Professional Christian Coaching Today

The future of coaching is changing fast. But not in the way you might think. In this episode, we slow down the conversation around AI and take a thoughtful look at what's actually ahead. You'll walk away with clarity, a steadier sense of your place in it all, and a deeper confidence in what truly matters in coaching. * Understand four possible futures shaping coaching by 2036 * See how AI may expand coaching without replacing it * Identify the skills that will become more valuable over time * Feel grounded in your role as a coach in a changing world 2026 ICF Coaching Futures Report: icfcoachingfuturesreport.com/ International Christian Coaching Day Resources:  professionalchristiancoaching.com/day    --- Start your journey to become a Professional Christian Life Coach!  Connect with an Academic Advisor: https://calendly.com/d/cqkt-5nf-5pw/connect-with-an-academic-advisor?utm_source=podcast Join the Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/professionalchristiancoaching/ Our gift to you! 15+ Hours of FREE Train

Suffering eventually walks into every coaching conversation. The question is not whether it will appear, but how we will respond when it does. In this thoughtful and grounded conversation, we explore what it means to stay present with clients in seasons of pain without rushing to fix, rescue, or theologize too quickly. You'll hear practical wisdom for normalizing hardship, honoring the limits of the coaching lane, and holding fast to the redemptive hope of our faith while remaining deeply attuned to the human experience in front of us. In this episode, you'll gain: * A clearer framework for coaching clients who are walking through deep suffering * Confidence in staying present without trying to "solve" the pain * Insight into when to refer to counseling and how to recognize those indicators * Encouragement to anchor your coaching in Scripture without becoming directive * A renewed vision for how suffering, held in faith, can lead to transformation --- Start your journey to become a Professional Christian Life

Presence lies at the center of both professional coaching and Christian formation. This episode explores presence not as a technique or coaching skill alone, but as a disciplined way of being. For Christian coaches, presence is where ICF-aligned professionalism and faith come together rather than compete. In coaching, presence means being fully engaged, comfortable with not knowing, able to work with silence, and responsive rather than reactive. Spiritually, Scripture reveals God as a present God. From the burning bush to the ministry of Jesus, transformation flows from attentive presence, not hurried action. The conversation addresses a key truth: we cannot be present with clients beyond the level we are present with ourselves. Stillness, surrender, and self-awareness shape our ability to hold space for others. Practical reflections highlight what Christ-centered, client-centered presence looks like in real sessions, including honoring boundaries, resisting advice-giving, trusting the process, and allowing i

Few things sharpen a coach's skills more than listening in on a real coaching session guided by MCC-level insight. In this episode, you'll hear an actual recording from Bryan Brown, MCC, a session that was part of the portfolio he submitted for his Master Certified Coach credential. His calm presence, precise questions, and steady partnership offer a rare look at coaching mastery in real time. Along the way, Cindy Schmelzenbach, MCC, provides thoughtful commentary that highlights what's happening beneath the surface. She draws attention to the subtle skills Bryan uses to evoke awareness, empower choice, and hold space for deep transformation. Whether you're an experienced coach or still growing your confidence, this combination of live coaching and expert reflection will equip, inspire, and expand your understanding of what truly excellent coaching can sound like. About Cindy Schmelzenbach, MCC Cindy has a passion for supporting coaches in personal and professional development journeys. Having lived interna

What if the best parts of the year were not the biggest ones, but the quiet gifts of God hidden right in plain sight? In this fourth "Favorite Things" conversation, we pause to look back before we look ahead. Not to count achievements or tally wins, but to name the ordinary graces that formed us. The tables that gathered people. The roads that reopened after seasons of waiting. The work that surprised us with joy. The callings that deepened instead of diminished. Threaded through it all is the goodness of God. The steady gift of family and friendship. And the quiet force of coaching as it shapes leaders, ministries, and everyday lives from the inside out. This episode is an invitation to slow down long enough to remember. To notice what God has done. To give thanks for what did not have to happen but did. Before the year turns, let gratitude open your eyes to the grace that has been carrying you all along. --- Start your journey to become a Professional Christian Life Coach!  Connect with an Academic Advis

