Extraordinary Conversations
The world is broken. Governments, political systems, banks, the global economy, science, business, justice, healthcare, education, the media, entertainment, sports, sex, public trust, religion, the family, relationships, careers, the workplace, leadership, thinking, and all of humanity are broken. 1 John 5:19b (Amplified Bible), “…the whole world [around us] lies in the power of the evil one [opposing God and His precepts]”. In 2020, as events unfolded, the COVID situation created shocking circumstances regarding human behavior’s depravity and humanity’s spiritual condition.
Spiritually, a majority of churches and church leaders demonstrated zero faith, low levels of faith, or sheer apostasy combined with intense greed, skewed philosophy, weak psychology, and twisted theology, have been declared as truth with fake confidence expressed with exaggeration, defensive behavior, aggressive behavior, lying, cover-ups, and showmanship that portrays a level of deception that undermines the eternal destiny of humanity. In Christianity, this is the most ramped-up level of spiritual warfare since the days of Noah!
Opposition to God and His precepts continues to rise on a global level, and the world is becoming more dysfunctional. Interestingly, we live in the most technically advanced era in history, and because of it, people struggle significantly to understand the Creator God. Where are we headed? Psalm 82:5 (Amplified Bible) explains, “The rulers do not know nor do they understand; They walk on in the darkness [of complacent satisfaction]; All the foundations of the earth [the fundamental principles of the administration of justice] are shaken.” When leaders are out of fellowship with God, they can only lead others into defeat.
For believers, those who have repented of their sins and accepted the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, there is a theological warfare that is now raging on a global scale. As a believer, you face a global pandemic against your faith in the culture, false teachers, false prophecy, and a lack of leadership make your task of developing your faith almost impossible. Currently, believers are in a state of spiritual low-functioning, expressing an extra ordinary faith. The gap between extra and ordinary is significant as the outcome is lethal in this war for eternal destiny. Believers are called to develop an extraordinary faith. Hosea 6:3 (AMP) “So let us know and become personally acquainted with Him; let us press on to know and understand fully the [greatness of the] Lord [to honor, heed, and deeply cherish Him]. His appearing is prepared and is as certain as the dawn, And He will come to us [in salvation] like the [heavy] rain, like the spring rain watering the earth.” 2 Peter 1:4 (CSB) By these he has given us very great and precious promises, so that through them you may share in the divine nature, escaping the corruption that is in the world because of evil desire. Believers don’t know God as well as they should. Believers are not as personally acquainted with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, and how they work. Believers don’t know and understand fully their faith and how it functions. Believers are not prepared, and they don’t practice the principles and promises in God’s Word because COVID revealed that they don’t! Two glaring issues need to be resolved immediately; religious, spiritual, and ministry leaders need to get re-focused because the end is near, and faith is underdeveloped and undefined.
Extraordinary Coaching
Effective coaching integrates the theological and psychological in a holistic approach to individual, leadership, and organizational functioning. It combines the scientific rigor of understanding human behavior and organizational behavior with the spiritual and ethical frameworks:
Theological Premises for Coaching:
- Human Dignity and Potential: Theology, particularly within a Christian framework, posits that humans are created in the image of God, possessing inherent dignity, value, and potential for growth and transformation. This foundation encourages a coaching approach that respects the individual’s worth and believes in their capacity for positive change.
- Calling and Purpose: Many theological traditions emphasize the concept of a divine calling or purpose for each individual. Coaching informed by this perspective can help individuals discern and align their work and life with this sense of calling, leading to greater meaning and fulfillment.
- Values and Ethics: Theology provides a strong ethical framework based on principles of love, justice, compassion, and service. This can guide the coaching process, ensuring that goals and actions are aligned with these values, promoting integrity and social responsibility in both personal and professional life.
- Spiritual Growth and Transformation: Theology acknowledges the spiritual dimension of human existence and the potential for spiritual growth. Coaching can incorporate this aspect by helping individuals explore their beliefs, values, and practices, fostering inner transformation and resilience.
- Relationship with God and Others: Many theological perspectives highlight the importance of relationships – with God and with others. Coaching can facilitate the development of healthy relationships, emphasizing principles of empathy, forgiveness, and reconciliation in both personal and professional contexts.
- Hope and Grace: Theological frameworks often offer a message of hope and grace, acknowledging human fallibility while emphasizing the possibility of redemption and new beginnings. This can create a supportive and encouraging coaching environment that fosters resilience in the face of challenges.
IO Psychology Principles for Coaching:
- Goal Setting Theory: IO psychology emphasizes the importance of setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals to drive motivation and performance. Coaches can use this framework to help individuals clarify their objectives and develop action plans.
- Social Cognitive Theory: This theory highlights the role of self-efficacy, observational learning, and reciprocal determinism in shaping behavior. Coaches can help individuals build self-confidence, learn from role models, and understand the interplay between their thoughts, behaviors, and environment.
- Motivation Theories: IO psychology offers various theories of motivation, such as expectancy theory, equity theory, and self-determination theory. Coaches can apply these principles to understand what drives individuals and tailor strategies to enhance their engagement and commitment.
- Personality and Individual Differences: IO psychology recognizes that individuals have unique personalities, skills, and abilities. Effective coaching considers these differences, helping individuals leverage their strengths and develop in areas where they may need support.
- Feedback and Performance Management: IO psychology underscores the importance of providing timely, constructive feedback to facilitate learning and improvement. Coaches can help individuals solicit and interpret feedback effectively and develop strategies for continuous growth.
- Organizational Behavior Principles: For workplace coaching, IO psychology provides insights into team dynamics, leadership styles, organizational culture, and change management. Coaches can use this knowledge to help individuals navigate organizational complexities and enhance their effectiveness within their work environment.
- Assessment and Evaluation: IO psychology utilizes various assessment tools and techniques to understand individuals’ strengths, weaknesses, and potential. Coaches can use these methods ethically to gain insights and tailor the coaching process, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of coaching interventions.
Integration in Practice:
Effective coaching premised on theology and IO psychology involves:
- Establishing a Strong Coaching Relationship: Built on trust, respect, and a shared understanding of the client’s values and goals (both personal/spiritual and professional).
- Understanding the Client’s Context: Considering their work environment, personal life, and spiritual beliefs.
- Identifying Goals Aligned with Values and Purpose: Helping the client set objectives that are meaningful from both a theological and a professional perspective.
- Utilizing IO Psychology Tools and Techniques: Employing evidence-based strategies for goal setting, motivation, feedback, and development.
- Exploring Theological and Spiritual Dimensions: Creating space for reflection on faith, values, and purpose as they relate to the client’s goals and challenges.
- Ethical Practice: Grounded in both professional ethical guidelines (from psychology) and theological principles of integrity and care.
- Focusing on Holistic Development: Addressing the client’s intellectual, emotional, behavioral, and spiritual dimensions.
- Empowering the Client: Fostering self-awareness, self-efficacy, and a sense of agency in their journey of growth and transformation, recognizing God’s role in their life.
By thoughtfully integrating the insights of theology and IO psychology, coaches can facilitate profound and sustainable growth, helping individuals and organizations flourish in a way that honors both their human potential and their spiritual nature.