|
$27.99
|
Item Added to Cart Electronic Item Added to Cart
|
|
Item Added to Cart
|
|
|
Help others realize their maximum potential with a God-centered approach to life coaching.
Description:
With a biblically based approach, this groundbreaking textbook for life coaching explores a new coaching model, how-to sections field-tested for more than eight years, custom forms coaches can use, and more.
Other Links of Interest:
Visit the Christian Coaching website.
Christian Coaching, Second Edition
ISBN-13:
9781600063619
Trim Size: 6 x 9
Cover: Jacketed Hardback
416
Pages
$27.99
Percentage Discounts for Bulk Purchases of Single Items
-
Downloadable
-
Part of a Series
-
Available in Spanish
You May Also Like:
View all reviewsCustomer Reviews
Grace to get "on track" with your life: Is Christian coaching for you?
According to Dr. Gary R. Collins in his book, Christian Coaching: Helping Others Turn Potential Into Reality, Second Edition, a Christian coach should possess these essential skills: “listening, asking good questions, giving feedback”; buy the book to find out more!).
Be forewarned: There is a lengthy section following the distinction of coaching from counseling that may cause your eyes to glaze over! Although some discussion of coaching models, requisite skills, and coaching issues is important, I found much of the “nuts-and-bolts-of-coaching” information “information overload”.
Collins makes the observation that “when individuals or groups are stuck, they often lack an inner sense of where to go…”, and advises Christian coaches to take the time needed to assist the client in identifying his values. Once the client can clearly state their values, and then prioritize those values, the coaching clients will be well prepared to make wise decisions. Yet in a coaching situation, it is not only the client who needs to be able to identify their values; the coach must also be able to identify his own values.
Of special interest is the author’s discussion of vision and mission statements (and an interesting explanation of why many Christians ~ and their churches ~ lack vision). Collins unashamedly states that a Christian coach’s role “is to be a hope-giver and encourager even when there seems to be slow progress or none at all”. As one who has sought out the assistance of Christian coaches, I myself appreciate the author’s emphasis on giving hope and encouragement to clients; this principle runs like a sunlit stream throughout the book.
Collins pinpoints several shortcomings in coaching: failing to assist a client in developing a strategy and an “action plan”, or refusing to address or to initiate conversations regarding what obstacles are holding back the client. Kudos to Dr. Collins for urging coaches to assist clients in setting goals and in setting up an accountability plan to reach those goals!
The author discusses several specialty areas in Christian coaching, concluding with a discussion of “Churches, Spirituality, and Coaching” – a most informative read – with some excellent definitions of an oft-misunderstood term, spiritual direction. As Gary Collins puts it, spiritual direction is “coming alongside, talking about life and spiritual disciplines, praying and discussing the Bible, listening for God’s direction, and giving encouragement…walking with others on their spiritual journeys”.
The body of this book has plenty of solid “protein”; the multiple appendices are like “power bursts” in offering a variety of useful material for coaches, aspiring coaches, or clients in search of a Christian coach. Can you, will you, give yourself the grace you need to get on track with your life, to move from “stuck” to “un-stuck”, and to move forward to all that God has for you? Reading this book would be a great place to get started.
Posted by
Grace Reigns
on
9/6/2010 11:50:47 PM
Great Intro to Coaching
I took an unusually long time to work my way through this book. Normally, that’d be an indication that I didn’t like it, but in this case, the exact opposite is true. I found this book to be a complete course in life coaching, systematically walking you through all the theories, practical skills and useful tools you’ll need to put what you learn into practice. I found myself purposely slowing down, going back and re-reading entire portions to allow them to sink in and really stick in my mind. I took the time to reflect, not only on how I could apply the techniques in my coaching of others, but I found myself doing some self coaching along the way. And, as if the step-by-step instruction itself isn’t valuable enough, Collins blesses us with a treasure trove of sample forms, questionnaires and tools in the appendices. These bonuses alone are worth the price of the book. I’ve already begun using what I’ve learned from this incredible instructional text. Undoubtedly, I will return to it again and again, and will recommend it as an essential resource to all who have an interest in the area of coaching.
FYI: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Posted by
Brenda Weatherby
on
7/6/2010 8:00:27 PM
Great book for 'new' coaches
This was my first foray into reading a book that deals with coaching. Gary Collins book is a very practical book that lays a foundation and builds on it in an easy to follow pattern.
As a novice the 'field' of coaching, this book explains well the basics of coaching, covering such topics as listening skills, forming questions, helping others follow God's plan for their lives, and other similar areas.
Having served as a pastor for 12 years, there are various skills that 'coaches' use that pastors use as well. This book provided a great refresher in some areas that pastors need and will no doubt aid me in my ministry.
Being a very practical book, and including many scriptural references, I was still a little disappointed that Dr. Collins didn't include a more thorough approach to Christian coaching from a biblical perspective. This is probably more a personal preference being a pastor than a critical assessment of the book.
There are parts of the book that seemed to be redundant. At times I found myself skimming certain sections, feeling as if I had just read it in the previous chapter. Again, this might be more a personal preference than anything else.
Christian Coaching contains many 'how-to's' and reproducible forms and is an all around great source for those interested in the field of coaching. It would also be a great book for pastors to have have as a ready source to refresh some basic skills to enhance their ministry.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Posted by
Ricky Kirk
on
7/5/2010 12:56:17 PM
Great Introductory Text
In this completely revised and updated edition, Gary Collins introduces the reader to the field of coaching, a field that has grown exponentially in the years since he wrote the first edition in 2001. Collins expands his book to include new trends and practices.
The book is an incredibly practical on-ramp to the coaching world. Collins offers a helpful definition of what coaching is- "helping others get from where they are to where they want to be"- that is both focused enough while also being appropriately open-ended to account for the broad range of streams in coaching. Collins offers a few helpful models, while including more on the accompanying website for the book.
The book walks the reader from the very opening steps of the process of coaching right through the end, and along the way offers helpful questions. Collins also takes a brief look at several types of coaching, from life to transition and career coaching, giving just enough to interest you while also giving you resources to check out to further expand your knowledge.
The appendices are probably the greatest part of the book, particularly if you are interested in moving into the field of coaching. It has practical tools like forms and exercises, as well as resources for anyone looking for a coach.
A testament to how well Collins "whets the readers appetite" for the field of coaching is that, having read this text, I myself am investigating the possibility of becoming a certified life coach. It's thorough in its introductory role while being very accessible.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Posted by
Cody Stauffer
on
6/26/2010 11:09:53 AM
A Good Resource For Those Interested In Christian Coaching
If you’ve heard about “coaching” but aren’t sure what it means in today’s terms, this book is the perfect resource. According to Fortune magazine, coaching is the hottest thing in management.
Although author Gary R. Collins, PhD states that coaching has become a revolution that shows no signs of slowing down, Christian coaches seem to be few and far between.
So what is coaching? First and foremost it is not counseling or therapy, nor is it about healing or reactive looking back. Coaching helps individuals move forward and grow as a person while focusing on their strengths.
Coaching motivates the person being coached to build vision along with their skills.
According to the author, Christian coaching has a more eternal purpose in that it encourages individuals to find God’s purpose for their life and move away from their own agendas.
This book shares what (and who) makes for a good coach, what their skills should look like and how a coaching relationship is set up. If you are interested in finding a Christian coach or becoming a Christian coach, this book is a must read.
Posted by
Cafe Lily Book Reviews
on
5/15/2010 2:47:27 AM
View all reviews