When you walk into a doctor's office, you expect medical expertise, but what if you also experienced deep listening, hope, and the dignity of being truly heard? That's the kind of care Dr. Mary Jones offers. As a pediatrician and coach, she weaves together her medical background and coaching skills to help families navigating neurodiversity, especially ADHD and autism, rediscover direction, peace, and renewed faith in what's possible.  In this episode, Dr. Jones shares how coaching has transformed both her practice and her perspective. From listening with curiosity instead of rushing to diagnose, to creating space for the Holy Spirit to work in every encounter, her story reminds us that presence can be the most powerful prescription of all. Key Takeaways: • Listening with curiosity restores dignity, clarity, and hope • Healing often begins when someone feels seen and heard • A coach approach helps professionals serve the whole person-body, mind, and spirit • Even a few moments of intentional presence can make

Start your journey to become a Professional Christian Life Coach!  Connect with an Academic Advisor: https://calendly.com/d/cqkt-5nf-5pw/connect-with-an-academic-advisor?utm_source=podcast --- What if the noise of modern life is not just making us tired but actually keeping us from the God we long for? We live in a world where the average person checks their phone 96 times a day and our attention span has dropped nearly 25 percent in the last twenty years. No wonder so many feel disconnected, distracted, and spiritually dry. Yet beneath the hurry and distraction lies a deep ache for God, a longing to know His peace, His wisdom, His presence. In this conversation, we explore: * Why listening to God and others is more urgent than ever in a noisy, fast-paced world * The hidden expectations and rhythms that can sabotage our spiritual practices * What neuroscience and research reveal about our circadian rhythms and how they shape creativity, focus, and connection * The difference between grace-filled adjustment

What does it look like to grow a thriving coaching firm? In this episode, you'll hear the inspiring story of a mother and daughter who followed God's lead, honored their unique gifts, and built something larger than themselves. What began as separate career paths eventually came together into a firm that serves both individuals and organizations with clarity, creativity, and purpose. At the heart of their work is the belief that when people flourish, organizations flourish. Whether they are equipping executives with fresh strategies or helping new employees grow in confidence, their approach is deeply relational and intentionally grounded in listening-to God, to life, and to the people they serve. In this episode, you'll discover: * How to know when it might be time to grow beyond a solo coaching practice * Why relationships are essential to building a sustainable business * What it takes to invite other coaches into your vision with clarity and trust * Encouragement to pay attention to your gifts and listen

What does it really take to become a professional coach?   In this episode, you'll hear the story of one coach who transitioned from a high-level corporate and nonprofit career into a thriving part-time coaching practice designed to fit her life and values. If you're wondering how to get started, how to build gradually without overwhelm, or how to align your coaching with your faith, this conversation offers clarity and practical guidance.   In this episode, you’ll discover: A real-life example of how to transition into coaching from another profession Why starting slow can be a smart strategy for long-term success How to market your coaching services without pressure or expensive campaigns What makes professional training worth the investment How to build a sustainable business that supports your life, not the other way around   You’ll walk away with encouragement, practical ideas, and renewed confidence for taking your next step in the coaching journey.   About Jenn Nickel, PCC Jenn Nickel is a PC

What if the very skills that make you a great counselor, pastor, or people-helper aren’t the same ones needed to help someone grow? Many professionals feel a stirring toward coaching but aren’t sure how it differs from what they already do. The overlap with counseling can feel confusing, especially when your heart is wired to support others. In this episode, we unpack the five core differences between coaching and counseling. You’ll gain clarity on what coaching is, how it works, and why it matters. If you’ve ever wondered how to begin, whether additional training is necessary, or how to navigate dual roles with integrity, this conversation will guide you with insight, practical help, and encouragement. In this episode, you’ll discover:     • Why coaching and counseling serve different purposes and how that affects your approach     • How to tell which role you’re in and why that distinction matters     • What motivates coaching clients and how it shifts the conversation     • Key ethical and legal consider

