A Lean Startup approach for a faith-based coaching practice focuses on launching and growing with minimal resources while maximizing impact. It emphasizes starting small, testing ideas quickly, and adapting based on real feedback from clients. Instead of investing heavily upfront, you develop coaching services based on actual needs, refining them through continuous learning. This helps coaches avoid building their offerings in a vacuum with significant dollars invested, only to discover that what they’ve built doesn’t resonate with their ideal client. By using a cycle of build, measure, and learn, you ensure your offerings truly serve those God has called you to serve. This approach allows you to steward resources wisely, remain mission-driven, and create a sustainable practice that grows organically through real-world results and client engagement.
Faith-based solo entrepreneurs can apply the Lean Startup mindset to their coaching practice through these three key principles:
1. Start Small & Validate Your Service Will Resonate (Build a Minimum Viable Service)
Instead of creating a full-fledged coaching program upfront, start with a Minimum Viable Service (MVS)—a simple, effective offering that meets a real need. This could be a seminar, a small group coaching session, or a short-term mentorship program. Test your idea with potential clients and seek feedback to refine your approach. Stay prayerful and discerning, ensuring that your coaching aligns with your faith-driven mission.
2. Measure Impact, Not Just Income
Building a Minimum Viable Service offering helps you test to discover your offerings solves a clients need that they will ultimately be willing to pay for. At first, you may get the first participants involved complimentary in exchange for their feedback as you are testing your idea. People often say they will pay when they are trying something for free, but it is a turning point in your coaching practice when they exchange real dollars for your services. Traditional businesses often focus only on revenue, but a faith-based coaching practice also measures impact—like life transformation, spiritual growth, and engagement. Use client testimonials, feedback surveys, and one-on-one conversations to gauge effectiveness. Keep track of what works and what doesn’t, and don’t be afraid to pivot if a service isn’t resonating. Steward your resources wisely by investing only in what truly serves your audience.
3. Learn & Adapt with Faith
Faith-driven entrepreneurship requires both trust in God and a willingness to adapt as we deepen our understanding of our calling, ourselves, and the clients we feel called to serve. The Lean Startup mindset encourages continuous learning—be open to refining your messaging, pricing, or coaching structure based on real-world results. Embrace setbacks as learning opportunities, seek wise counsel, and stay attuned to how God is guiding your business. Remember, success isn’t about perfection but about consistent growth and faithfulness in serving others.
A Closing Thought
Remember as you navigate the journey of starting and sustaining a coaching practice, you are not alone. God is with you and for you! He is your strength, your shield, and your song! The CCNI network is here to support you through the relationships and many offerings taking place monthly! Blessings on your journey!
