Coaching the Client's Vision

Discerning a vision is neither straightforward nor predictable.

Sometimes it takes a few weeks of diligent effort; sometimes it takes years.

The process is perhaps more important to God than the outcome because

the effort we go through draws us closer to him.

~George Barna

God gives each individual an unique purpose. Some people call it a mission, vision, passion or life purpose, but they all have similar meanings. I remember creating my own life purpose three years ago, with the instruction of my coach. A coach is very valuable in this step as they're able to help the client find his direction and ask pertinent questions to make him think. Ultimately, though an individual will need to spend time himself seeking the Lord's will for his life direction. The summary of my life purpose is this: "Purposing to use what God has given me, I will encourage others to stand fast for the Kingdom of God and equip them to defend the truth to future generations (1 Peter 3:15)." And you can find the more detailed version HERE. ;) 

The question I had to answer for this third discussion assignment was this: What is personal vision? Why is it so important? How can a Christian Life Coach help a client develop a vision? If a client's vision fades, what are was to reinvigorate that vision?

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Dreams may outline the desired future, goals may establish the path, passions may drive us forward, but vision is the target—the “potential for the future…anchored in the realities of the present”—that pulls a person forward (Collins, 2009, pg.171).

The practicality of a vision is its most vital aspect. Visions are big; they are the dreams brought down to reality, but visions also must be focused (Collins, 2009). A client will be easily discouraged if they see no practical progress through their coaching sessions, so it is part of the coach’s job to, not only expand the vision, but also to bring it down to tangible, visible results. The author of Proverbs says “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” (Proverbs 29:18, KJV). Good coaches will help each client to recognize and find their vision, obtain a clearer picture of the vision, and then provide support and encouragement to keep the vision alive (Collins, 2009). People must have some sort of vision in order to have purpose for their life, and a Christian Life Coach will help his clients to pursue a vision that is consistent with Scripture and with God’s calling for that individual (Collins, 2009).

A good coach will help a client find out the answer to “Where do I want to go?” [vision] (Collins, 2009). They will also coach the individual to seek the Lord’s will through prayer and consistent Bible reading. A vision for life is not a rushed process, but rather one that takes time, thought, and communication, and a good coach will be readily available to provide insight and questions in order to spur the client on in their life vision (Collins, 2009). During this process, the client will need to be introspective in order to determine his gifts, values, and passions, for these will be at the center of his vision (Collins, 2009). Information from outside resources such as other mentors, family members, or friends, will also be helpful for the client to clarify his vision and provide extra insight. A good coach will be actively involved with his client, not only to help him focus on a clear and concise vision, but also to eliminate distractions or trivial information.

Keeping the vision is part of a good coach’s job. Sometimes the client’s commitment and passion for the vision fades, and that’s when the coach takes action by encouraging him to progress and reminding him of his commitment. Reinvigorating the vision will require work. The coach may need to step back with the client and clarify values and beliefs or maintain enthusiasm for the vision during obstacles. A coach will not allow a God-given vision to fade for the client. Collins (2009) says, “Coaches are cheerleaders for their clients and their visions, stimulating forward movement so the goals are reached and dreams realized” (pg. 181).

Collins, G.R. (2009) Christian coaching: Helping others turn potential into reality. (2nd ed.). Colorado Springs, CO: NAV Press. 

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As you seek to walk in the center of God's will, it's important to establish the spiritual markers in your life that have led you up to the place you now stand. Looking back on what God has done in your life may bring great clarity toward what he wants to do in your life in the days to come.

~Henry and Mel Blackaby