As coaches, we know that awareness is the first step toward transformation. Yet for many leaders, the awareness they most need—the way others actually experience their leadership—remains hidden just beyond their view. That’s why today’s conversation with Bryan Brown is so essential.   In this insightful and practical discussion, we’ll explore: Why feedback is one of the rarest and most valuable gifts a leader can receive The critical role coaches play in helping leaders interpret and apply 360° feedback Common pitfalls to avoid when using a 360° assessment How leadership blind spots can quietly derail influence—and how to uncover them Why trust is the true currency of leadership today, and how 360°s can strengthen it How often leaders should engage in a 360° feedback process for sustained growth   Bryan also shares a glimpse into a newly developed, Christ-centered 360° tool designed to help leaders grow in emotional intelligence, relational trust, and lasting impact. If you coach leaders at any

What if coaching wasn’t about having to ask the perfect question, but about trusting the space between the words? What if silence, curiosity, and presence were the most powerful tools in your coaching toolkit? In this episode, you’ll listen in on a masterfully conducted coaching session with Master Certified Coach Jaime Slingerland, joined by commentary from Master Certified Coach Cindy Schmelzenbach. You will enjoy this rare open window into a deeply moving conversation—one that shows how transformation can quietly unfold when a coach partners with the whole person, not just their goal. Listen in to discover: How a coach’s spacious presence can create room for unexpected breakthroughs When to gently invite new awareness without interrupting the flow The power of noticing what really matters to your client—and staying with it Why asking less can sometimes reveal more You’ll walk away inspired, encouraged, and reminded that powerful coaching isn’t about performance—it’s about partnership. ICF MCC Minimum S

Coaching has come a long way—and today, we’re celebrating just how far. In this episode, we honor key milestones in the growth of professional coaching and Christian coach training, reflect on where the field stands today, and cast a hopeful vision for what’s ahead. Whether you’re new to coaching or have been part of the journey for decades, this conversation will encourage, inspire, and remind you of the sacred calling behind the coaching profession. You’ll hear:   A celebration of some major anniversaries in the field of coaching Surprising statistics about the growth and global impact of coaching today Why Christian coaching uniquely matters in a noisy, fast-paced world How the rise of AI is highlighting—not replacing—the need for deep, Spirit-led connection A compelling vision of coaching’s role in the emerging “wisdom economy”                                  Join us as we mark this meaningful moment in coaching history—and look with anticipation toward all God is still unfolding. Access Your Resources

What makes a team thrive? If you've ever been part of a dysfunctional team, you know how frustrating it can be—miscommunication, lack of trust, and an endless cycle of unmet expectations. But what if there was a way to turn that dysfunction into deep connection and shared success? In this episode, we explore the power of team coaching, how it differs from individual and group coaching, and why it’s essential for creating cohesive, high-performing teams. Drawing from the principles taught in Coaching for Work Teams, we’ll dive into practical strategies for building trust, fostering productive conflict, and aligning around a shared mission. Whether you're a coach looking to expand your skills or a leader wanting to strengthen your team, you’ll walk away with actionable insights you can apply immediately. About Sandra Black Sandra Black, PCC is an ICF certified coach with dual certification as a Professional Leadership and Life Coach and a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach. She is passionate about developing lea

