Professional Christian Coaching Today

Chris McCluskey & Kim Avery
  • 4.8 (204)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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. 09/09/2025

    Growing a Successful Leadership Coaching Practice #446

    What does it look like to grow a thriving coaching firm? In this episode, you'll hear the inspiring story of a mother and daughter who followed God's lead, honored their unique gifts, and built something larger than themselves. What began as separate career paths eventually came together into a firm that serves both individuals and organizations with clarity, creativity, and purpose. At the heart of their work is the belief that when people flourish, organizations flourish. Whether they are equipping executives with fresh strategies or helping new employees grow in confidence, their approach is deeply relational and intentionally grounded in listening-to God, to life, and to the people they serve. In this episode, you'll discover: * How to know when it might be time to grow beyond a solo coaching practice * Why relationships are essential to building a sustainable business * What it takes to invite other coaches into your vision with clarity and trust * Encouragement to pay attention to your gifts and listen to the life you are actually living This conversation offers both practical insight and spiritual encouragement for coaches who are building something meaningful, one faithful step at a time. Ready to make a greater impact in the corporate world? Explore the Corporate Impact Association (CIA) at www.45degrees.org/cia and discover how to grow your influence and effectiveness. Use coupon code "Insider" to save $100.    About Brooke Terrell, CEO 45 Degrees Coaching, LLC  As CEO and Certified Professional Coach at 45 Degrees Coaching, Brooke empowers clients and coaches to unlock full potential and drive sustainable impact within organizations. With 15 years of senior leadership experience in a fast-paced industry, she deeply understands the unique challenges and rewards of leaders at all levels, from C-Suite executives to emerging professionals. Brooke brings a unique blend of creativity, empathy and focus to coaching, guiding others on a journey of self-discovery and growth. Whether coaching a seasoned executive, onboarding new coaches to the 45 Degrees team, or leading a creative management group, Brooke brings clarity, direction and self-awareness empowering others to create a plan and take action.   About Diane Overgard, Founder 45 Degrees Coaching LLC Diane is the Founder of 45 Degrees Coaching, providing individual and business team coaching to local, national, and international clients since 2004. She knows how adults learn and quickly establishes an energizing environment of trust and respect, with enough light-heartedness to encourage clients and other coaches to open up, have fun, and try new behaviors.  As a seasoned executive coach with a background in Adult Education, Diane understands that success in a professional life is enhanced by making a personal life incredible. To be truly successful at work, your "other" life has to work as well, and Diane knows what motivates people to make decisions and change behaviors. She empowers others to add more energy and satisfaction both at work and at home. 45 Degrees Coaching Website: https://www.45degrees.org/ --- 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

    30 min

  5. 08/12/2025

    How I Became a Coach with Jenn Nickel #445

    What does it really take to become a professional coach?   In this episode, you'll hear the story of one coach who transitioned from a high-level corporate and nonprofit career into a thriving part-time coaching practice designed to fit her life and values. If you're wondering how to get started, how to build gradually without overwhelm, or how to align your coaching with your faith, this conversation offers clarity and practical guidance.   In this episode, you'll discover: A real-life example of how to transition into coaching from another profession Why starting slow can be a smart strategy for long-term success How to market your coaching services without pressure or expensive campaigns What makes professional training worth the investment How to build a sustainable business that supports your life, not the other way around   You'll walk away with encouragement, practical ideas, and renewed confidence for taking your next step in the coaching journey.   About Jenn Nickel, PCC Jenn Nickel is a PCC level life and leadership coach who began her training at PCCI in 2018 and joined the faculty this year. She's had her own coaching practice for 6 years where she partners with for-profit andnon-profit leaders to help them live and lead with intentionality.   Before she began coaching, she spent 13 years with a multi-national insurance company in roles ranging from product development to sales and marketing, working with Wall Street and institutional investors. During some of that time, she and her husband Mark lived in Dublin, Ireland for her job. Once her children were born, Jenn moved into a decade of non-profit work in her city where she held various board and staff roles and was chairperson of the board of a non-profit she helped start. Now she gets to utilize her experience in for-profit and non-profit as she coaches leaders in both of those worlds. Jenn did her undergraduate in Public Relations and Marketing at Western Kentucky University and obtained her MBA at Indiana University Southeast.   Connect with Jenn Nickel: jlnconsultants.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

    32 min

  6. 07/08/2025

    Coaching Or Counseling - What's the Difference? #444

    What if the very skills that make you a great counselor, pastor, or people-helper aren't the same ones needed to help someone grow? Many professionals feel a stirring toward coaching but aren't sure how it differs from what they already do. The overlap with counseling can feel confusing, especially when your heart is wired to support others. In this episode, we unpack the five core differences between coaching and counseling. You'll gain clarity on what coaching is, how it works, and why it matters. If you've ever wondered how to begin, whether additional training is necessary, or how to navigate dual roles with integrity, this conversation will guide you with insight, practical help, and encouragement. In this episode, you'll discover:     • Why coaching and counseling serve different purposes and how that affects your approach     • How to tell which role you're in and why that distinction matters     • What motivates coaching clients and how it shifts the conversation     • Key ethical and legal considerations for offering both services     • What to look for in solid, professional-grade coach training 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 Ulimate Christian Coaching Bundle": https://professionalchristiancoaching.com/bundle PCCI Website: https://professionalchristiancoaching.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChristianCoaching/videos

