The Coach Model for Christian Leaders

1. Coaching is about drawing out, not putting in

Coaching isn't about providing answers, it's about asking thought-provoking questions.

Empowering approach. Coaching is a unique helping relationship that focuses on drawing out the coachee's own wisdom and solutions rather than providing advice or instruction. This approach recognizes that individuals have the capacity to find their own answers when guided by skilled questioning and reflection.

Underlying assumptions. The coaching philosophy is built on several key assumptions:

• People are capable of generating their own solutions
• The coachee is the expert on their own life and situation
• Learning and change are more powerful when they come from within

By asking thought-provoking questions instead of giving answers, coaches help coachees tap into their own resources, creativity, and motivation. This process leads to greater ownership of solutions and more sustainable change.

2. The COACH Model: Connect, Outcome, Awareness, Course, Highlights

The COACH Model® follows a pattern that has proven to produce successful, holistic, and empowering conversations.

Structured approach. The COACH Model provides a framework for effective coaching conversations:

• Connect: Build rapport and follow up on previous action steps
• Outcome: Determine the coachee's desired result for the conversation
• Awareness: Explore the situation to gain new insights and perspectives
• Course: Create action steps based on new awareness
• Highlights: Summarize key learnings and takeaways

Flexibility within structure. While providing a clear structure, the model allows for flexibility in each conversation. Coaches can adapt their approach based on the coachee's needs and the flow of the discussion, ensuring that each conversation is tailored to the individual.

3. Active listening and powerful questions are essential coaching skills

Questions cause people to think in new ways and from new perspectives.

Deep listening. Active listening involves fully engaging with the coachee, paying attention to both verbal and non-verbal cues, and demonstrating understanding through reflective statements. This creates a safe space for the coachee to explore their thoughts and feelings.

Powerful questioning. Effective coaches use open-ended questions that:

• Stimulate reflection
• Challenge assumptions
• Explore different perspectives
• Uncover underlying motivations and values
• Generate new insights and possibilities

By combining deep listening with powerful questioning, coaches help coachees gain clarity, discover new insights, and generate their own solutions.

4. Coaching mindset shifts from problem-solver to solution-discoverer

Move from problem-solver to solution-discoverer.

Paradigm shift. The coaching mindset requires a fundamental shift in how we approach helping others. Instead of seeing ourselves as experts with answers, coaches view themselves as facilitators of discovery.

Key mindset shifts include:

• Trusting the coachee's capacity to find solutions
• Embracing curiosity and not-knowing
• Focusing on possibilities rather than limitations
• Believing in the coachee's potential for growth and change

Practical implications. This mindset shift affects how coaches interact with coachees:

• Resisting the urge to give advice
• Asking questions instead of making statements
• Allowing silence for reflection
• Celebrating the coachee's insights and progress

5. Action steps are crucial for turning insights into results

Action steps put feet to insights and discoveries.

Bridging insight to action. While gaining new awareness is valuable, it's not enough to create lasting change. Action steps provide a concrete way to apply new insights and move towards desired outcomes.

Effective action steps are:

• Specific and measurable
• Attainable yet challenging
• Relevant to the coachee's goals
• Time-bound

Coachee ownership. It's crucial that action steps come from the coachee rather than being assigned by the coach. This ensures greater commitment and follow-through. Coaches can help by asking questions that guide the coachee in creating their own action steps.

6. Follow-up on action steps to reinforce learning and accountability

Following-up on action steps provides a natural accountability that motivates people to push harder than they might have on their own.

Closing the loop. Following up on action steps is a critical part of the coaching process. It allows coachees to reflect on their experiences, celebrate successes, and learn from challenges.

Effective follow-up involves:

• Asking about progress in a non-judgmental way
• Exploring what worked well and what didn't
• Identifying lessons learned
• Adjusting future action steps based on experience

Motivation and accountability. Knowing that there will be follow-up creates a natural sense of accountability, motivating coachees to take action. It also demonstrates the coach's commitment to the coachee's growth and progress.

7. Coaches facilitate discovery rather than providing answers

A good coach draws out what the Holy Spirit has put in.

Trusting the process. Effective coaches resist the temptation to provide answers or solutions. Instead, they trust that the coachee has the capacity to find their own answers when guided by skillful questioning and reflection.

Coaches facilitate discovery by:

• Asking open-ended questions
• Exploring different perspectives
• Challenging assumptions
• Encouraging creative thinking

Empowering results. When coachees discover their own solutions, they are more likely to:

• Feel ownership of the ideas
• Be motivated to implement them
• Develop problem-solving skills for future challenges

8. Coaching can be integrated into various leadership roles

If you change your conversations, you will change your results.

Versatile approach. While coaching can be a distinct role, its principles and skills can be integrated into various leadership positions:

• Managers and supervisors
• Mentors
• Teachers and trainers
• Parents

Adapting to context. When integrating coaching into other roles:

• Clarify expectations and boundaries
• Use coaching skills within appropriate areas of freedom
• Balance directive and non-directive approaches as needed

By incorporating coaching skills into their leadership style, individuals can empower others, improve communication, and foster growth and development in various contexts.

9. The Holy Spirit is the ultimate source of guidance in Christian coaching

Christian coaches acknowledge the working of the Holy Spirit and trust Him to be guiding and leading the coachee through many different means.

Spiritual foundation. In Christian coaching, there is recognition that the Holy Spirit is actively working in the lives of both the coach and coachee. This belief influences the coaching approach in several ways:

• Trusting God's timing and process
• Being open to spiritual insights and guidance
• Recognizing that ultimate wisdom comes from God

Practical application. While acknowledging the Holy Spirit's role, Christian coaches still use skilled questioning and reflection to help coachees discern God's guidance. This might involve:

• Exploring how the coachee senses God's leading
• Reflecting on Scripture and spiritual principles
• Integrating prayer into the coaching process

By balancing reliance on the Holy Spirit with effective coaching techniques, Christian coaches can facilitate powerful growth and transformation in alignment with God's purposes.

Last updated: March 21, 2025