Feeling overwhelmed and unsure how to break free from the cycle of stress? In this episode, we dive into the heart of stress resilience, unpacking what stress really is, how it affects our brains and bodies, and why it’s essential to approach it with practical strategies and spiritual wisdom. If you or your clients seek simple habits to build resilience, this conversation with Dr. Charles Stone offers hope and actionable steps. Tune in to: Understand what stress is and how it impacts your brain and body. Learn proven practices for building resilience. Discover one daily habit that can help reduce stress immediately. Explore how biblical truths address stress and offer lasting peace. Gain practical advice for supporting loved ones who are overwhelmed. About Charles Stone: With over 40 years of pastoral experience, Charles Stone has served as a lead pastor, associate pastor, and church planter, bringing biblical truth and practical leadership wisdom to countless congregations. He is the author of seven books

Speaking can be a powerful tool for building your coaching business. In this episode, Dale Wilsher shares her inspiring journey from being a single mom speaking in faith-based spaces to earning five figures per keynote. From starting with simple survey cards to leveraging coaching success stories, Dale unpacks the strategies and pivotal moments that transformed her speaking into a thriving coaching business. You’ll also discover how to navigate different environments as a faith-based speaker, create signature talks that balance warmth and competence, and turn speaking engagements into coaching clients. Tune in to receive: Insights on combining speaking with coaching to accelerate trust and build your client base. Practical strategies for creating signature talks and using personal stories effectively. Tips for navigating professional spaces while staying true to your values. A process for turning speaking engagements into coaching clients using tools like survey cards and follow-ups. Inspiration from Dale’s

Join us as we wrap up the year with six of our favorite things from 2024—some practical, some inspiring, and all centered on God’s faithfulness in every season. From memorable moments to fresh insights that have shaped our lives and work, this conversation is packed with encouragement and reflection.  Whether you’re looking to discover something new, be reminded of God’s goodness, or simply enjoy a meaningful recap of the year, tune in to reflect and rejoice in what God is doing in and through us all.

Looking to help your clients bring clarity and intention to their family life? In this insightful episode, Geremy Keeton, Senior Director of the Counseling Services Department of Focus on the Family and a licensed marriage and family therapist, dives deep into family values, vision, and creating a purpose-filled family mission statement. Christian coaches will gain practical insights on how to foster healthy dynamics in both family and work environments. If you’ve been feeling the pressure of balancing personal and professional life, or are helping your clients align their values with their actions, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways. Key Takeaways: Learn how to create a family mission, purpose, and values statement. Gain clarity on fostering healthy family dynamics and team collaboration. Equip your clients to live more intentionally in alignment with their core values. Learn more about Focus on the Family: www.FocusOnTheFamily.com/gethelp

Success that leaves you drained and burned out isn’t really success at all. In today’s conversation, we explore what it means to pursue sustainable success—success that doesn’t sacrifice your soul on the altar of achievement. We’ll unpack: The Pitfalls of Hustle Culture: Why chasing bigger, faster, and more can lead to diminishing returns in both business and life. Biblical Principles for Lasting Impact: How Jesus’ rhythms of work and rest can transform your approach to coaching and business. Practical Strategies for Coaches: Tips and tools for making each day and each season align with God’s pace and purpose. Discover how to cultivate a life and business that flourish, not just for a season, but for the long haul. Pace of Grace Community: You can learn more about The Pace of Grace Community here: www.PaceOfGrace.com/community. 

Understanding and living out God’s calling is one of the most significant pursuits in our Christian walk. While it's easy to grasp the concept of calling, translating it into our daily lives can often be challenging. But knowing our purpose and calling keeps us aligned with God's design, inspires others, and brings clarity and intentionality to our every action. Listen in to reflect on your journey and consider how you can better attune to God's voice, trust Him more deeply, and follow Him more faithfully. Key Takeaways: Clarity and Direction: Gain a clear understanding of your God-given purpose. Fulfillment: Experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from living out your calling. Inspiration: Inspire others by aligning your actions with God's plan. Intentionality: Transform daily tasks into meaningful acts of worship and service. Faithfulness: Strengthen your ability to trust and follow God more faithfully. Don't miss out on this opportunity to deepen your walk with Christ and ignite your calling. Tu