While the practices are ancient, the last thirty to forty years has seen the use and spread of coaching grow exponentially. This rapid growth has given rise to many trainers, training firms, and programs that teach coaching in addition to individuals who may call themselves a “coach.” Understandably then, there are varying degrees of competence and coaching proficiency available. Thus any prospective student or client is encouraged to proceed prayerfully as good stewards in choosing a coach training program or coach.

See also the FAQ "How is someone listed in the coaching directory?"

The International Coaching Federation (ICF). They were formed in 1995 with now over 50,000 credential holders in more than 140 nations, certifying over 12,000 coaches annually. Their stringent requirements are recognized as the standard for both accredited coach training schools and individual certified coaches.

The International Coaching Federation (ICF) offers three levels of credentialing that corresponding with increasing amounts of education and experience that are required. The first is Associate Certified Coach (ACC), then secondly, Professional Certified Coach (PCC), and finally, Master Certified Coach

The requirements for each level are many and rigorous.

An ACC credential requires 60+ hours of coach education and 100+ hours of coach experience. Also required are 10 hours of mentor coaching and passing a written exam. Finally a candidate must pass a performance evaluation which is a recorded coaching session and transcript which must meet the objective markers for an ACC level coaching.

A PCC credential, in addition to the 10 hours of mentor coaching and written exam, requires 125+ hours of coach education and 500+ hours of coach experience. The performance evaluation requires two recorded coaching sessions and transcripts which meet the objective markers for a PCC level of coaching. 

Finally, an MCC credential, in addition to the 10 hours of mentor coaching, includes passing the written exam and requiring that one must have held a PCC credential. They must have completed 200+ hours of coaching education, 2500+ hours of coaching experience plus an accessor’s review of two recorded coaching sessions with transcripts that meet the objective markers of an MCC level of coaching.

The ICF also provides accreditation for coach education schools for each level which corresponds to the teaching that is delivered. Such is the case for Coach Approach Ministries (CAM) and the Townsend Institute at Concordia University Irvine. Once completed, students from such schools may then apply separately for personal or individual certification with the ICF in conjunction with one’s level of training and requirements that are met (see above).

There are many. Numerous individual trainers, coach training schools and other college or university programs self certify and provide a credential independently and apart from the ICF. This results in more training opportunities for learning to coach yet may not include the same rigor or thoroughness required by the ICF.

Co-Active Training, formerly the Coaches Training Institute, is a well known and world wide coach training organization which has their own certification for their students. Yet their training is also certified by the ICF and a graduate may apply for ICF credentialing separately like CAM and The Townsend Institute. Coach Approach Ministries (CAM) also provides an intermediate certification called “Certificate in Christian Leadership Coaching” or "CCLC" along with a “CCLC+” which is the equivalent of a level 1 or ACC training program. They also have a level 2 or PCC equivalent called “Executive Christian Coach” or "ECC." As their training is also ICF accredited, a graduate may then apply for the equivalent ICF credential separately and in addition to the one provided by CAM.

Coaching as a helping profession comes down to a coach’s training, experience and specialty but also a personal connection. While LCMS Coaching does not endorse any of the listed coaches, we provide these names as a service to both coaches, churches and ministries that prayerfully all may benefit. So when choosing a coach, examine their training, certification, experience and specialty or “coaching niche” so that it will meet your goals. Then we would encourage you to interview at least three coaches found here and elsewhere to determine if there is a fit for you and will help you meet your purposes and goals

In recognition of the current variety of training opportunities and the growing popularity of coaching, the Lutheran Coaching Network endeavors to highlight the standards set by the ICF. Therefore in order to be listed in the directory, individuals must be ICF certified or be a graduate or certificate holder from an ICF accredited coach training program or school. Others outside of these qualifications are welcome to submit their applications for review based upon training, experience, and personal references.

This means that the directory is a listing of independent coaches who have met the minimum requirement for inclusion. The presence of a coach in this directory does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or guarantee of their services. Clients are responsible for conducting their own research and due diligence when selecting a coach. The LCMS Coaching Inc is not a referral service and does not assess the ongoing performance of coaches listed. Any agreement is solely between the coach and the client. LCMS Coaching Inc is not responsible for any disputes, services rendered or outcomes resulting from engagements with directory listed coaches.