Listening to the Spirit in Coaching
by Ircel Harrison
What makes a coach--life coach, leadership coach, etc.--a “Christian” coach? I have often said that it is not about the questions the coach asks of his or her client, but the worldview that the coach brings to his or her work. As Luther is reported to have said, “The Christian shoemaker does his duty not by putting little crosses on the shoes, but by making good shoes, because God is interested in good craftsmanship.”
On further reflection, I think there is another dimension that the Christian coach brings to the coaching conversation: the coach’s understanding about how God might be at work in the life of the person who is being coached. If the Christian coach is to be faithful to his or her calling, the coach realizes that there are three persons involved in the conversation: the client, the coach, and the Spirit of God.
I try to remind myself of this in a couple of ways.
First, before coaching sessions I try to set aside a couple of minutes to pray and ask God to help me know when to remain silent so that the Spirit might speak in the conversation. If I say too much or attempt to fill in the silent spaces, I may be intruding on what the Spirit is saying to the client or what the Spirit is drawing out of the client’s experiences or insights.
Second, I have a printed copy of this verse on my desk: “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” (John 3:8, NIV) As we reflect on the Book of Acts, we observe the Spirit of God act in remarkable, unexpected, and--some might say--chaotic ways. As a believer and as a coach, I must avoid stifling those expressions of the Spirit’s work, especially in the life of my client.
A Christian coach is not identified by an adjective but by an attitude--one that recognizes that God is still at work in the world.
Pinnacle Leadership Associates offers Summit Coach Training to equip coaches who will guide others as they grow into the persons God has called them to be. Skills developed can be applied toward becoming a professional coach or in leading others. All classes are offered in an online format and taught by credentialed coach practitioners. Three new classes will be offered beginning in April.
For more information on Summit Coach Training from Pinnacle, check here or contact Ircel Harrison.