This post is from our ministry partner, Texas Christian Counseling.
Shel Silverstein’s The Giving Tree is one of those books that seems simple on the surface but has so many layers, especially if you read it at different stages of your life. One of the layers that could be helpful for a Christian coach is to be aware of the beauty of giving of yourself for the sake of others, but to remain vigilant about how endless giving can become destructive. We are finite and none of us can pour out endlessly, especially without someone pouring into us.
Personal Spiritual Connection Matters
Being a Christian coach is a calling that extends beyond helping others in their goal setting or maintaining accountability and motivation. It does these things, yes, but at the heart of it, it’s helping others and giving them the tools they need to align themselves with the Lord’s purposes for their lives.
As you can imagine, for a Christian coach to serve others in this deeply transformative way, a coach must themselves cultivate and maintain an authentic personal connection with the Lord. For your coaching practice to have the conviction and foundation it needs for longevity and effectiveness, that personal spiritual connection matters. Without it, the work of coaching can slip easily into burnout, self-reliance, and perhaps even pride.
A Christian coach functions as many things to and for their client, including as a mentor, consultant, and sounding board. It’s also worthwhile to consider that this work is work you’re doing as a vessel of God’s blessings to the world. God’s people are blessed in order to be a blessing to others (Psalm 67:1-2; Genesis 12:1-3), and through you, others may be encouraged, challenged, given fresh direction, and uplifted.
As you coach others, consider Jesus’ words, “apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5, NIV). This doesn’t mean that you won’t get results if you aren’t in Christ, but it does raise questions about a deeper lasting impact, as well as your own wellbeing as you do your work. Exhaustion and superficial results can be disheartening as you try to work with others for their betterment.
Some Potential Pitfalls for a Christian Coach
One of the most rewarding feelings a coach can have is the joy at seeing a client’s life transformed; to see them take greater ownership of themselves and the gifts the Lord has deposited in them. However, there are pitfalls along the way for the Christian coach.
Some of these could include the following.
Subtle pride and self-reliance
Human wisdom can accomplish a lot, and it’s important to acknowledge that. However, the reminder for us is to trust God and not our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6), and to grasp that “the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength” (1 Corinthians 1:25, NIV). It’s tempting and easy to think, “I’ve got this” instead of pursuing God’s direction and wisdom.
Overextension and burnout
People get burned out for a variety of reasons, including being so invested in your work and relying entirely on your efforts that work overtakes your life. The work of a coach often involves pouring yourself into others. Doing this without your own spiritual replenishment as well as trust that God is in control can lead not only to emotional fatigue, but even to resentment toward clients who aren’t making progress.
Losing sight of the mission
As valuable as secular approaches to coaching are, there are deeper dimensions of human beings that they may miss. There is, for instance, the deeper spiritual transformation, liberation, and equipping that the Lord intends and provides. Your own spiritual connection with Christ should indicate the difference it makes for your life to be hidden in Christ.
Staying Rooted in Christ and Nurturing Your Spiritual Wellbeing
To stay rooted in Christ for yourself as an individual and as a coach requires intentionality and consistency. Some practices that could aid you include:
- Accountability and mentorship. Life is not a solo endeavor. Be intentional about having people around you who can speak meaningfully into your life. These are the sort of people who will notice when your wellbeing is in decline and who will support, encourage, and challenge you through that season.
- Immerse yourself in Scripture. Whether through daily devotion and prayer, listening to sermons and podcasts, or journaling and meditating on Scripture, allow God’s Word to shape your outlook and mold your heart. Offer your life, including your sessions with clients, to the Lord and take the time to pray for your clients as well.
- Sabbath rest. Create space in your life for worship and rest. Take time to delight in the Lord, your relationships, creation around you, and so on. If you’re always on the go and don’t stop, you risk emptying your well.
- Invite the Lord into your coaching. This can be as simple and transformative as seeking the Spirit’s guidance in shaping your questions, giving you insights, and even in having good timing during your interactions with clients.
Having open ears and a heart that’s tender to the Lord’s leading can reshape your Christian coaching practice. Being at peace within yourself and having a divine source of joy, wonder, and strength can make a world of difference, not only in protecting you from pitfalls, but in nurturing your wellbeing. Taking your own connection with the Lord seriously can guide you toward greater faithfulness and a more effective coaching practice.
About Texas Christian Counseling
Texas Christian Counseling is an association of licensed professional mental health counselors and therapists who have experience helping clients find healing from a wide variety of issues. We combine biblical guidance with proven therapeutic techniques to help clients find effective, lasting solutions to the challenges they face.
As a growing company, we are always on the lookout for valuable professionals to bring onboard. If your goal is to do the counseling work you love in a faith-based setting, then Texas Christian Counseling might be the right fit for you. We have openings at our current locations and are looking to expand to new suburbs and cities throughout Texas. We would love to connect with you to discuss the opportunity.
