Defining Prophetic Life Coaching: A New Paradigm of Ministry for the Church
I’ve served as a prophetic life coach for half a decade, serving hundreds through my coaching practice in 1:1 and group coaching models. While running my coaching practice, I simultaneously have served in formal ministries as a worship leader, exhorter, pastor, and prophetess at various junctures. With my decade-plus of ministry experience across denominations in church and para-church ministries, I have had the opportunity to analyze multiple church structures and their efficacy. With my background in sociology, I've leveraged qualitative analysis techniques to deepen my comprehension of church dynamics.
The landscape of church ministry has traditionally been built around a set of core practices such as preaching, teaching, worship, fellowship, and service. While these practices are foundational to Christian life and community, there are emerging needs within congregations that these traditional models may not fully address. This gap is particularly evident in the personal and spiritual development of individual believers, where a one-size-fits-all approach often falls short in catering to the diverse and complex challenges people face in their walk with God.
I believe that prophetic life coaching serves as a new paradigm for ministries to provide the most meaningful emotional-spiritual deliverance for God’s people while simultaneously serving them to clarify their life purpose (i.e., their vocational identity) and live it out.
Limitations of Current Ministry Models
Lack of Personalization to Equip the Saints for Ministry: Traditional ministry models sometimes lack the personal touch necessary to meet individual needs. Sermons and bible studies, while essential, may not always speak to the specific circumstances of each person's life. Furthermore, standing on the belief that every believer has a ministry (according to Ephesians 4:12), it is crucial that every believer receives personalized support in clarifying their ministerial assignment.
Insufficient Emphasis on Emotional Healing and Spiritual Deliverance: Many congregations may not have structured programs that specifically target inner healing and deliverance, leaving some believers bound by past wounds and spiritual strongholds. They are “filled with the Word” and regularly attend worship, but they have not been conformed into the image of Christ. In most churches, deliverance ministry is nonexistent, and emotional health is perceived, at best, as a secondary topic and, at worst, completely unbiblical.
Limited Scope for Direct Mentorship: While discipleship is a crucial aspect of church life, it is very rare to find one-on-one discipleship opportunities. Discipleship often happens through informal networks within the church; however, without a formal structure, there is no way to ensure these discipleship partnerships' health, integrity, and sustainability. One-on-one mentorship can be rare, making it difficult for individuals to find guidance tailored to their spiritual and vocational journey simultaneously. In most cases, the spiritual life is seen as entirely separate from their vocational identity and trajectory in the marketplace. This leads to immense cognitive dissonance, in which God’s people are not bringing their whole selves into the congregation.
Overlooked Prophetic Ministry: The prophetic aspect of ministry, which offers direct encouragement, correction, and edification from the Holy Spirit, is often underutilized in many congregations (1 Corinthians 14:3). Furthermore, believers are not systematically taught how to integrate prophetic ministry into their daily lives, often feeling ill-equipped to make decisions that are honoring to God (Romans 12:1-2).
I believe over these next several decades in the church, believers who prosper holistically will be those who have the opportunity to benefit from the prophetic life coaching model integrated within local congregations.
Churches that do not integrate a prophetic life coaching model into their congregations will find their ministries irrelevant in the face of a new generation desperately needing healing, deliverance, and vocational identity.
This is why I founded Selah Coaching Academy. In the short term, Selah Coaching Academy is committed to serving God’s people with prophetic life coaching programs online.
Long-term, in partnership with Covenant Consulting Agency, an organization I founded to certify prophetic life coaches, we aim to plant churches in the coming years that integrate prophetic life coaching into their organizational structure. We also plan to support preexisting congregations in integrating this model for healing, deliverance, and vocational identity within their current organizational structure so their ministries can holistically serve this new generation.
As every reformer and revivalist has done in each generation, we are opening our hearts to a new way of preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to ensure that those who put faith in Him walk in the way they first received Him.
Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
Colossians 2:6-7 ESV
If you would like to learn more about our strategic plan, please visit the Selah Coaching Academy website. In this blog post, I would like to share with you what prophetic life coaching is and further elaborate on why I believe it is a new paradigm of ministry for the church.
The Prophetic Life Coaching Praxis of Selah Coaching Academy
Prophetic life coaching is a transformative and holistic approach that integrates six key pillars to guide individuals toward fulfilling their God-ordained purposes. These pillars work together to address the spiritual, emotional, and practical aspects of a person's life, ensuring a comprehensive journey toward personal and spiritual growth.
