This post seeks to talk about Integrity in Christian Life Coaching and Courses
I’ve been debating as to whether I should post this Christian life coaching blog post because it’s a sensitive topic. I’ve actually been sitting on this post for like two months!
After I went through multiple drafts and audio reflections…I am ready to share this with you.
I’m writing this post out of love to highlight some serious concerns that I have.❤️ I also seek to bring awareness so that people can have informed decisions when selecting life coaches!
Here’s the deal…
Integrity in life coaching, business coaching, and mentorship programs has become of great concern nowadays. I initially thought the issues were only in the secular world, but I was shocked to find out there are issues in the Christian scene as well.
Why do I say this? Since there is a vacuum and high demand within the Christian coaching scene, a few (not all!) who become a monopoly can, unfortunately, produce substandard products and services.
I’ve found that there is, at times, a lack of originality, transparency, and authenticity in many programs and offers, as people often copy-paste what they deem lucrative money-making businesses. Some Christian influencers have faced lawsuits and backlash for misleading their vulnerable clients.
So, in a nutshell, that is what I’ll discuss.
Ready? Let’s begin…
Caveat: Don’t devalue yourself!
I feel the need to mention this quick caveat…
I want to be clear that I am not advocating for undervaluing oneself as a Christian life coach or charging less than one is worth.
On the contrary, I believe in the power of properly compensating people for their hard work and expertise.
However, remaining open, fair, and transparent about fees and services rendered is important. By doing so, we can ensure that clients receive quality advice from qualified professionals while also providing an ethical platform for Christian life coaches to make a living.
My negative Christian life coaching experience…
When I decided to hire a Christian life coach a few years ago, I expected to be given personalized guidance tailored to me.
Instead, I received generic content with no real focus on the work. Plus, the coach was 20 minutes late …and I was paying for an entire hour of service! Did I mention that they weren’t prepared and were in their car…no discovery call or anything.
I quickly realized that I was given sub-par coaching, which frustrated and disappointed me. Anyways, it felt as if the guidance I was provided wasn’t even meant for me! The information I received felt like regurgitated wholesale information designed to make money without actually delivering any real value.
I also witnessed other friends get wooed by gurus who promised multiple six figures. I warned them about my experience, and they backed out before losing out big bucks. They would realize later that these “gurus” were selling pipe dreams and some were in big trouble for their business tactics.
My super positive Christian life coaching experience…
Much later, I met a fantastic lady who is a Christian and not well known, but she provided a splendid client journey.
From start to finish, she was terrific. She walked me through my business goals because I was so scared of transitioning from a steady 9-5 job to freelancing.
Although this coach changed her business model, I have a working rapport with her and I absolutely would add her on retainer on future consultations if the Lord leads.
I hope this positive story provides balance because there are amazing people out there…the problem is we have a few bad apples.
An important lesson is that I now understand the importance of researching before hiring a life coach and ensuring they are qualified and experienced enough to provide quality and value.
I look at the course curriculum to see what material they are offering to see if that is of any substance.
Bottomline- We must all strive to uphold integrity when it comes to Christian life coaching, or else we risk devaluing the profession altogether.
My background
As a former Clinical Behavioral Health professional and patient advocate, I have an eye for spotting generic information being offered in place of personalized service. With my previous professional experience (plus my negative experience), my antennas are way up!
Over the years, I’ve developed an understanding of what clients need and what types of guidance are most effective for helping them reach their goals.
I believe it is essential to distinguish between quality services and products from those simply trying to capitalize on the Christian coaching scene.
By recognizing this issue, we can all work together to ensure that clients receive professional advice tailored specifically for them, not just some generic content meant to make money out of thin air.
With everyone working towards upholding integrity in Christian life coaching, we can create a thriving profession with positive outcomes for all involved.
There is no such thing as a life coach certification…
Due to the lack of governing body or regulation of life coaching, it can be difficult for prospective clients to know what qualifications and certifications their potential life coach may hold. This can create an environment that is more akin to the Wild West than a legitimate business setting.
So let me be clear: It is essential to understand that there are no life coach certification courses or certified life coaches because of the unregulated nature of the industry. Without a governing body or regulation in place, it is impossible for someone to become an officially certified life coach.
Therefore, any “certification” courses offered by individual life coaches should be taken with a grain of salt and should not be seen as an indication of their credibility as a professional. However, while there are no specific certification courses or certified life coaches, that doesn’t mean that all life coaches are equally qualified.
Transparency in Christian life coaching
Therefore, it is important for those offering life coaching to be transparent about any qualifications or certifications they possess. Suppose a life coach has earned specific credentials or certificates. In that case, they should not hesitate to proudly share this information so that clients can make an informed decision when selecting a life coach.
It is also important for prospective clients to do their own research and ask questions of life coaches in order to ensure that they have the background and experience necessary to provide quality services.
Making sure that who you choose to work with is a certified and knowledgeable life coach is essential for getting the most out of your life coaching experience.
By taking these steps to research and vet potential life coaches adequately, you can find the perfect person to help guide you on your journey toward personal growth and development.
With the right life coach at your side, you can reach new heights of success in both your professional and personal life. Don’t let the Wild West atmosphere of unregulated coaching stop you from achieving meaningful change in your life!
Difference between Christian life coaching and therapy
It is essential to note the difference between life coaching and therapy.
While both can be incredibly beneficial for individuals looking to make positive changes in their lives, they have some distinct differences.
- Therapy focuses on treating mental or emotional disorders, while coaching focuses on helping individuals reach goals and objectives without addressing any underlying issues.
