When we consider resources that a coach might suggest a client pursue in faith coaching, there are many! Please understand as I address this topic, I come from a Christian perspective (note the “a” and not “the”). However, there are rich spiritual resources connected to all religious faiths and to no particular religious faith.
Perhaps a starting point comes from the Methodist or Wesleyan tradition. The Wesleyan Quadrilateral is credited to Methodist founder John Wesley. This model bases its teaching on four sources as the basis of theological and doctrinal development. These four sources are chiefly scripture (the Bible), along with tradition, reason, and Christian experience.
As Christians, we are not bound by tradition, but we have two thousand years of tradition upon which we can draw. Tradition is not simply about organization or ecclesiology, but ways in which believers approach God—spiritual practices (such as contemplative prayer and lectio divina) that are as valuable today as when they were first conceived by believers.
Wesley was an heir of the Enlightenment, valuing reason. God had given humankind the gift of thought and reason. Why should it not applied be to faith? Although Wesley certainly embraced the work of the Spirit, he did not preclude our ability to use reason for spiritual discernment.
Christian experience, of course, was central of Wesley’s theology, but this was not simply individual but the experiences of believers in community. Although one’s faith commitment is validated by personal experience, that experience is something that we share with others.
Given this way of thinking, let me suggest specific resources for faith coaching.
First, spiritual practices that put us in touch with God. These may be ways of praying, mediation, or contemplation—there are rich resources here in all faith traditions.
Second, practices that put us in touch with written revelation. Whether we engage with the Bible or another sacred text, there is the opportunity to find within these words a way forward. (This is a topic for another post!) I do not preclude poetry or other literary works in this category.
Third, practices that put us in touch with ourselves. From a secular point of view, this is often described as mindfulness. Mindfulness is the practice of intentionally paying attention to the present moment, on purpose, and without judgment. Today, we find a greater openness to mindfulness practices—both spiritual and psychological. Positive psychology deals not only with topics like happiness and resilience, but mindfulness as well.
Fourth, intentional involvement in community. Interaction with others not only provides support for the faith journey but gives us the insight and feedback of others who have a similar commitment. This often provides us with an outward expression of our faith in worship, learning, and service.
The challenge in coaching faith is to give the client sufficient time to reflect on their own tradition, their present context, and the issue that moves them to enter into this type of conversation. The coach must be both supportive and impartial, helping the client to discern the appropriate path for them.
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