Professional Christian Coaching Today

Chris McCluskey & Kim Avery

Welcome to Professional Christian Coaching Today with Chris McCluskey and Kim Avery, a weekly podcast dedicated to informing, inspiring, and equipping Christians in the art and science of professional-grade Christian coaching. Along with cutting-edge content, you'll hear great interviews with guests such as Dan Miller, Michael Hyatt, Dr. Gary Collins, Kary Oberbrunner, Dr. Marilee Adams, Dr. Richard Swenson, C.J. Hayden and more. Our goal is to raise the standard in coaching and change the world.

  1. MAR 10

    Coaching Through Suffering #452

    Suffering eventually walks into every coaching conversation. The question is not whether it will appear, but how we will respond when it does. In this thoughtful and grounded conversation, we explore what it means to stay present with clients in seasons of pain without rushing to fix, rescue, or theologize too quickly. You'll hear practical wisdom for normalizing hardship, honoring the limits of the coaching lane, and holding fast to the redemptive hope of our faith while remaining deeply attuned to the human experience in front of us. In this episode, you'll gain: * A clearer framework for coaching clients who are walking through deep suffering * Confidence in staying present without trying to "solve" the pain * Insight into when to refer to counseling and how to recognize those indicators * Encouragement to anchor your coaching in Scripture without becoming directive * A renewed vision for how suffering, held in faith, can lead to transformation --- Start your journey to become a Professional Christian Life Coach!  Connect with an Academic Advisor: https://calendly.com/d/cqkt-5nf-5pw/connect-with-an-academic-advisor?utm_source=podcast Join the Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/professionalchristiancoaching/ Our gift to you! 15+ Hours of FREE Training "The Ultimate Christian Coaching Bundle": https://professionalchristiancoaching.com/bundle PCCI Website: https://professionalchristiancoaching.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChristianCoaching/videos

    38 min
  2. FEB 10

    Coaching From a Place of Presence #451

    Presence lies at the center of both professional coaching and Christian formation. This episode explores presence not as a technique or coaching skill alone, but as a disciplined way of being. For Christian coaches, presence is where ICF-aligned professionalism and faith come together rather than compete. In coaching, presence means being fully engaged, comfortable with not knowing, able to work with silence, and responsive rather than reactive. Spiritually, Scripture reveals God as a present God. From the burning bush to the ministry of Jesus, transformation flows from attentive presence, not hurried action. The conversation addresses a key truth: we cannot be present with clients beyond the level we are present with ourselves. Stillness, surrender, and self-awareness shape our ability to hold space for others. Practical reflections highlight what Christ-centered, client-centered presence looks like in real sessions, including honoring boundaries, resisting advice-giving, trusting the process, and allowing insight to emerge in its own time.   --- Start your journey to become a Professional Christian Life Coach!  Connect with an Academic Advisor: https://calendly.com/d/cqkt-5nf-5pw/connect-with-an-academic-advisor?utm_source=podcast Join the Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/professionalchristiancoaching/ Our gift to you! 15+ Hours of FREE Training "The Ultimate Christian Coaching Bundle": https://professionalchristiancoaching.com/bundle PCCI Website: https://professionalchristiancoaching.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChristianCoaching/videos