- Additionally, therapy often involves a more structured setting with set treatment plans, while coaching typically takes place over shorter periods with greater flexibility.
- Lastly, professional therapy with a licensed individual means there are guidelines to prevent transference and countertransference. This means therapists that are actively working will often never project their emotions to their clients and vice versa. However life coaches have the freedom to discuss about past, current and future lives in an effort to help their clients.
Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide what type of professional guidance best suits their needs. I hope this helps clarify the differences between these two important services.
Irony and paradoxes
Unfortunately, a few bad apples of Christian life coaching are primarily focused on making a profit rather than using their God-given gifts to serve others. So they are led by profitability and aren’t purpose-driven.
This can lead to individuals offering substandard services for an exorbitant fee, as they view the field of Christian life coaching as a means of generating income without any real commitment to the profession or its principles.
Furthermore, many of these individuals may not even be qualified to offer such advice and guidance. They lack the necessary experience and knowledge needed to provide accurate and valuable insights that come from a place of sincerity and understanding.
This results in clients paying for misguided information with no real benefit or progress being made, thus leading to further devaluation of Christian life coaching as a profession.
The irony lies within the fact that these activities are not based on kingdom principles or tailored to meet the needs of clients but rather focused solely on profit maximization (see Matthew 6:33).
The paradox here is that those who claim to uphold Biblical values only do so for personal gain (the love of money- see 1 Timothy 6:10).
Another irony is that there is also a disconnect between what Christian life coaches preach and what they practice. Coaches may preach God’s word and values, but if their actions do not reflect these teachings, then integrity in the field of Christian life coaching comes into question. i.e., preaching, “pray on it and ask God if this program is for you,” but then turning around and pressuring them to sign up ASAP or else they will not be successful in life (this is absolutely predatory!).
Integrity is paramount
Therefore, to maintain true integrity in Christian life coaching, individuals must be willing to practice what they preach. They must strive to serve others with excellence (never perfection!) and use their gifts to offer authentic solutions that come from a place of sincerity and compassion for clients. Only then can the reputation of Christian life coaching remain intact, and the profession continues to flourish for years to come.
Ultimately, integrity in Christian life coaching is fundamental in order to ensure that individuals are receiving credible services from authentic professionals. Whenever something does not align with the teachings of scripture, it should be avoided and addressed. This will help ensure that everyone involved can benefit from the true power of Christian life coaching.
Model: Coaches coaching coaches
Hierarchical courses have become increasingly popular in Christian life coaching (and coaching in general). These model has become a go-to for opportunists who lack integrity.
Why do I say this? While there are many coaches out there with integrity (Christian and Non-Christian)…Courses offer an easy solution to those looking to make quick money by teaching others how to create their own ‘courses,’ which can then be sold at high prices. Think about it- there is a low overhead cost, but you profit almost all the money. Genius.
The problem with this is that those who are opportunists and profit driven create a pyramid scheme that does not teach real Kingdom principles but focuses on making money from vulnerable clients. These clients may not understand the difference between true Christian life coaching and deceptive practices.
In addition, hierarchical courses can also lead to a stigmatization of true Christian life coaching, as they may cause clients to become suspicious of anyone offering such services.
Therefore, individuals should be wary of any ‘quick fix’ solutions that don’t offer the same level of quality and authenticity as genuine Christian life coaching.
Therefore, it is crucial for those involved in Christian life coaching to uphold true integrity by offering quality advice and guidance based on biblical values.
7 in-depth solutions and tips for Christian life coaches and course creators!
1. Coaches should be held accountable to higher standards that prioritize ethical practices, integrity, and transparency. Clients should have access to information on their coaches’ qualifications and certifications.
2. Clear and transparent goals should be set in advance between the coach and client, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and focused on achieving success together.
3. Regular communication between coach and client should be established to ensure progress is being made and any potential issues are addressed quickly.
4. Professional development opportunities for Christian life coaching students should include courses focusing on ethics, boundary setting, client care, and best practices for working with clients from a place of integrity.
5. Solutions offered by Christian life coaches should be tailored to the individual needs of their clients, taking into account areas of growth and challenges that are specific to them.
6. Coaches should strive to build authentic relationships with their clients based on mutual respect, trust, and understanding.
7. Fees for services rendered should be clearly outlined in advance and kept as fair and reasonable as possible. Coaches should refrain from exploiting their clients financially by overcharging for low-quality products or services. P.S. I’m totally against asking people to “put it on the credit card” when they are struggling financially.
Holy Spirit guidance
Finally, it is essential to remember the importance of seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit when creating any type of course or offering. As Christians, our ultimate goal is to bring glory and honor to God in every aspect of our lives.
Therefore, it is important to ask ourselves if we are making decisions based on our flesh desires or if they align with His will for us.
The world may offer us success and riches, but ultimately it is up to us to choose whether these things are worth compromising our faith for. I encourage you always to seek the Lord’s wisdom when deciding what services or products to offer as a coach.
And that’s it, folks, Integrity in Christian life coaching and courses
The importance of maintaining integrity in Christian life coaching. By offering quality services and products instead of pandering to profit-focused results, we can create an industry that will truly benefit those seeking guidance from us.
Finally, it is important always to seek God’s wisdom when deciding what services or courses we should offer.
Here is a detailed audio where I discuss more about this topic. ❤️
P.S This post that I wrote titled, “Christian Showmanship and the Pressure to Perform” builds beautifully into Christian integrity.
Hugs!
