Since the fall of 2020, I have been on a steep learning curve in spiritual formation. That is, I have intentionally engaged in the process of learning from the Desert Fathers, Mothers, and influential Jesus followers—ancient practices that have survived the crucible of time. Part of that journey has been engaging in the Ignatian Exercises with a spiritual director.
The purpose of the Ignatian Exercises is for spiritual discernment in making decisions.
Aren’t The Exercises outdated?
Though Ignatius lived over 470 years ago, his life and the spiritual insights he gained have stood the test of time. They have been critiqued, criticized, and discounted; however, they have been passed down through the generations. My experience is that this is a tool that has helped me engage in my spiritual formation, so I want to share it with you!
But I’ve heard they’re problematic…
You’re right, there are some things to consider:
It’s a bit “old school”: Ignatius was a soldier, so his orientation to spirituality is coming from a male perspective and specifically from the view of a young man who was seriously injured in battle, convalescing, and reflecting on his life. During that time he read two influential books: Ludolph the Carthusian’s Life of Christ and Jacobus de Voragine’s The Book of the Lives of the Saints. If you would like more background on Ignatius, I recommend reading the brief biography of Journey with Jesus by Larry Warner.
It has a Catholic vibe: Ignatius was Catholic, so there are references to saints and certain Catholic beliefs, but you can adapt it to your own faith journey. Think of it as using a framework that you personalize and adapt to evangelical theology.
It’s structured: Some people find that too rigid, but let’s be honest, most of us could use a little more structure in our spiritual lives. It’s like having a map when you’re lost.
It uses imagination: Yes, you’ll be asked to imagine scenes from the Bible or your own life. Some worry that this is dangerous, but when done in the context of scripture, it can be a powerful tool to connect with your faith.
Why is this helpful?
When making decisions, it is helpful to have a process that has a strong discernment component embedded in it to engage the mind and the soul. You are probably familiar with secular decision-making processes such as the decision-making tree, writing a list of pros vs. cons, or various prioritization exercises. I have discovered that when I only use my mind, I run the risk of missing out on other aspects God wants me to engage to gain the greatest benefit.
I wrote a blog entitled How to Make a Prayerful Decision that outlines the process I adapted, with the help of my spiritual director.
7 Benefits of Spiritual Discernment When Making Decisions
It helps you stay curious. Instead of thinking you know everything, you’re open to new ideas.
It helps you consider all your options. You don’t just jump at the first thing that comes to mind.
It helps you stay focused. You don’t get sidetracked by distractions.
It encourages you to ask for help. You don’t have to do it alone.
It helps you seek what’s truly best. Not just what’s easy or convenient.
It helps you stay humble. You remember that you’re not in control.
Lent Challenge – Week 3 of Lent!
As we journey through the weeks leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion and eventual resurrection, I will draw from the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. The exercises have helped me and many, many others throughout church history to listen to and discern the voice of the Holy Spirit, especially when discerning direction.
I invite you to consider the “grace” (or “prayer of intent”) for this week:
“The grace you are seeking is to sorrow with Christ in sorrow, anguish with Christ in anguish, with tears and interior suffering because of the suffering Christ endured for you.”
St. Ignatius (1491-1556)
May I suggest you read through the following passages on this schedule beginning next Monday:
Day 1 – Matthew 26:57-68
Day 2 – Matthew 26:69-75
Day 3 – Luke 23:1-7
Day 4 – Review the past three days.
Day 5 – Luke 23:8-12
Day 6 – Luke 23:13-25
Day 7 – Review the past week.
* Journey with Jesus by Larry Warner
The invitation the Lord presents is to simply carve out time for Him. That is really the essence of spiritual formation. Being intentional. It is up to you to take the next step.
“Interestingly, by intentionally practicing spiritual disciplines, my relationship with Jesus has become more spontaneous.”
Dallas Willard
Sounds like an oxymoron!
Can you relate? The more you do a certain thing, the better you can respond in the moment. Especially through regular, disciplined practice.
For example, I ride mountain bikes. 30+ years ago when I first started riding, I learned the importance of looking forward vs. looking down, leaning into turns instead of slowing down, and the keys to good balance. Now I am much more able to remain in the moment, anticipate obstacles ahead, and leverage my momentum. The discipline of riding over 8,000 miles and climbing over 100,000 feet since 2016 (which is when I began logging miles on Strava) has contributed to my ability to become more agile, responsive, and spontaneous on the trails.
Practicing spiritual disciplines works in a similar manner. The more hours you put in, the more familiar you become to the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit – until His voice becomes the dominant voice you hear, listen to, and obey. This is the goal of Christian spiritual formation.
At the bottom of this blog is a challenge for Week 2 of Lent!
Before you go there, let’s focus on three common disciplines during Lent:
Sabbath Rest: Take time to disconnect and recharge.
Silence: Find moments of quiet to listen to God.
Fasting: Explore how less can lead to more.
What are the benefits?