While other ministries have developed a definition of prophetic life coaching (you can find them by simply searching “prophetic life coaching” online), this model has been strategically designed, leveraging my personal experience and the experience of those I have trained within Covenant Consulting Agency’s certification program.
Whereas other models are limited in their scope and impact, our model has been carefully crafted with a vision for scalability so as to integrate prophetic life coaching within local congregations and complement the other central elements of church life (such as preaching, teaching, worship, and corporate community service projects as previously mentioned).
This is an unprecedented, innovative restructuring of the church that God is bringing forth.
#1 Inner Healing
Inner Healing is fundamental to prophetic life coaching, addressing deep-seated emotional and spiritual wounds. Through prayer, the application of biblical truths, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, individuals are led through a process of healing that targets the roots of past hurts, facilitating a journey towards wholeness and freedom. This pillar is crucial for removing barriers that hinder personal growth and spiritual development, enabling students to move forward unencumbered by past traumas.
The journey towards fulfilling one's God-given purpose begins with achieving emotional and spiritual wholeness. Part of walking in God's purpose involves healing from past hurts and finding wholeness in Christ. Psalm 147:3 tells us, "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." Through the lens of prophetic life coaching, we address areas of pain and seek God's healing, not through our strength but by leaning on His promises and faithfulness.
Prophetic life coaching places a significant emphasis on inner healing, recognizing that unresolved emotional wounds and spiritual battles can hinder one's ability to hear God's voice and walk in their calling.
#2 Deliverance
In line with Rob Reimer's teachings in "Soul Care," deliverance is a crucial step for believers to break free from the chains of spiritual bondage and oppression, in alignment with the mission of Jesus Christ Himself as He proclaimed in Luke 4:18,
The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free.
This passage underscores the essence of deliverance in the Christian walk, where through the authoritative casting out of demons by the power of the Holy Spirit, individuals are liberated from the grips of darkness that hinder their spiritual growth and fulfillment in Christ.
The process of deliverance, as demonstrated by Jesus and His disciples, is not merely a historical account but a continued necessity for the body of Christ. Acts 10:38 reveals how:
God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.
This highlights the ongoing battle against demonic influences and the believer's authority to overcome such forces through the Holy Spirit's power.
In short, Jesus cast out demons, so we must, too.
Deliverance is thus not an optional aspect of the Christian faith but a fundamental process that enables healing from past wounds and freedom from spiritual oppression. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us,
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
In this light, deliverance becomes an essential pillar for every believer, ensuring they are not only healed but also empowered to walk in the fullness of their identity and destiny in Christ. Through this holistic approach, as advocated by Rob Reimer in "Soul Care," the Church can better equip its members to live victorious lives, liberated from the bonds of the enemy and propelled into their God-given purpose.
#3 Life Coaching
Life coaching is a collaborative process in which a coach supports and guides individuals in setting, pursuing, and achieving personal and professional goals. It involves identifying one's strengths, overcoming obstacles, and implementing practical strategies and actionable steps. The aim is to foster growth, enhance performance, and improve the quality of life, enabling individuals to make informed decisions and take proactive steps towards their desired future. Life coaching covers various aspects of life, including career development, relationships, health, and personal fulfillment, and is tailored to the unique needs and aspirations of each person.
Christian life coaching is a specialized form of life coaching that integrates the principles, values, and teachings of Christianity into the coaching process. It aims to help individuals discover and pursue their God-given purpose and goals within the framework of their faith. This approach emphasizes spiritual growth, reliance on God's guidance through prayer and Scripture, and alignment of personal and professional objectives with Christian beliefs. Christian life coaches work with students to navigate life's challenges, make decisions that honor their faith, and live out their calling in a way that reflects their commitment to Christ, fostering not only personal and professional development but also deeper spiritual fulfillment.
Life Coaching within the prophetic life coaching framework emphasizes setting and achieving goals that align with God's purpose for an individual's life. This pillar involves practical strategies and actionable steps, helping students to navigate life's challenges and opportunities with wisdom and effectiveness. Life coaching ensures that the journey is not just about spiritual and emotional growth but also about making tangible progress in personal, professional, and relational areas. This is key for God’s people to identify and live out their vocational identity, making an impact for God’s Kingdom within the four walls of the church, and in the marketplace.
