, with specific expectations for growth.”

One of the best definitions we've heard is from Dr. Dennis Kinlaw, in his book Coaching for Commitment:

"Successful coaching is a mutual conversation that follows a predictable process and leads to superior performance, commitment to sustained improvement, and positive relationships."

The International Coach Federation (ICF) defines coaching on its applications for the Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and Master Certified Coach (MCC) Credentials in this way:

"Professional Coaching is an ongoing partnership that helps clients produce fulfilling results in their personal and professional lives. Through the process of coaching, clients deepen their learning, improve their performance, and enhance their quality of life."

Coaching is about giving support, inspiring, challenging, modeling trust and integrity, facilitating growth and change, and partnering for success. The goal of coaching is the development, growth and success of those being coached. Coaching is supportive, respectful, encouraging, curious, positive. Coaching is about positive movement. Christian coaching accomplishes this in the framework of a Christian world view and uses the resources of the Scripture and faith to accomplish these powerful goals.

Back to top

Coaching versus Counseling

Back to top

What You Can Expect from Coaching with Dr. David Oliver

As your coach, I believe:

1. You are endowed by God with natural creativity, resourcefulness, and a desire for wholeness.
2. The Spirit of God will empower your growth, discoveries and new vision.
3. Our coaching relationship can address your professional and personal life.
4. Session agenda comes from you and will be honored.
5. Your fulfillment, balance and process are the focus of our sessions.
6. Forward growth occurs in a designed alliance with mutual responsibility.

As your coach, I will:

7. Listen at the deepest level and be present when I am with you.
8. Synthesize impressions and information.
9. Ask questions and trust that you are capable, resourceful and have some answers.
10. Initiate conversation that moves you to action and deepens your learning.
11. Encourage you to manage the judgments and opinions of yourself and others.
12. Create an environment that is safe and energizing where I follow your lead and the Spirit’s direction.

With me as your coach, you will:

13. Take more, better, and smarter actions by creating a vision and setting goals.
14. Design and enjoy a balanced life according to your agenda for excellence.
15. Understand your own and others’ preferred communication styles.
16. Stretch and reach for more than you would by yourself.
17. Use the power of faith and God’s presence to enhance your effectiveness.
18. Have clearer focus that will lead to better decisions and choices.
19. Enjoy the present moment more with sustainable energy
20. Free yourself of problems and habits that could stop you from faithfulness, success and significance.

Back to top

The Benefits of Christian Coaching

Coaching HELPS Christian Leaders…

• Achieve more, in less time, with greater life and ministry satisfaction.

• Get where they want to go, do what they want to do, and achieve what they want to achieve in life and ministry.

• Achieve their God-inspired best in life and ministry.

• Grow forward in faith and function with the partnership of a coach.

• Reach their full kingdom potential in life and ministry.

Coaching MOVES Leaders and Organizations from Dialogue to Action by…

• Transitioning Christian leaders and their ministry setting.

• Accelerating the pace and depth of learning for Christian leaders.

• Clarifying the spiritual and strategic journey for Christian leaders.

Coaching ENCOURAGES and Supports Leaders and Organizations Facing Change to…

• Pursue and perfect excellence in the practice of ministry.

• Grow in self-management and focus.

Back to top

The Value of Coaching

Coaching has proven value. Coaching clients report the following outcomes as a result of working with a coach (see Amy Watson, “Analysis of 1998 Survey of Coaching Clients by the International Coaches Federation,” September 15, 1998.)

Self-awareness: 67.6% Setting better goals: 62.4% More balanced life: 60.5% Lower stress levels: 57.1% Self-discovery: 52.9% Self-confidence: 52.4% Improvement in quality of life: 43.3%

Better relationship w/boss, co-workers: 33.3% Better family relationship (s): 33.3% Increased energy: 31.9% More fun: 31.9% More income: 25.7% Change in career: 24.3% More free time: 22.9%

In 98.5% of cases, coaching clients said their investment in a coach was well worth the money. Many report significant progress in as little as 3-6 months.

Ready to invest in your effectiveness and renewal? Contact me for a complimentary session. Email davidmoliver@att.net or call 330.497.8109.

Back to top

Ways to Pay for Coaching/Spiritual Direction

Paying for coaching and spiritual direction services should be thought of as an investment in improving your skills and effectiveness. The following resources are commonly used by pastors and other leaders to fund this important investment:

• Continuing Education Funds

• Discretionary Funds

• Contingency Funds

• Support from Elder Boards

• Grants for Professional Development

• Denominational Scholarship Funds

• Employee Assistance Plans

• Scholarships specifically provided for your support by your organization

• Key leaders with financial means have considered it the privilege to come alongside some pastors to financially under gird their coaching and spiritual direction.

Back to top