Sabbath Rest: You feel more alive.
Silence: You will discover new opportunities to engage with Jesus throughout the day.
Fasting: You will cleanse your body of impurities that clutter your heart and mind.
How does discipline lead to spontaneity?
Great question! Discipline feeds new habits. New habits feed new behaviors. New behaviors feed creative responses. Spiritual formation works the same way.
What difference does it make?
Another great question! I believe there is a correlation between spiritual formation and ministry fruit. The disciplines I have engaged with and practiced alongside my ministry development gives me the ability to discover creative solutions, inspired by the Holy Spirit.
What does that look like?
I have a project that I am working on with a team that involves a disciple-making and leader development process. We have clarified the vision of when we know we have been successful, then worked backwards, breaking down the problem into manageable pieces. Now that we have the manageable pieces, we can address each one, one-by-one, making adjustments as necessary.
Lent Challenge – Week 2 of Lent!
As we journey through the weeks leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion and eventual resurrection, I will draw from the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. The exercises have helped me and many, many others throughout church history to listen to and discern the voice of the Holy Spirit, especially when discerning direction.
I invite you to consider the “grace” (or “prayer of intent”) for this week:
“The grace you are seeking is to sorrow with Christ in sorrow, anguish with Christ in anguish, with tears and interior suffering because of the suffering Christ endured for you.”
St. Ignatius (1491-1556)
Perhaps you read through the following passages on this schedule beginning next Monday:
Day 1 – Matthew 26:36-41
Day 2 – Luke 22: 39-44
Day 3 – Matthew 26:47-54
Day 4 – Review the past three days.
Day 5 – Matthew 26:55-56
Day 6 – John 18:12-27
Day 7 – Review the past week.
* Journey with Jesus by Larry Warner
The invitation the Lord presents to you, is unique to you. If you are reading this blog, chances are you are searching. Chances are you want a change. Chances are you are desiring a different outcome. If so, the Lord’s invitation might be for you to engage differently than you have in the past. Take courage! He desires more and more of you. He is not passively waiting; He desires to connect with you. He is urging you to take the next step.
Think of Lent like a spiritual reset button; it’s a time to hit pause on the everyday busy-ness and focus on what really matters – your faith and getting closer to God.
We start Lent with a very special service: Ash Wednesday. On Ash Wednesday, the Body of Christ gathers to enter this time of devotion corporately. During the service, we look at our mortality and the consequences of our sins. Traditionally, in the Bible, times of penitence were marked by the wearing of sackcloth and ashes. At the Ash Wednesday service, the forehead of each believer is marked with ashes in the sign of the cross, and we are reminded through these ashes that we are “but dust and to dust we shall return” (Genesis 3:19). These are the very words God spoke to Adam and Eve after they committed the first sin in the garden of Eden and they remind us that we too have “sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
Adapted from The Liturgical Home: Lent by Ashley Tumlin Wallace
Ever feel like life is just too busy? Lent is a chance to slow down and breathe. It’s like a training period for our souls, helping us get stronger and more connected to Jesus.
Who do you need to engage in the season of Lent?
*Use this as a “personal guide” to engage others during Lent.
Let’s get ready! Think about these questions:
What has been your experience with Lent in the past?
What does this season mean to you?
How can getting closer to Jesus help you be a better disciple? …a better leader?
Lent is also about doing stuff, not just thinking. So, ask yourself:
Is there something in your life that you want to focus on?
What’s something you could give up to help you focus? (It doesn’t have to be food! Maybe it’s screen time or complaining.)
What’s one thing you can do to get closer to Jesus during Lent?
Lent isn’t a race! It’s more like a long walk. I’ll be sharing some thoughts each week to help us along the way, but you can totally make this journey your own.
This Lent, open your heart and slow down! Like Elizabeth Barrett Browning famously said, “Earth’s crammed with heaven.” We have to open our eyes to see it! Make this Lent meaningful!
3 Strategies to Make Lent Significant:
Share your Lent goals with each other!
Check out relevant resources like devotionals, prayer guides, and fasting tips.
Get together for prayer or reflection.
I’ll share my own journey too, so we can all learn together.
As we journey through the weeks leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion and eventual resurrection. I will draw from the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius (1491-1556). Don’t worry, it’s not just about what happened a long time ago. You’ll find stuff in there that helps you be a better disciple and more effective leader – and how to help others follow Jesus, build meaningful relationships, and grow their faith.
My initial impression of the Spiritual Exercises is that there are a lot of moving parts:
There are four “weeks” (not a literal week but a period of time)
Each “week” is broken down into sections.
Each section is broken down into days (numbers 1-7)
The exercises were designed to be done in a retreat setting over 30 consecutive days with a listener, who would listen to the ponderings of the retreatant. As time went on, the number of retreatants outnumbered the number of available listeners, so now there exist variations. For example, one iteration is the 19th Annotation, which can be done at a more comfortable pace, on a flexible schedule to accommodate people’s lives that are not in full-time vocational ministry.