    36 min

  7. 06/10/2025

    Using 360 Assessments in Leadership Coaching #443

    As coaches, we know that awareness is the first step toward transformation. Yet for many leaders, the awareness they most need—the way others actually experience their leadership—remains hidden just beyond their view. That's why today's conversation with Bryan Brown is so essential.   In this insightful and practical discussion, we'll explore: Why feedback is one of the rarest and most valuable gifts a leader can receive The critical role coaches play in helping leaders interpret and apply 360° feedback Common pitfalls to avoid when using a 360° assessment How leadership blind spots can quietly derail influence—and how to uncover them Why trust is the true currency of leadership today, and how 360°s can strengthen it How often leaders should engage in a 360° feedback process for sustained growth   Bryan also shares a glimpse into a newly developed, Christ-centered 360° tool designed to help leaders grow in emotional intelligence, relational trust, and lasting impact. If you coach leaders at any level—or desire to—you'll find practical insights, powerful reminders, and tangible tools you can begin applying right away.   About Bryan Brown: Bryan Brown, MDiv, MCC is the President and Founder of Coaching To Lead, LLC. With 35 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 currently serves as the International Director for Life on Life at Perimeter Church in Atlanta, working with pastors and church leaders who seek to ignite movements of Life on Life Discipleship around the world. Bryan also engages leaders through his private coaching practice, www.coachingtolead.com, to clarify and intentionally pursue their callings. He has also developed the Trusted Leader 360° Assessment to help leaders grow in their understanding and effectiveness. He has been happily married to Jackie for 33 years. Together they have three children – Abbie, Lindsey and Barker – and live in Johns Creek, Georgia, a northern suburb of Atlanta. Bryan Brown: www.coachingtolead.com Trusted Leader 360: www.trustedleader360.com Coupon Code: PCCI2025 --- 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 Ulimate Christian Coaching Bundle": https://professionalchristiancoaching.com/bundle PCCI Website: https://professionalchristiancoaching.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChristianCoaching/videos

    32 min

  8. 05/13/2025

    Coaching Mastery with Jamie Slingerland, MCC #442

    What if coaching wasn't about having to ask the perfect question, but about trusting the space between the words? What if silence, curiosity, and presence were the most powerful tools in your coaching toolkit? In this episode, you'll listen in on a masterfully conducted coaching session with Master Certified Coach Jaime Slingerland, joined by commentary from Master Certified Coach Cindy Schmelzenbach. You will enjoy this rare open window into a deeply moving conversation—one that shows how transformation can quietly unfold when a coach partners with the whole person, not just their goal. Listen in to discover: How a coach's spacious presence can create room for unexpected breakthroughs When to gently invite new awareness without interrupting the flow The power of noticing what really matters to your client—and staying with it Why asking less can sometimes reveal more You'll walk away inspired, encouraged, and reminded that powerful coaching isn't about performance—it's about partnership. ICF MCC Minimum Skills Requirement: https://coachingfederation.org/credentialing/performance-evaluations/criteria-for-assessing-mcc/  About Jamie Slingerland, MCC Jamie B. Slingerland, MCC & Ruthie P. Slingerland, PCC co-founded Freedom Life Journey, LLC  to help leaders, business owners & entrepreneurs successfully invest in themselves so they could grow their businesses & "retire early" allowing them to do meaningful work for as long as they choose. In the last 12 years, they have logged over 8500+ hours of coaching and served more than 800 business leaders and executives. Over a decade ago, Jamie & Ruthie were able to pay off almost $90K in debt. After their businesses took off, they were able to step away from the classroom. Now, they are passionate about helping others like them unlock true freedom in work and life through coaching. Buffalo & Puerto Rico natives, they now live in Franklin, TN with their four children & two Toy Goldendoodles where they all work, learn, and play together. Learn more at: https://freedomlifejourney.com About Cindy Schmelzenbach, MCC Cindy has a passion for supporting coaches in their personal and professional development and journey. Having lived and served internationally in leadership roles for 27 years with her husband, she is energized by the variety of cultures and human experiences that benefit from coaching interactions.  Cindy holds her ICF MCC credential; she is a certified Mentor Coach and Coach Supervisor; she is a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach and has an MA in Counseling. She is the Director of Education and serves on faculty at Professional Christian Coaching Institute, an ICF-accredited level 1 and 2 coach education provider.  In her private practice, she offers life coaching, CliftonStrengths coaching, ICF mentor coaching, and coach supervision. Learn more at: coachingwithcindy.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 Ulimate Christian Coaching Bundle": https://professionalchristiancoaching.com/bundle PCCI Website: https://professionalchristiancoaching.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChristianCoaching/videos

    50 min
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204 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.

Information

  • Creator
    Chris McCluskey & Kim Avery
  • Years Active
    2015 - 2025
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © (c) 2020 Coaching for Christian Living, Inc.
  • Show Website
    Professional Christian Coaching Today

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