Professional Christian Coaching Today

Chris McCluskey & Kim Avery
  • 4.8 (202)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Professional Christian Coaching Today

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. 5D AGO

    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! https://professionalchristiancoaching.com/

    36 min

  2. JUN 10

    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

    32 min

  3. MAY 13

    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

    50 min

  4. APR 8

    A Very Special Celebration of Christian Coaching #441

    Coaching has come a long way—and today, we’re celebrating just how far. In this episode, we honor key milestones in the growth of professional coaching and Christian coach training, reflect on where the field stands today, and cast a hopeful vision for what’s ahead. Whether you’re new to coaching or have been part of the journey for decades, this conversation will encourage, inspire, and remind you of the sacred calling behind the coaching profession. You’ll hear:   A celebration of some major anniversaries in the field of coaching Surprising statistics about the growth and global impact of coaching today Why Christian coaching uniquely matters in a noisy, fast-paced world How the rise of AI is highlighting—not replacing—the need for deep, Spirit-led connection A compelling vision of coaching’s role in the emerging “wisdom economy”                                  Join us as we mark this meaningful moment in coaching history—and look with anticipation toward all God is still unfolding. Access Your Resources for International Christian Coaching Day at www.ProfessionalChristianCoaching.com/day

    33 min

  5. MAR 11

    Coaching Work Teams #440

    What makes a team thrive? If you've ever been part of a dysfunctional team, you know how frustrating it can be—miscommunication, lack of trust, and an endless cycle of unmet expectations. But what if there was a way to turn that dysfunction into deep connection and shared success? In this episode, we explore the power of team coaching, how it differs from individual and group coaching, and why it’s essential for creating cohesive, high-performing teams. Drawing from the principles taught in Coaching for Work Teams, we’ll dive into practical strategies for building trust, fostering productive conflict, and aligning around a shared mission. Whether you're a coach looking to expand your skills or a leader wanting to strengthen your team, you’ll walk away with actionable insights you can apply immediately. About Sandra Black Sandra Black, PCC is an ICF certified coach with dual certification as a Professional Leadership and Life Coach and a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach. She is passionate about developing leaders and teams to unleash their gifts and talents for their passion and purpose while crushing their limiting beliefs and mindsets. She partners with executives, next-generation leaders, and teams to further their development of strengths, structures, and systems to support their growth and vision through a Christian lens. Her coaching and consulting practice focuses on equipping leaders to lead boldly and courageously through increased self-awareness. Sandra has over 25 years of leadership experience in various business sectors, client and program management, project management, ministry, teaching, coaching, and consulting. She has served in various leadership roles, partnering with leaders and teams to move from chaos to purpose. She is a change agent and catalyst for thriving leaders and teams, community development, catechetical programs, and team engagement. Sandra’s diverse educational background ranges from Industrial Engineering – Human Factors and Management focus to an Executive Program in Strategy, Management, and Leadership with supplementals in Program and Project Management, and group and team coaching. She loves to cook and create, influence as a CGS Catechist, accompany youth and adults, focus on the family and marriage through her ministries, and teach Human Formation. Sandra has been married to her husband John for over 27 years, and has two boys. You can learn more about Sandra at: www.SandraBlackCoaching.com

    31 min

  6. FEB 11

    Building Resilience and Reducing Anxiety #439

    Feeling overwhelmed and unsure how to break free from the cycle of stress? In this episode, we dive into the heart of stress resilience, unpacking what stress really is, how it affects our brains and bodies, and why it’s essential to approach it with practical strategies and spiritual wisdom. If you or your clients seek simple habits to build resilience, this conversation with Dr. Charles Stone offers hope and actionable steps. Tune in to: Understand what stress is and how it impacts your brain and body. Learn proven practices for building resilience. Discover one daily habit that can help reduce stress immediately. Explore how biblical truths address stress and offer lasting peace. Gain practical advice for supporting loved ones who are overwhelmed. About Charles Stone: With over 40 years of pastoral experience, Charles Stone has served as a lead pastor, associate pastor, and church planter, bringing biblical truth and practical leadership wisdom to countless congregations. He is the author of seven books, including If Jesus Gave a TED Talk and Holy Noticing: The Bible, Your Brain, and the Mindful Space Between Moments, with his new book called Stress Less: 9 Habits from the Bible and Brain Science to Build Resilience and Reduce Anxiety set to release in March 2025. Charles has also contributed over 300 articles to leading Christian leadership platforms. As a seasoned coach and consultant, he has trained over 3,000 leaders across seven countries, equipping pastors and ministry leaders to thrive in their calling. Charles combines his rich pastoral experience with cutting-edge insights from neuroscience. He holds a Ph.D., an M.Div., and a D.Min., as well as advanced certifications in the neuroscience of leadership and psychological safety. A certified coach through the International Coaching Federation, Charles specializes in helping pastors and leaders elevate their preaching, improve self-care, and navigate the unique challenges of ministry.

    33 min

  7. JAN 14

    Leveraging Speaking to Build Your Coaching Business #438

    Speaking can be a powerful tool for building your coaching business. In this episode, Dale Wilsher shares her inspiring journey from being a single mom speaking in faith-based spaces to earning five figures per keynote. From starting with simple survey cards to leveraging coaching success stories, Dale unpacks the strategies and pivotal moments that transformed her speaking into a thriving coaching business. You’ll also discover how to navigate different environments as a faith-based speaker, create signature talks that balance warmth and competence, and turn speaking engagements into coaching clients. Tune in to receive: Insights on combining speaking with coaching to accelerate trust and build your client base. Practical strategies for creating signature talks and using personal stories effectively. Tips for navigating professional spaces while staying true to your values. A process for turning speaking engagements into coaching clients using tools like survey cards and follow-ups. Inspiration from Dale’s journey, from faith-based beginnings to keynoting major leadership events. About Dale Wilsher Dale Wilsher is an executive leadership coach and personal development expert, specializing in personality dynamics, authenticity, and mental resilience. She is an award-winning author, certified DISC trainer, and faculty member for the US Chamber of Commerce's Institute of Organizational Management. She holds accreditations from the International Coach Federation as a Professional Certified Coach and is a member of both the National Speakers Association and Forbes Coaches Council. As a keynote speaker, Dale combines her background in sales and science to provide fresh insights into identity and purpose, leveraging the latest findings in positive psychology, leadership, and neuroscience. She helps audiences discover their untapped strengths, core values, and authentic purpose. Dale lives in Boulder, Colorado, with her husband and four daughters. She is on a mission to help people rise to their fullest lives and do their best work. Learn more about Dale’s upcoming class, The Inspirational Coach, at www.yourauthenticpersonality.com

    36 min

  8. 12/10/2024

    A Few of Our Favorite Things: Episode 3 #437

    Join us as we wrap up the year with six of our favorite things from 2024—some practical, some inspiring, and all centered on God’s faithfulness in every season. From memorable moments to fresh insights that have shaped our lives and work, this conversation is packed with encouragement and reflection.  Whether you’re looking to discover something new, be reminded of God’s goodness, or simply enjoy a meaningful recap of the year, tune in to reflect and rejoice in what God is doing in and through us all.

    26 min
See All (100)

4.8
out of 5
202 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

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada