Discover the Role of Coaching Ministers
Have you heard of Coaching Ministers? Often referred to as Life Coach Ministers, this role blends the principles of coaching with the responsibilities of a Christian minister.
Coaching has grown in popularity, with many organizations now offering coaching services. The core idea of coaching is to empower clients to take charge of their lives by asking insightful questions that help them focus on their goals and challenges. While some argue that coaching conflicts with traditional religious leadership, it’s possible to integrate both roles effectively.
Christian ministers rely on the wisdom of the Bible and Christ’s teachings to offer guidance for life’s challenges. However, there’s a coaching approach that helps individuals take ownership of their problems and guide them according to God’s Word.
Is There a Role for Coaching Ministers?
Yes, there is! The Christian Leaders Alliance offers a credentialing program for Coaching Ministers. This program combines pastoral care with coaching techniques, allowing ministers to maintain their spiritual leadership while applying coaching principles.
Coaching Minister Program Overview
The Coaching Minister program begins with foundational minister credentials. The first step is the Ministry Calling and Confidence course, which helps you discern your calling as a Christian minister. You’ll also complete the Christian Leaders Connection course, which serves as your introduction to ministry.
Next, you’ll deepen your understanding of Biblical doctrine through the Introduction to Christian Doctrine course, taught by Dr. David Feddes using materials by Dr. Edwin Roels.
In addition to theological training, this program equips you with the skills to officiate weddings and other important ceremonies. You’ll also take the Influence Smart course to enhance your people skills.
When it comes to coaching, you’ll complete a two-course series. The first course covers non-directive coaching theory and practice, while the second course teaches how ministers can incorporate semi-directive and directive coaching approaches.
Coaching Minister Requirements
To become a Coaching Minister, you must complete the following courses:
- Multiplying Christian Leaders (1 Module)
- Wedding Officiant Skills (1 Module)
- Officiant Ministry Skills (2 Modules)
- Ministry Science and Communications (3 Units)
- Life Coaching Ministry (3 Units)
- Life Coaching Ministry Part 2 – Semi and Directive Approach (2 Units)
- Coaching Minister Recognition (1 Module)
- Ministry Calling and Confidence (1 Module)
- Christian Leaders Connections (3 Units)
- Christian Basics (3 Units)
- Influence Smart (1 Unit)
Total courses: 11
Who is the Licensed Coaching Minister Credential For?
This credential is ideal for those serving as volunteer, part-time, or full-time Life Coach Ministers. Whether you are a non-licensed minister looking to gain official clergy status or testing the waters of ministry, this program provides a solid foundation for further study and advancement within the Christian Leaders Alliance.
Recommendations
To qualify for this clergy role, you will need two recommendations that speak to your character and calling.
Recognition
Upon completion, the Christian Leaders Alliance will recognize you as a licensed clergy member, and your profile will be listed on their website. You’ll be legally authorized to perform wedding ceremonies in the United States and other parts of the world. This credential also establishes you as a Life Coach Minister, making it perfect for both volunteer and vocational ministry in a local church or organization.
As a Licensed Coaching Minister, you’ll be empowered to perform various functions, including:
- Coaching or Life Coaching
- Weddings
- Baptisms and Dedications
- Funerals
- The Lord’s Supper
- Profession of Faith
- Confession of Sin
- Forgiveness Prayers and Ceremonies
- Anointing Ceremonies
- Care Facilities Visits
- Spiritual Warfare
- Master of Ceremony Events
Would you like to take the next step in becoming a Coaching Minister? Start your journey today with Christian Leaders Institute!
Life Coach Minister Testimony
Greetings everyone, my name is Danny Anderson. My wife and I currently own A&M Life Coaching and Spiritual Counseling Services here in Indiana. Our
mission is to educate, motivate, and dedicate people to the improvement of communities, using the Bible and ministry as our guiding foundation.
We have conducted study sessions within schools while also providing meals to students, helping them focus on their studies rather than their hunger. This effort has proven successful, as we have seen students grow into adulthood while maintaining contact with us. We incorporate the Word of God into everyday life skills, using real-life examples with relatable outcomes. We also challenge our youth to “pay it forward” because, as the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child.
From an early age, I came to know the Lord through two different denominations—Catholicism, by attending church with my father, who was a lector, and the Baptist tradition, by going to church with my mother, who served as the church nurse. While stationed in Panama in the 1990s, I was introduced to the Apostolic way of worship. Now that I am back in Indiana, I currently attend non-denominational services at the Veterans Memorial Chapel, where chaplains from Methodist and Protestant backgrounds serve.
My goal is to expand our Street Ministry to reach the ever-growing homeless population, our neighbors, and children, along with continuing to provide meals. We travel throughout the city, working in schools to apply God’s Word to everyday life. I walk the streets, minister to youth and young adults, and use faith-based coaching to reduce violence by teaching conflict resolution and communication skills.
Licensed Christian Wedding Officiant
My Christian beliefs, along with my life coaching and counseling experience, coupled with the education I received from Christian Leaders Alliance, enable me to counsel couples openly about their Christian views prior to marriage. I also provide pre-marriage counseling to help them build a strong foundation for a lifelong commitment.
Utilizing the skillsets I have learned, I guide couples to discover themselves in a positive light before marriage, teaching them what it takes to manage a household together while growing in faith. By officiating their wedding ceremony, I ensure they experience a meaningful, loving, and spiritual moment. Additionally, I remain available for continued counseling and spiritual guidance to support them in their marital journey.
Genesis 2:24 – Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
Proverbs 18:22 – He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord.
Education and the Dream
I completed my Minister Ordination with Christian Leaders Alliance, which has greatly empowered me with a deeper understanding of the Lord Jesus Christ and sound doctrine. This knowledge has strengthened my ability to present the gospel powerfully and to engage with youth about Scripture.
My ordination has solidified my speaking and teaching abilities, giving me confidence and credibility in ministry. Coupled with my Doctorate Degree in Philosophy, I am now more effective in sharing God’s Word.
Recently, I became a Vision Partner with Christian Leaders as part of my commitment to passing it forward. I continue to offer prayers and blessings to others as I work toward establishing a Soul Center and serving as a mentor for those seeking a deeper walk with Christ.
Author: Henry Reyenga
Henry Reyenga is president of Christian Leaders Institute and Christian Leaders Alliance.