#4 Mentorship
Proverbs 11:4 reminds us that there is wisdom in a multitude of counsel. Titus 2:3-5 encourages older women to teach what is good and to train younger women. Mentorship is a biblical concept, with examples like Paul and Timothy showcasing the power of godly guidance. A key scripture that highlights this mentorship is 2 Timothy 1:5, where Paul acknowledges Timothy's sincere faith, which first lived in his grandmother Lois and in his mother Eunice and is now, as Paul is persuaded, in Timothy as well.
Additionally, 2 Timothy 2:2 offers insight into Paul's mentorship approach:
And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.
In prophetic life coaching, there's a mentorship aspect where we draw on the wisdom of those who've walked the path before us, not to dictate our lives but to offer guidance and encouragement grounded in the love of Christ.
Mentorship provides students with relational support, wisdom, and accountability from someone who embodies the values and achievements they aspire to. This relationship is instrumental in offering real-world insights, encouragement, and practical advice drawn from the mentor's own journey of faith and purpose. Mentorship complements the structured aspects of coaching by providing a personal touch and a living example of godly living and leadership.
#5 Biblical Counseling
Prophetic life coaching embraces the principles of biblical counseling, again reminding us of the importance of godly counsel as seen in Proverbs 11:14, where "there is safety in having many advisers." By turning to the truths found in Scripture and seeking the counsel of those committed to God's Word, we find direction, encouragement, and wisdom to navigate life's challenges.
Biblical Counseling integrates the timeless principles of Scripture to offer guidance and support through life's challenges. This pillar ensures that counsel and advice are rooted in biblical truth, providing a solid foundation for decision-making, conflict resolution, and personal development. Biblical counseling is pivotal for addressing specific issues with wisdom and insight drawn from God's Word, ensuring that students' decisions and actions reflect Christian values.
#6 Prophetic Ministry
Prophetic Ministry infuses the coaching process with spiritual depth through the use of spiritual gifts, aligning with the apostle Paul's encouragement in 1 Corinthians 12:4-7,
There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
This pillar leverages these gifts to provide spiritual insight, encouragement, and direction, helping students to tune into God's voice, much like Samuel did in 1 Samuel 3:9 when Eli instructed him to respond to the Lord with,
Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.
In this process, students are encouraged to embrace their identity in Christ, echoing the truth of 2 Corinthians 5:17,
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
This affirmation of identity is crucial in understanding and stepping into the roles and purposes God has ordained for each individual. Prophetic Ministry sheds light on these God-given purposes, reminiscent of Jeremiah 1:5, where God declares,
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations,
revealing that God has specific plans and purposes for each person.
This approach ensures that the journey through prophetic life coaching is anchored not in mere human wisdom but is profoundly guided by the Holy Spirit, as promised in John 16:13,
But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.
This reliance on the Holy Spirit's leading ensures that every step taken in the coaching process is aligned with God's will, providing a solid foundation for personal and spiritual growth.
Read more about “The New Wineskin of Prophetic Ministry within the Paradigm of Prophetic Life Coaching.”
Bringing It All Together
These six pillars of prophetic life coaching come together to form a comprehensive and dynamic approach to personal and spiritual development. By addressing the emotional, spiritual, and practical needs of individuals, prophetic life coaching facilitates a transformative journey that leads students from a place of uncertainty to a position of clarity, purpose, and empowerment. Through this holistic approach, individuals are equipped to overcome their past, navigate their present with confidence, and step into their future fully aligned with their calling, ready to make a significant impact in their sphere of influence for the Kingdom of God.
A New Paradigm for the Church
Prophetic life coaching represents a transformative shift within the Church, offering a new paradigm that promises to unfold the full emotional and spiritual freedom of every believer on their sanctification journey, being conformed to the image of Christ. This innovative approach transcends traditional pastoral care and discipleship methods by providing a personalized, holistic journey towards understanding and fulfilling one's unique ministry call.
Life is full of challenges, and sometimes, we can feel lost or unsure about the direction we're supposed to take. That's where the beauty of prophetic life coaching steps in, offering a biblically grounded approach to finding and fulfilling God's plan for our lives. This isn't about chasing after every wind of doctrine or getting caught up in the latest trends. It's about getting back to the basics of what the Bible teaches us about living a life that honors God and serves His purpose.