My point for mentioning this is that, at the beginning of each section, a “grace” (or in my plain interpretation – a prayer of intent) is introduced or emphasized. The “grace” is a guiding prayer that serves as a backdrop for the daily exercise. Here is the “grace” for the first week of Lent:
“The grace you are seeking is to sorrow with Christ in sorrow, anguish with Christ in anguish, with tears and interior suffering because of the suffering Christ endured for you.”
Try this during Lent!
Perhaps you read through the following passages on this schedule beginning on Ash Wednesday or the following Monday:
Day 1 – II Cor 5:21
Day 2 – John 13:1
Day 3 – John 13: 2-12
Day 4 – Review the past three days.
Day 5 – Matthew 26:20-30
Day 6 – Matthew 26:31-35
Day 7 – Review the past three days.
Journey with Jesus by Larry Warner
What to do with the “grace”?
Use the “grace” as a point of reflection.
Engage in prayer.
Recall it throughout your day.
One of the practices that Ignatian introduced was the Prayer of Examen. There are lots of ways to do a Prayer of Examen. I would suggest that you set aside time (morning-noon-night) and reflect on the following:
How did you recall the grace?
How did this play out in the way you treated people?
How did you die to yourself today?
Or come up with an activity of your own.
You will find yourself slowing down. Discovering new insights. Creating new rhythms to your daily routine. Most of all, my prayer is that you fall more and more in love with Jesus as you journey with Him.
The question of spiritual maturity can feel daunting. We often default to measuring outward behaviors, creating checklists of “good Christian” actions. But true spiritual formation, the ongoing deepening of our relationship with Jesus, is a far more nuanced and internal process. It’s less about ticking boxes, and more about a quiet transformation of the heart.
Think of Jesus’ own journey: from boyhood to adult, ministry maturing, culminating in the profound shift of his final weeks. This wasn’t just a change in outward activity, but a deep inner reshaping. Throughout history, mystics and theologians—from Teresa of Avila with “The Four Waters” and “The Interior Castle” motifs, St. John of the Cross’ stages of spiritual development to contemporary thinkers like Ruth Haley Barton and Dallas Willard—have attempted to articulate this often-ineffable process. They offer glimpses into the spiritual shifts that occur as we grow in Christ.
One helpful lens for understanding this growth is the movement from a more expressive to a more contemplative spirituality. It’s important to emphasize that neither is “better” or a definitive marker of maturity. They are simply different facets of a deepening relationship with God. The journey isn’t linear, and we may experience both aspects at different times.
Expressive Spirituality: This is the vibrant outpouring of faith. It’s the joy that bursts into song, the awe that lifts hands in worship, the grief that cries out in lament. It’s often communal, fueled by shared emotion and outward action. Many churches excel in fostering this expressive dimension, creating spaces for passionate worship and vibrant fellowship.
Contemplative Spirituality: This is the quiet work of inner transformation. It’s the still, small voice that whispers in the silence, the yearning for deeper connection that drives us to prayer and reflection. It’s the process of surrendering our will, letting go of ego, and cultivating virtues like humility and compassion. It’s not about withdrawing from the world, but about deepening our connection with God so that our outward actions flow from a place of inner peace and love.
The Shift: As we mature spiritually, we often see a natural movement towards a more contemplative approach. This doesn’t mean abandoning the joy and passion of expressive worship. Instead, it means that our outward expressions become rooted in a deeper, more profound inner life. It’s like the difference between a fire that blazes brightly and a steady, glowing ember that warms from within.
How to make the shifts to a more Contemplative Spirituality:
The paths to a more contemplative spirituality are unlimited. But there are three themes that I have experienced, observed, and learned from the pioneers that have gone before us. They are not principles but tend to be common traits of contemplatives.
Person
Someone who you have a relationship with who is an effective listener to hear your insights about your formation, a spiritual friend, or spiritual director.
Place
A sacred place, a park, or retreat center where you are far from distraction so that you can hear the still small voice of the Holy Spirit.
People
Doing life in community with others moving in a similar direction where you can join in the daily rhythms of work, play, and spiritual practices.
Nurturing Your Contemplative Side:
There’s no single path to contemplative spirituality, but three common themes often emerge:
Person: Having a trusted companion – a spiritual friend, mentor, or director – who listens deeply and reflects back your own insights about your spiritual formation.
Place: Finding a sacred space, whether it’s a quiet park, a peaceful retreat center, monastery, or even a corner in your home, where you can minimize distractions and listen for the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit.
People: Connecting with others on a similar journey, sharing life in community, and participating in the rhythms of work, play, and spiritual practices together.
Are You Drawn to Contemplative Spirituality?
The following questions are designed to help you discern if you’re experiencing this shift. Remember, there are no right or wrong answers. This is simply a tool for self-reflection. Use the scale from 1 (None) to 5 (Always) to rate yourself.
