Coaching Faith Questions

Humans are meaning making creatures. We seek understand of the world and of ourselves. We ask existential questions. Existential means "related to existence," often focusing on the big questions of human life like purpose, freedom, meaning of life,

responsibility, and place in community.

Assistance in finding answers to these questions come through revelation, myth, and reflection. Coaches who partner with clients to consider faith questions begin by being open to what the client seeks, taking into consideration the client’s maturity level, life experiences, family of origin, religious tradition (if any), and present context.

Although individuals raised in a similar context such as a Christian tradition have common experiences, we should not assume a common vocabulary or equivalent response. For example, the meaning of the Eucharist (Lord’s supper) for an individual varies upon whether they experienced this faith practice in the Baptist, Church of Christ, Lutheran, Episcopalian, or Roman Catholic context! The practice and its meaning are diverse among Christians.

The gift that a coach gives a client seeking to make meaning lies in helping the client identify clear faith questions and then assisting the client in applying their own experience and expectations.

Faith questions may include (but not be limited to):

Why am I here?
Do I matter?
Can I make a difference?
What is happiness?
What is the good life?
How do I deal with guilt in a positive way?
What happens when I die?

In the next post, we will consider resources beyond self that a client can access in dealing with faith questions.

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