    33 min
  3. JAN 13

    Coaching Mastery featuring Bryan Brown, MDiv, MCC - #450

    Few things sharpen a coach's skills more than listening in on a real coaching session guided by MCC-level insight. In this episode, you'll hear an actual recording from Bryan Brown, MCC, a session that was part of the portfolio he submitted for his Master Certified Coach credential. His calm presence, precise questions, and steady partnership offer a rare look at coaching mastery in real time. Along the way, Cindy Schmelzenbach, MCC, provides thoughtful commentary that highlights what's happening beneath the surface. She draws attention to the subtle skills Bryan uses to evoke awareness, empower choice, and hold space for deep transformation. Whether you're an experienced coach or still growing your confidence, this combination of live coaching and expert reflection will equip, inspire, and expand your understanding of what truly excellent coaching can sound like. About Cindy Schmelzenbach, MCC Cindy has a passion for supporting coaches in personal and professional development journeys. Having lived internationally in leadership roles for 27 years, she's energized by diverse cultures and human experiences. These experiences enhance her coaching interactions significantly. Cindy holds her ICF MCC credential and is a certified Mentor Coach and Coach Supervisor. Additionally, she's a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach with an MA in Counseling. She serves as Director of Education at Professional Christian Coaching Institute, an ICF accredited level 1 and level 2 provider. In her private practice, she offers life coaching, CliftonStrengths coaching, ICF mentor coaching and coach supervision. Learn more at: https://coachingwithcindy.com -- About Bryan Brown Bryan Brown, MDiv, PCCis the President and Founder of Coaching To Lead, LLC. With 25 years experience in developing leaders, Bryan enjoys increasing the capacity and confidence of emerging leaders as well as coaching established leaders to maximize their influence. Bryan also enjoys using his experience to work with teams on strategic planning and team development. Bryan studied Human Resource Management at Samford University then received his M.Div. from Birmingham Theological Seminary. As a missionary, pastor, entrepreneur, husband and father, he has learned to apply the principles of Biblical leadership and team development in multiple contexts. Bryan currently serves as the International Leadership Director at Perimeter Church in Atlanta, working with pastors and church leaders who seek to ignite movements of Life on Life Missional Discipleship around the world. In this role, he has the privilege to regularly train and coach leaders in Australia, South Africa, and Brazil among others. Bryan also engages leaders through his private coaching practice, www.coachingtolead.com, to clarify and intentionally pursue their callings. His passion and experience is coming alongside leaders to accelerate their growth and influence, while at the same time maintaining their personal health and enjoying the opportunities before them. Bryan is also the developer of Trusted Leader 360 °a  Christ-centered 360° tool designed to help leaders grow in emotional intelligence, relational trust, and lasting impact The Coaching Process diagram: www.professionalchristiancoaching.com/bundle    --- Start your journey to become a Professional Christian Life Coach!  Connect with an Academic Advisor: https://calendly.com/d/cqkt-5nf-5pw/connect-with-an-academic-advisor?utm_source=podcast Join the Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/professionalchristiancoaching/ Our gift to you! 15+ Hours of FREE Training "The Ultimate Christian Coaching Bundle": https://professionalchristiancoaching.com/bundle PCCI Website: https://professionalchristiancoaching.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChristianCoaching/videos

    1h 16m
  4. 12/09/2025

    A Few of Our Favorite Things: Episode 4 #449

    What if the best parts of the year were not the biggest ones, but the quiet gifts of God hidden right in plain sight? In this fourth "Favorite Things" conversation, we pause to look back before we look ahead. Not to count achievements or tally wins, but to name the ordinary graces that formed us. The tables that gathered people. The roads that reopened after seasons of waiting. The work that surprised us with joy. The callings that deepened instead of diminished. Threaded through it all is the goodness of God. The steady gift of family and friendship. And the quiet force of coaching as it shapes leaders, ministries, and everyday lives from the inside out. This episode is an invitation to slow down long enough to remember. To notice what God has done. To give thanks for what did not have to happen but did. Before the year turns, let gratitude open your eyes to the grace that has been carrying you all along. --- Start your journey to become a Professional Christian Life Coach!  Connect with an Academic Advisor: https://calendly.com/d/cqkt-5nf-5pw/connect-with-an-academic-advisor?utm_source=podcast Join the Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/professionalchristiancoaching/ Our gift to you! 15+ Hours of FREE Training "The Ultimate Christian Coaching Bundle": https://professionalchristiancoaching.com/bundle PCCI Website: https://professionalchristiancoaching.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChristianCoaching/videos