How engaged are you in a relationship with a listener, spiritual friend or, under direction?
How excited do you feel about a personal spiritual retreat?
How regularly do you connect with others who are on the journey with you?
(Add up all the column scores and divide by 3) AGGREGATE SCORE
A higher score may suggest a leaning towards contemplative spirituality. However, this is just one piece of the puzzle. Spiritual maturity isn’t about achieving a certain score or fitting into a specific category. It’s about the ongoing journey of surrendering to God’s love and allowing Him to transform us from the inside out. It’s about embracing both the expressive and contemplative dimensions of faith, allowing them to inform and enrich one another.
This journey is deeply personal and often difficult to articulate. That’s why the wisdom of those who have walked this path before us—the mystics, the theologians, the spiritual guides—is so invaluable. They offer us language and frameworks for understanding the mysterious and beautiful work of spiritual formation.
Mentoring for Coach Certification:
Having journeyed through the three levels of coach certification with the International Coach Federation (ICF) over 13 years (2007-2020), I understand the power of mentorship. The 10 hours of mentoring required for each level were transformative for me. Having a trained assessor provide feedback, create awareness, and introduce new ways of engaging was a game-changer!
To maintain my Master Certified Coach (MCC) credential, I recently completed 40 hours of coach assessor training (Continuing Coach Education Units or CCEUs). This allows me to mentor other coaches and assess their coaching competency. My extensive work with Bob Logan researching and developing world-class Christian coaches gives me a unique perspective, blending the best of both worlds. (Check out our resources HERE).
Whether working one-on-one or in a cohort, I come alongside coaches to help them reach the next level of certification or simply improve their coaching skills. If you’re interested in exploring coach certification with ICF or enhancing your coaching, I’d love to connect.
Schedule a free discovery call with my assistant, Samantha (admin@inforcusnet.org), to discuss how we can partner together in 2025 to cultivate your coaching effectiveness!
This is a risky exercise. I know I’ll inevitably leave out some truly important names. Several years ago, I faced a daunting task: curating my overflowing library. I aimed to distill the books that truly mattered, ruthlessly reducing my collection by 80%. The idea was simple: keep the essentials, digitize the maybes, and reclaim precious shelf space. But the execution? Painful. Nights were spent agonizing over decisions, stress gnawed at me, but I persevered. I got it done.
My initial reflections on this process are below. But first, let’s explore why curating your library—in the truest sense of the word—is so vital.
What does it mean to curate a library?
In this context, “curate” means more than just organizing shelves; it’s about intentionally selecting, organizing, and caring for the authors and books that have profoundly influenced you. It’s about recognizing the power of the written word to shape your soul. Think of the original meaning of someone who “curates”: a person entrusted with the care of souls. That’s the spirit we’re aiming for here.
Why is this so important?
What you read reveals who you are and who you are becoming. It’s a mirror reflecting your inner life. We could preach a sermon on this! How do you spend your time? Who forms your inner circle? Tell me what you read. These questions are inextricably linked.
Curating your library allows you to:
Dig a deep reservoir of knowledge: Information overload is a modern plague. We can’t possibly keep up with the daily deluge of content, but we can cultivate depth. Focus on the topics that resonate with your soul and foster your leadership vision, guided by the Holy Spirit, and immerse yourself in the wisdom of those who have gone before. This focused reading builds a deep well of understanding you can draw from for years to come.
Pass on wisdom to others: Leaders are constantly challenged to stay informed, to be conversant on a wide range of subjects, to have the right answers. Knowing which authors to read, which voices to heed, is crucial for empowering those you lead. Your curated library becomes a resource for their growth as well.
A Reflection Exercise:
Consider your faith journey. Which authors have had the greatest impact on you? The Bible, of course, tops the list. But beyond Scripture, which books have shaped your character, influenced your discipleship, impacted you theologically, motivated you missionally, expanded your leadership, challenged your assumptions, or simply blessed your soul?
These reflection questions are designed to spark your memory: Who has God used to…
…shape your character?
…influence your discipleship?
…impact you theologically?
…motivate you missionally?
…expand your leadership?
…challenge you?
…bless you?
This list is just a starting point. Answer each question individually, brainstorm a list of names, or find your own way to reflect. The important thing is to give this process the careful consideration it deserves.
Some of my touchstones:
Life Together – Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Master Plan of Evangelism – Robert Coleman
The Coming Church Revolution – Carl George
Organic Church – Neil Cole
As You Go…Make Disciples – Colin Noyes
How to Curate Your Library:
Reflect: Identify the authors who have profoundly impacted you and your ministry.
Narrow: From that list, select the books you truly need to keep on your shelf. These are the works you return to again and again.
Box it up: Pack the remaining books into boxes.
The Year of Testing: For the next year, mark which books you pull from the boxes and which remain untouched.
The Great Cull: At the end of the year, make the necessary changes. Donate the unused books to a deserving emerging leader.
