by R.A. Weigel
As coaches, we seldom start a question with “why.” There are some good reasons we should generally avoid the “why” question. Because of my background as an educator, I can’t help but reflect on all the times I had to talk to a student who had just done something very wrong, and then looking sternly at that child’s face I’m asking, “Why did you do that?” Then too, the sheepish answer was almost always, “I don’t know.” Of course, I wasn’t a coach at that time, and I did not know how to ask better questions or that the “why” question is, in many ways, accusatory.
The “why” question is an analysis question, asking someone to reflect on deeper reasons that are sometimes unknown. The “why” question asks for interpretation and a drawing of comparisons between thoughts and actions. The “why” question forces someone to look at the past and how that past may or may not have been involved with an action. The “why” question can easily sound judgmental, or accusatory, or because it’s been so often used by teachers in school or moms talking to their children, it can bring up soured emotions.
But in coaching and in life, “why” matters a great deal.
Simon Sinek wrote a book called Start With Why. The core of his book is his discovery of The Golden Circle. There are three parts of The Golden Circle: Why, How, and What. As coaches we like to use the “how” and “what” questions and that makes perfect sense. What’s too often missing, is the “why” that’s behind everything that happens.
There are times in life when everyone needs to address the “why” in their life. It’s a deeper question and one that often cannot be answered quickly. But ignoring that question is to the detriment of every person and every coach.
So, let’s get serious for a moment about the “why” question. Jesus used it. He utilized the “why” question to dig into the motivation behind someone’s actions.
- Luke 5:22 (ESV) – Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he asked them, “Why do you question this in your hearts?”
- Luke 6:46 (ESV) – Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?
Now, I don’t know about you, but when I read the “why” questions that Jesus asked, I pause to reflect on the deeper purposes of my life. I also recognize how difficult it must have been for the people who were asked those “why” questions, to answer Jesus. I can picture the Pharisees glaring at Jesus when he asked them, “Why do you break the commandments of God for the sake of your tradition?” (Matthew 15:3) I can picture Peter reflecting throughout his life about the time when Jesus asked him, after his short walk on water, “Why did you doubt me?” (Matthew 14:31) And how many times did the apostles reflect on Jesus appearing before them after his resurrection and his asking, “Why are you frightened?” “Why are your hearts filled with doubt?” (Luke 24:38)
There are always reasons behind the “why” in each person’s life. WHY is the motivator and inspiration. WHY is the purpose. WHY is what’s important and contains the emotions behind what you do, when you do it, how often you do it, and with whom you do it. That brings me to the “why” of this article.
WHY should you have a Christian Coaching Credential?
If you were standing before Jesus and you had an opportunity to talk about your desire to help others through the processes of Christian Coaching, what might you tell him? Why wouldn’t you want to tell him that you boldly promoted your Christian faith by having a Christian coaching credential? After all, your Christian credential is a bold statement about the type of commitment you’ve made to Jesus.
2 Corinthians 5:10 (NLT) – For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.
There is no training, no credentialing, or no certification from the world that supersedes the same thing from a Christian perspective. Certainly, Satan wants people to think that the worldly credential is better, but that’s a lie.
Mark 2:22 (NLT) – “And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the wine would burst the wineskins, and the wine and the skins would both be lost. New wine calls for new wineskins.”
When you consider the life of Jesus, there were plenty of times he could have compromised. The pressures in his life were constant, yet he never compromised or put the things of the world above the things of God. As Christians, we are called to be like Christ. We are called to put new wine, (for Christian coaches that’s Christian credentialing), into new wineskins and not the decaying and brittle wineskins of worldly thinking.
The Apostle Paul wrote, “this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19) That’s either true or it’s a lie. There is no middle ground in that statement and if it’s a lie, then the entire Bible falls apart. Any argument that a Christian needs a worldly credential in order to be successful when a Christian alternative is available, simply won’t really hold any water.
If there’s a credential that the world offers and you can’t find a Christian alternative, then learn what you need to learn so you can make that credential for your Christian brothers and sisters. You may be just the right person to bring new light to a process, product, class, or skill. After all, as Christians, we have the distinct advantage of consistently hearing from the Holy Spirit who can help us see beyond the physical and bring new insights to every skill that is practiced throughout the world.
Luke 9:26 (NLT) – If anyone is ashamed of me and my message, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in his glory and in the glory of the Father and the holy angels.
Why should you want to be a Christian Credentialed Coach? It’s your opportunity to declare and live your faith in your coaching. After all, if you’re ashamed of being a Christian coach, then the words of Jesus might be ringing in your ears… “The Son of Man will be ashamed of you.” A Christian Coaching Credential is a bold affirmation that you have made Jesus Christ your savior and you’ve given the lordship of your life over to him. That should be enough to set the record straight.
Colossians 3:2 (NLT) – Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.
One Response
Thank you, Dr. Weigel, for this interesting take on why we should have a Christian credential. I feel there is something lacking, however. I am a missionary in a creative access country and we don’t use the world missionary. Not because we are ashamed but because doing so would put up an offense that is not the offense we want them to stumble over. I have a PCC credential from ICF and have been serving multiple orgs. and locals here bringing the Word and Spirit into every session with transforming results. I am deeply committed to God and HIs purposes. To shame someone into thinking they HAVE to have this particular type of credential seems short-sighted and culturally naive. I know excellent Christian counselors who do not have a “Christian” credential. Though I see great value in this credentialing, it is only one way God is using this beautiful form of relationship in HIs kingdom.
With respect,