At its heart, prophetic life coaching acknowledges that every believer is endowed with purpose from God and that through the right guidance, encouragement, and spiritual insight, they can be equipped to identify and live out this calling.
Equipping Through Personalized Guidance
The traditional one-size-fits-all model of ministry often falls short in addressing the unique giftings, challenges, and callings of individual believers. Prophetic life coaching fills this gap by offering personalized guidance tailored to the specific needs and divine blueprint of each person. Coaches work closely with individuals to help them discern their spiritual gifts, understand their personal calling, and develop a clear vision for how they can serve within the body of Christ and beyond. This bespoke approach ensures that every believer is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and spiritual insight required to thrive in their ministry.
Fostering Accountability and Growth
One of the hallmarks of prophetic life coaching is its emphasis on accountability and continuous growth. Through mentorship and biblical counseling, believers are not only encouraged to take bold steps toward their calling but are also supported through the challenges and setbacks that may arise. This environment of accountability ensures that individuals remain committed to their spiritual journey, continually seeking to grow in their relationship with God and their effectiveness in ministry.
Empowering for Service
At its core, prophetic life coaching is about empowering believers to actively participate in the work of the Kingdom. By helping individuals to identify and cultivate their spiritual gifts and talents, prophetic life coaching ensures that the Church is equipped with a diverse array of ministers ready to serve in various capacities. Whether it's through preaching, teaching, evangelism, hospitality, or the development of an entirely new ministry, prophetic life coaching helps believers find their place in the body of Christ and contribute effectively to its mission.
Prophetic life coaching represents a significant shift in how the Church approaches discipleship and ministry preparation.
By focusing on the emotional, spiritual, and practical equipping of each believer, this approach ensures that the Church is not just a place where people come to be fed but also a community where every member is empowered to feed others. This new paradigm promises to unleash the full potential of the Church, ensuring that every believer is free to pursue their God-given purpose and to make a meaningful, Spirit-led impact in the world for the glory of God.
Rooted in Scripture
Prophetic life coaching is deeply rooted in the truth of God's Word. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us,
For I know the plans I have for you,
declares the LORD,
plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
This verse isn't just a comforting thought; it's a cornerstone of understanding how God has a specific plan for each of us. Prophetic life coaching helps us align our lives with God's Word, ensuring that we're not just making decisions based on our understanding but are guided by the Holy Spirit in accordance with Scripture.
Practical Steps Forward
Proverbs 16:9 says,
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.
Prophetic life coaching isn't just about lofty ideas; it's about practical, actionable steps that align with God's will for our lives. Whether it's in our careers, relationships, or personal growth, a prophetic life coach helps us to lay down plans that are not just good but God-ordained, leading to a life of purpose and fulfillment.
Walking in Faith
By encompassing all these aspects, prophetic life coaching presents a more comprehensive approach to ministry that addresses the whole person—spirit, soul, and body. This model acknowledges the complex nature of human beings and their diverse needs, offering a multifaceted strategy for growth and development that traditional models may not fully provide.
In this journey called life, prophetic life coaching offers a way to navigate our paths with clarity, purpose, and a deep reliance on God's Word. It's not about finding a quick fix or following the latest self-help trend. It's about building our lives on the solid foundation of Scripture, guided by the Holy Spirit, and walking in the purpose God has laid out for us.
The integration of prophetic life coaching into church life represents a significant shift towards a more holistic, personalized form of ministry.
This approach not only complements existing practices but also fills crucial gaps, ensuring that believers are equipped, healed, and empowered to prosper in every area of their lives.
As this model gains traction, it holds the promise of transforming individual lives and, by extension, entire congregations, enabling the church to move more powerfully and effectively in its mission and ministry
until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,
so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.
Ephesians 4:13-14 ESV
In conclusion, prophetic life coaching offers a dynamic and transformative approach to ministry within the Church, promising emotional and spiritual freedom for every believer.
By providing personalized guidance, fostering accountability, and equipping individuals for service, this new paradigm ensures that every member of the body of Christ is prepared and empowered to fulfill their ministerial and vocational calling from God, thereby advancing the Kingdom of God in powerful and effective ways at a magnitude and grace never before seen in the earth.