Mentoring for Coach Certification:
Over 13 years (2007-2020) and three levels of certification with the International Coach Federation (ICF), I discovered the power of mentorship. The required 10 hours of mentor coaching for each level (Associate, Professional, and Master) were transformative. Feedback, awareness, and new perspectives were game-changers.
To maintain my Master certification, I recently completed 40 hours of coach assessor training (Continuing Coach Education Units or CCEUs). This allows me to mentor other coaches and assess their competencies. My extensive work with Bob Logan researching and developing world-class Christian coaches adds another dimension to my mentoring. (You can find our resources here: CLICK HERE).
Whether you’re pursuing ICF certification or simply seeking to refine your coaching skills, I offer one-on-one and cohort mentoring. If you’re interested in exploring how we can cultivate your coaching effectiveness in 2025, schedule a free discovery call with my assistant, Samantha (admin@infocusnet.org). Let’s work together to unlock your full potential as a coach.
Look for a new resource to equip coach mentors to guide coaches through their Journey of Ongoing Growth later this year!
Some of the people God has used in my journey have provided keen awareness of God’s activity in my life. We have never met in person, but they have influenced me through their books, teachings, videos, etc. One writer, who is currently sitting in that space in my life, has helped me on my journey to create new spiritual rhythms in the midst of launching our adult children into their chosen fields, helping sort through health issues with various family members, and exploring new ministry opportunities internationally.
The writings of St. Ignatius have been the instrument God has used for this purpose. I will never meet him, this side of heaven, however, his writings from the 1500s have put light on my path and many, many others who are looking to deepen their understanding of God’s activity in life.
A note about the Ignatian Exercises: you should not attempt to go it alone! In the development of the exercises, Ignatius encouraged the vital role of a “listener” to help the participant discern the voices we hear and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit to navigate the process of spiritual formation
I wrote a blog entitled How to Make a Prayerful Decision, where I summarize the decision-making process St. Ignatius introduced. This process can change the focus and intent when discerning God’s will in a matter. When I used it as part of a weekend planning conversation with a regional, denominational team, it helped participants come to a God-honoring decision regarding the future leadership structure.
God has used many authors and teachers to help me sharpen my coaching skills. One of those voices he has used is Michael Bunjay Steiner, author of “The Coaching Habit.” I referenced him in a blog entitled: What Is the Best Way to Turn a Corner? Of all the books I’ve read on coaching, this is the best secular book I have come across as I’ve progressed through my coach certification with the International Coach Federation (see bottom of blog for more). His simple approach boiled the coaching conversation down to these four questions:
What’s on your mind?
What’s the real challenge for you?
What do you want?
How can I help?
In addition, throughout the certification process I learned from dozens of international practitioners who are thought leaders in the international coaching community.
These are just two people who have influenced me in my personal and ministry journey.
Who has influenced you?
Expanding on the Types of Influence:
Books and Writings: These offer a unique window into another person’s thoughts and experiences. They can provide new perspectives, challenge our assumptions, and offer practical guidance. The written word transcends time and space, allowing us to connect with individuals from centuries past, like St. Ignatius, whose wisdom remains relevant today. Beyond the content itself, the act of reading engages our minds and encourages reflection, further deepening the impact.
Teachings (Formal and Informal): Teachers, whether in a formal setting or through recorded lectures and videos, distill complex ideas into digestible formats. They often provide frameworks for understanding difficult concepts and inspire us to learn more. Michael Bunjay Steiner is one such teacher God has used in my development as a coach.
Shared Experiences and Stories: Hearing about the lives of others, their struggles, and their triumphs, can be incredibly impactful. These stories offer vicarious learning experiences, allowing us to glean wisdom from others’ journeys without having to walk the same path ourselves. Biographies, documentaries, and autobiographies provide these valuable insights.
Personal Conversations: Direct interaction, even if brief, can leave a lasting impression. A single conversation can spark a new idea, offer encouragement, or challenge a long-held belief. The personal connection creates a different level of engagement and can be particularly powerful.
The Impact of These Influences:
God’s Faithfulness: Recognizing the diverse ways God works through others reinforces His faithfulness. It reminds us that He is constantly present and actively involved in our lives, even through seemingly ordinary encounters.
Diversity of Gifts: The variety of individuals who influence us highlights the richness and diversity of God’s gifts. Each person brings unique talents, perspectives, and experiences to the table, enriching our understanding of the world and ourselves.
Lineage of Faithful Servants: Connecting with the wisdom of those who have come before us creates a sense of continuity and belonging. It reminds us that we are part of a larger story, a lineage of faith that stretches back through generations.
Spiritual Direction and Growth: As I mentioned, the influence of figures like St. Ignatius can provide profound spiritual direction. Their writings and teachings can offer guidance in prayer, discernment, and the development of spiritual practices. The Ignatian Exercises, with their emphasis on guided reflection, exemplify the importance of having a “listener” or spiritual director to help navigate the journey. This highlights the value of seeking counsel and guidance from others as we grow in our faith.
