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Coming to Know and Follow Jesus

Coaching for Christian Leaders: A Practical Guide

Coaching for Christian Leaders Book Cover Coaching for Christian Leaders: A Practical Guide, Linda J. Miller and Chad W. Hall, Chalice Press, St. Louis MO, 2007. ISBN 978-0-827205-07-9.

 From the Introduction: Excellent books on coaching abound. Experienced authors have produced well-written and thought-provoking works to move readers forward in their coaching. In comparison, relatively few have focused on coaching from a Christian perspective, and even fewer have taught readers how to coach from a thoroughly Christian theological perspective. This book aims at helping you learn how to coach as a part o Christ's activity in the world and as a part of your ministry. As coaching has continued to grow and find expression among Christians, the need has become evident for a user-friendly book that not only introduces people to coaching, but also equips readers with a foundational skill set and approach to coaching. This book is written for readers who want a first-class introduction to coaching and who seek a Christian coaching perspective. Pastors, students, lay leaders, denominational workers, parish staff, and ministers of all types will find this book useful and encouraging.

Readers should find two deep loyalties in these pages. The first deep loyalty is the one this book holds to the historic, timeless truths of Christianity. We do not propose a novel set of beliefs. We do not offer a new interpretation of the Christian faith. We do not skirt the deep truths of Christianity, and we do not give mere lip service to Christian teachings. Rather, this book is solidly grounded in the claims Christ and his followers made. This book is intended to be an expression of Christ's kingdom on earth.

The second deep loyalty that this book holds is a passion for excellent coaching. Christian coaching is not "coaching lite." Christians should be, not only good coaches but also standard-bearers for the coaching profession. Christians have a unique and powerful foundation for this way of helping. Since coaching is about supporting people as they improve, Christian coaches should strive to be the best-in-the-world at this endeavor because doing so is a part of Christian's holy calling and giftedness. These loyalties to Christianity and to coaching are not held in tension, but in unison.