    29 min
  5. 11/11/2025

    Coaching Neurodiversity: A Physician's Journey with Mary Jones, M.D. #448

    When you walk into a doctor's office, you expect medical expertise, but what if you also experienced deep listening, hope, and the dignity of being truly heard? That's the kind of care Dr. Mary Jones offers. As a pediatrician and coach, she weaves together her medical background and coaching skills to help families navigating neurodiversity, especially ADHD and autism, rediscover direction, peace, and renewed faith in what's possible.  In this episode, Dr. Jones shares how coaching has transformed both her practice and her perspective. From listening with curiosity instead of rushing to diagnose, to creating space for the Holy Spirit to work in every encounter, her story reminds us that presence can be the most powerful prescription of all. Key Takeaways: • Listening with curiosity restores dignity, clarity, and hope • Healing often begins when someone feels seen and heard • A coach approach helps professionals serve the whole person-body, mind, and spirit • Even a few moments of intentional presence can make a lasting impact About Dr. Mary Jones As a pediatrician, my mission is to ensure every child on the autism spectrum is recognized, supported, and celebrated as early as possible. I am committed to fostering early and accurate diagnosis, empowering families through education and resources, and advocating for a world where every child's unique potential is embraced and nurtured. Learn more about Dr. Mary Jones at www.brighstartshealth.com   --- Start your journey to become a Professional Christian Life Coach!  Connect with an Academic Advisor: https://calendly.com/d/cqkt-5nf-5pw/connect-with-an-academic-advisor?utm_source=podcast Join the Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/professionalchristiancoaching/ Our gift to you! 15+ Hours of FREE Training "The Ultimate Christian Coaching Bundle": https://professionalchristiancoaching.com/bundle PCCI Website: https://professionalchristiancoaching.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChristianCoaching/videos

    31 min
  6. 10/14/2025

    Align Your Life with God's Design #447

    Start your journey to become a Professional Christian Life Coach!  Connect with an Academic Advisor: https://calendly.com/d/cqkt-5nf-5pw/connect-with-an-academic-advisor?utm_source=podcast --- What if the noise of modern life is not just making us tired but actually keeping us from the God we long for? We live in a world where the average person checks their phone 96 times a day and our attention span has dropped nearly 25 percent in the last twenty years. No wonder so many feel disconnected, distracted, and spiritually dry. Yet beneath the hurry and distraction lies a deep ache for God, a longing to know His peace, His wisdom, His presence. In this conversation, we explore: * Why listening to God and others is more urgent than ever in a noisy, fast-paced world * The hidden expectations and rhythms that can sabotage our spiritual practices * What neuroscience and research reveal about our circadian rhythms and how they shape creativity, focus, and connection * The difference between grace-filled adjustments and simple convenience * Small, doable shifts that create space for God in ordinary days You will come away with practical ways to align your spiritual practices with your God-given wiring, questions to use in coaching, and a hopeful reminder that stillness and presence with God are not only possible but are what He designed you for. And if you would like to take the next step, download Grace Breaks. This set of 50 simple, beautifully designed cards includes Scripture, neuroscience tips, and quick practices to help you pause and reconnect with God in as little as five minutes. www.paceofgrace.com/free Complimentary Resources: Align Your Life Inventory www.professionalchristiancoaching.com/inventory Grace Breaks: 50 Ways to Connect with God During Your Busy Day www.paceofgrace.com/free  ---   Join the Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/professionalchristiancoaching/ Our gift to you! 15+ Hours of FREE Training "The Ultimate Christian Coaching Bundle": https://professionalchristiancoaching.com/bundle PCCI Website: https://professionalchristiancoaching.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChristianCoaching/videos  ---

    30 min
4.8
out of 5
205 Ratings

About

Welcome to Professional Christian Coaching Today with Chris McCluskey and Kim Avery, a weekly podcast dedicated to informing, inspiring, and equipping Christians in the art and science of professional-grade Christian coaching. Along with cutting-edge content, you'll hear great interviews with guests such as Dan Miller, Michael Hyatt, Dr. Gary Collins, Kary Oberbrunner, Dr. Marilee Adams, Dr. Richard Swenson, C.J. Hayden and more. Our goal is to raise the standard in coaching and change the world.

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