Reflecting on Your Own Influences:
It’s a valuable exercise to regularly reflect on the people who have influenced you. Consider:
Who are the individuals whose words or actions have resonated most deeply with you?
What specific lessons have you learned from them?
How have these influences shaped your beliefs, values, and actions?
How can you continue to learn from these individuals, even if you can’t interact with them directly?
By consciously acknowledging the impact of these “multitude of voices,” we can gain a deeper appreciation for God’s work in our lives and continue to grow in wisdom and understanding.
MENTORING FOR COACH CERTIFICATION
Over the 13 years (2007-2020) it took to move through the three levels of coach certification with the International Coach Certification (ICF) I learned a lot. One of the requirements to attain the initial certification for the Associate Certified coach, advance from the Associate to the Professional, and from the professional to Master – is 10 hours of coach mentoring. This was the most impactful aspect of the certification process for me. Having a trained assessor provide feedback, create awareness, and introduce new ways to engage was a game changer!
In this last cycle, to maintain my Master certification (that is me in the photo at the top), I went through 40 hours of coach assessor training (called Continuing Coach Education Units or CCEUs) so that I can come alongside other coaches as a mentor to assess their coaching competency. The extensive work I’ve done with my colleague, Bob Logan, to research and develop world-class Christian coaches, gives me the added advantage of bringing those two worlds together. Here are the resources we developed to equip leaders in coaching – CLICK HERE. Whether working one-to-one or in a cohort, I come alongside coaches to attain the next level of certification or simply improve their coaching. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a certified coach with ICF or improving your coaching, I invite you to explore a coach mentoring relationship with me.
Please schedule a free discovery call with my assistant, Samantha (admin@inforcusnet.org), to explore how we can work together to cultivate your coaching effectiveness in 2025!
Have you ever stopped to consider the people who have profoundly shaped your faith and leadership? These individuals, often quietly working in the background, leave an indelible mark on our character, and guide us toward our true potential. Reflecting on their influence is a powerful way to recognize God’s hand in our lives, and discover how we too can impact others.
Think back to your childhood. For me, a pivotal figure was Mr. Gillard, my 4th-grade Sunday School teacher. To a scrawny group of 12-year-old boys, he seemed larger than life. He combined firmness with gentleness, planting seeds of faith by committing Scripture to memory, reading the Bible, and engaging in lessons. I still remember Saturday night cramming sessions and the anticipation of Sunday morning. Mr. Gillard, along with my parents and others, created a safe and loving community where my faith could take root and flourish.
Why is it so important to look back on these influential figures? It allows us to:
Recognize God’s Provision: We see how He orchestrated the perfect people for our journey.
Revisit Valuable Lessons: We rediscover the wisdom they imparted.
Appreciate the Power of Community: We understand the importance of connection and support.
Challenge the Myth of Independence: We acknowledge that we’re not meant to walk this path alone.
Celebrate our Spiritual Heritage: We honor the legacy of those who came before us.
Now, let’s turn the page to your leadership journey. Who has shaped you as a leader? Reflecting on this question reveals a great deal about who you are. I’ve personally experienced the profound impact of mentors and wrote a blog post expressing my gratitude. My biggest takeaway…I was never truly alone; the right people always appeared at the right time.
Who has helped you grow and develop as a leader?
Take some time to reflect:
Brainstorm: Jot down the names of people who have influenced your leadership.
Pray: Ask God to bring others to mind.
Complete your List: Add any names that come to you.
Give Thanks: Express gratitude for God’s provision.
In my early ministry, I guided leaders through an exercise called “Symbol Timeline,” helping them visually map out the people who shaped their lives. From there, they identified key lessons and values. You can learn more about this exercise here.
Don’t just think about it – live it!
What’s one specific action you can take this week to live out your values? Our actions speak volumes. When others see us prioritizing our values, it inspires them to do the same.
May we all find the time to reflect on those who have shaped our character and leadership, and join Jesus on His mission.
Need help clarifying your personal mission?
Ready to embark on a coaching journey? Schedule a free discovery call with my assistant, Samantha (admin@inforcusnet.org), to explore how we can work together to cultivate your soul for greater ministry effectiveness in 2025!
“The Vision: Becoming a World-Class Coach Trainer”
Twenty-five years ago, a casual conversation with a friend sparked an unexpected vision: “To be a world-class coach trainer.” It wasn’t a fully formed idea then, but over the years, I’ve dedicated myself to honing the skills necessary to bring this vision to life.
Five Pillars of Effective Coach Training:
My journey has revealed the essential elements for truly impactful coach training:
Be Coached: Learning through firsthand experience is invaluable.
Read: A strong foundation of knowledge is crucial.
Practice: Consistent application of skills is key to mastery.
Mentorship: Experienced guidance provides invaluable support and feedback.
Rigorous Assessment: Continuous evaluation ensures ongoing growth and improvement.
While these principles apply to most leadership and skill-based training, many leaders, unfortunately, neglect these crucial steps. They are often too busy and driven, and neglect the “hard work” required in the list below.
Common Pitfalls in Leader Development:
Overlooking Essential Skills: Failing to identify the specific skills needed for success.
Insufficient Skill-Focused Training: Providing inadequate training that directly addresses key competencies.
Lack of Supportive Relationships: Neglecting to foster strong mentor-mentee or peer-to-peer relationships.
Inadequate Follow-Up and Assessment: Failing to provide ongoing feedback and track progress over time.
Neglecting Personal Development: Failing to prioritize continuous personal and professional growth.
Sadly, many institutions, despite their good intentions, fall short in developing truly exceptional leaders. What I mean is, institutions become institutional quickly and lack the rigor necessary to train world-class leaders. I am not criticizing seminaries or undergraduate institutions for that matter, but it is so difficult to stay relevant and focused on the outcomes leaders need to have to reach their potential.
A Case Study in Transformative Change:
A prime example of this is an institution in India that, after recognizing the limitations of its existing approach, embarked on a complete redesign of its leadership training program. They are committed to learning, growing, and changing so that graduates can reach their full potential and plant churches, that plant churches, that plant churches! This transformative journey, documented in “Breaking Tradition to Accomplish Vision,” demonstrates the power of commitment to learning and continuous improvement.
Coaching as a Catalyst for Exponential Growth:
Coaching could accelerate the development of their students exponentially. By empowering individuals to tap into their full potential, coaching can equip them with the self-awareness, resilience, and strategic thinking needed to overcome challenges and achieve extraordinary results.
Over the next six months, we will be engaging in a series of virtual sessions to introduce participants to the principles and practices of coaching. Our focus will be on equipping team leaders to empower their own teams and cultivate a culture of growth and development. It is fun to see how hungry and eager the leaders are to learn how to empower others.
The Vision: A Train-the-Trainer Model
The long-term vision for Project Congo is to establish a train-the-trainer model, enabling this initial cohort to become multipliers of coaching knowledge and skills within their organizations.
The Training Journey:
To appreciate what participants will be going through I will unpack the the training process:
20 hours of virtual group coach mentoring
16 hours of in-person workshops
10 hours of one-on-one coaching sessions
5 hours of independent reading
This intensive 51-hour program will provide participants with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to become effective coaches.
Early Successes:
Even after our first session, participants are already experiencing the benefits of this transformative approach. One participant shared, “Even now I am beginning to see the value of connecting with members of my team.”
This is just the beginning of an exciting journey of learning, growth, and impact.
Your help is needed!
There is still time to close the gap on our goal of raising $45,000 towards Project Congo. We have reached 93% and have another $3,130 to go. If you are interested to learn more, please click HERE.
What would you do if you knew God would not allow you to fail? This isn’t just about ticking off to-do lists; it’s about a faith-fueled journey of self-discovery and divine guidance.
Why Dream Big?
Creating a “faith-based bucket list” isn’t just about making a list; it’s about igniting a spark within you.
Rediscover Joy: Stuck in a rut? This exercise can jolt you out of your comfort zone and lead you to unexpected passions.
Embrace Growth: Breaking free from old patterns – in thought, behavior, and even spirituality – strengthens you, just like weight training builds muscle.
Deepen Your Trust: Another reason might be the opportunity to trust God in ways to which you are unaccustomed. In Scripture, it is common to read the story of a leader who is going in one direction, and when God shows up, takes a very different path. This is the journey of faith.
Ready to Dive In?
This is the perfect time to explore new horizons, pursue your dreams, and let go of anything holding you back. Whether you’re embarking on this solo or with a loved one, this guide will help you on your way.
First, Know Thyself:
Half Empty or Half Full? How do you view the world? Are you a glass-half-empty pessimist, an optimistic go-getter, or somewhere in between? Your perspective shapes your approach to life, including this bucket list.
What Season Are You In? Are you in a fruitful season? Are you in a drought? Are you in a restful season? Are you getting ready for harvest? Reflect on your current season, and let it guide your aspirations.
Now, Let Your Faith Soar:
Start with Prayer: Begin with a simple prayer: “Jesus, what do you want me to know?”
Capture Your Dreams: Keep a journal or use a digital tool to record every idea that comes to mind. Don’t censor yourself!
Embrace the Unexpected: Resist the urge to limit your dreams. Let your imagination run wild.
Revisit and Refine: Regularly review your list, adding, removing, and refining your aspirations as needed.
Reflect and Act:
Identify Themes: What common threads emerge from your list?
Take Action: Choose a few short-term goals to get started.
Listen to Your Heart: Which dream excites you most deeply?
Hear God’s Voice: What is God saying to you through this process?
My Iona Journey:
Years ago, I yearned to visit Iona, a Scottish island steeped in Celtic spirituality. To fulfill this dream, in 2021, I signed-up for a cohort on spiritual formation at the Fuller Theological Seminary as part of a Doctorate of Ministry degree. As an audit student, I was there for the trip to Iona which was not until the end of the three-year schedule. Little did I know what I was in for. Over the next 3 years, I worked through some deeply-held assumptions about God and myself. It kind of wrecked me – but I am a better follower of Jesus for it! However, it all started with a desire to go to Iona.This journey, sparked by a simple bucket list item, transformed my understanding of faith and myself. You never know where your own list might lead you!
This is just the beginning. Let your faith-fueled adventure unfold!
Help is Available
Ready to embark on your own coaching adventure? Schedule a free discovery call with my assistant Samantha (admin@inforcusnet.org) to find a time that works for you. Let’s join forces, and make 2025 the year you dream big!
Whatever you are doing, that which makes you feel the most alive…that is where God is.
St. Ignatius
(1491-1556)
Reflect for a moment. What is it that refreshes your soul? You might be a denominational leader serving in a national or regional capacity, a pastor, a church planter, or a ministry leader. Wherever you serve, the issue of soul care is important, critical, and more than ever – essential.
Why is soul care so essential?
Combat the cultural narrative. Faster is better. Busier is more productive. Attractiveness over substance. It is a challenge we all face as Jesus followers. How can you slow down enough to cultivate your heart (soul) when almost everything around you is shouting for your attention?
Intention is necessary. If left to itself, your soul will go on cruise control – at best! Sadly, the reality is if your soul is not intentionally nurtured, growing, and thriving, it slides backward. When this happens you lose your zeal for life; you look only for the negative. You retreat inward. What is one new habit that you have intended to incorporate in your life that you just haven’t been able to yet, to nurture your soul?
Model what you believe. I have a principle that I have tested over and over again. What people see me do they are more likely to emulate. If I merely give words to soul care, chances are the people I influence are not taking notice. What are you modeling for others with your soul care?
7 Ways to Refresh Your Soul
Reconnect with Nature: Connect with the natural world and take in God’s creation. Go for a hike, sit by a lake or garden, or simply spend time in your backyard. God’s creative genius has a calming and rejuvenating effect on your soul. When was the last time you enjoyed the outdoors?
Embrace Mindfulness: Engage in activities that bring you to the present moment; this could include scripture meditation, deep breathing exercises, Christian yoga, or simply paying attention to the sensations in your body as you breathe in God’s grace. How do you practice mindfulness in your daily life?
Deepen Relationships: Spend quality time with family and friends. Engage in meaningful conversations, share laughter, and create cherished memories. Being in Christian community is so important (Hebrews 10:25). With whom are you in genuine Christian community?
Unleash Your Creativity: Explore your creative side through painting, writing, music, dancing, or any other art form that brings you joy. Get out of your head, and find a hobby that allows you to play with that side of your brain that God has blessed you with, but you might be neglecting. I enjoy working with my hands and doing small projects around our home. What new creative outlet can you adopt this year?
Find Joy in Service: Volunteer your time to a cause for which you are passionate. Helping others can bring a sense of purpose and fulfillment to your life. I am not naturally a person who finds joy in serving others, so I need to be really intentional in this area. Through God’s grace and the encouragement of my wife, I have increased my willingness to serve others and find it as a life-giving opportunity to nurture my soul. What are you currently doing to serve others?
Unplug and Recharge: Take a break from technology. Put away your phone, turn off the TV, and simply enjoy the peace and quiet. When I go on a personal retreat, I challenge myself to a digital fast. What is the last thing you do at night before you go to bed?
Cultivate Gratitude: Take time each day to appreciate the good things in your life. Keeping a gratitude journal can help you cultivate a more positive outlook. For the last couple of years, I have committed to designating a specific amount of time each day to journal in this way to set my mind on the “things above” and look for ways God is at work. How will you express gratitude this year?
Remember, finding what truly refreshes your soul is a personal journey. Experiment with different activities and find what brings you the most peace and joy.
But don’t just talk about it – live it!
What’s one specific action you can take this week to nurture your soul?
Let’s not just preach about soul care, let’s model it. Our actions speak louder than words. When those around us see us prioritizing our spiritual well-being, it permits them to do the same.
May we all find the courage to slow down, to listen to the whispers of our souls, and to live lives that are truly alive.
Help is Available
Are you wrestling with your soul care?
Ready to embark on your own coaching adventure? Schedule a free discovery call with my assistant Samantha (admin@inforcusnet.org) to find a time that works for you. Let’s join forces, and make 2025 the year you cultivate your soul for greater ministry effectiveness!
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It helps you stay curious. Instead of thinking you know everything, you’re open to new ideas.
It helps you consider all your options. You don’t just jump at the first thing that comes to mind.
It helps you stay focused. You don’t get sidetracked by distractions.
It encourages you to ask for help. You don’t have to do it alone.
It helps you seek what’s truly best. Not just what’s easy or convenient.
It helps you stay humble. You remember that you’re not in control.
