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Coaching for Spirit-Led Leadership
Create space for people to step into their God-given callings with courage and clarity
Start date:
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End date:
- Price
Program Overview
Ever find yourself surrounded by faithful people with so much potential—but unsure how to help them step into their callings?
Maybe you’re constantly problem-solving, making decisions, and putting out fires… and deep down, you’re craving a more collaborative way of leading.
What if you could shift from being the answer-giver to being a Spirit-led guide?
Coaching for Spirit-Led Leadership equips you with the foundational skills of faith-rooted coaching—so you can walk alongside others, help them discern where God is calling them, and empower them to take meaningful action.
Your Learning Experience Includes:
Session Schedule
- 18 contact hours
- 9 lessons
This cohort offers 9 interactive sessions that are rooted in the standards of the International Coaching Federation.
You’ll learn by doing—practicing real coaching conversations in live labs, receiving feedback, and building confidence as you go. Along the way, you’ll develop core coaching competencies that help you lead with curiosity, compassion, and trust in the Holy Spirit’s movement.
Session 1 – What Is Coaching?
We’ll kick things off by getting to know one another and experiencing a live coaching demonstration.
Together, we’ll explore what Christian coaching is—and what it isn’t—and begin to develop a shared understanding of how coaching supports spiritual growth and leadership transformation.
Takeaways:
- Understand the role of a coach vs. mentor, pastor, or consultant
- Experience a live coaching demo to see the process in action
- Begin forming your own working definition of Christian coaching
- Connect with fellow participants and start building trust
July 7, 20256:30 - 8:30 pm CT
Session 2 – The Coaching Agreement: Creating Clarity and Trust
Great coaching begins with a clear, intentional agreement. In this session, you’ll learn how to create meaningful agreements that establish safety, clarify purpose, and empower the person you’re coaching to take ownership of their journey.
Takeaways:
- Learn what a coaching agreement is and why it matters
- Explore the difference between formal and informal agreements
- Practice co-creating a simple coaching agreement
- Build confidence in setting healthy relational boundaries
July 14, 20256:30 - 8:30 pm CT
Session 3 – Listening that Transforms
Most of us listen to respond. Coaches listen to uncover. You’ll learn how to listen beyond words—tuning in to what’s really being said—and discover how thoughtful, Spirit-led questions can open up new insights and possibilities.
Takeaways:
- Identify different levels of listening and how to apply them
- Practice active, Spirit-centered listening
- Begin using reflective techniques to deepen understanding
- Observe a coaching demo focused on listening in real-time
July 21, 20256:30 - 8:30 pm CT
Session 4 – Asking Better Questions, Facilitating Growth
We’ll explore how to ask powerful, open-ended questions that help others reflect, discern, and grow. You’ll also learn how to notice the subtle ways our own filters can get in the way of deep listening.
Takeaways:
- Understand the difference between closed, open, and powerful questions
- Practice crafting and asking transformative questions
- Recognize common blocks to deep listening and how to overcome them
- Begin integrating listening + questioning as a rhythm
July 28, 20256:30 - 8:30 pm CT
Session 5 – Practice Lab #1 (Attendance required)
Time to get hands-on. In your first coaching lab, you’ll step into the role of coach and start practicing the skills you've been learning—within a safe, supportive environment.
Takeaways:
- Gain experience coaching and being coached in a safe setting
- Receive peer feedback to sharpen your skills
- Reflect on what felt natural vs. where you felt stretched
- Strengthen your presence and confidence as a developing coach
Aug 4, 20256:30 - 8:30 pm CT
Session 6 – Creating Space for Trust and Presence
We’ll look at what it takes to cultivate an environment of safety, affirmation, and sacred presence. You’ll learn how to reflect back the God-given identity of the person you’re coaching and hold space for their unfolding journey.
Takeaways:
- Practice language that affirms identity and invites safety
- Explore what it means to “hold space” with empathy and presence
- Identify practical ways to build trust and relational connection
- Develop your ability to stay grounded and Spirit-aware in conversations
Aug 11, 20256:30 - 8:30 pm CT
Session 7 – Coaching with Awareness
Awareness is a vital coaching muscle. In this session, you’ll grow in self-awareness and learn how to notice what’s happening in the moment—for you and the person you’re coaching—so you can respond with wisdom and grace.
Takeaways:
- Explore your inner dialogue and how it shows up in coaching
- Identify common internal distractions and biases
- Learn how to stay attuned to both verbal and nonverbal cues
- Cultivate a deeper sense of curiosity and openness
Aug 18, 20256:30 - 8:30 pm CT
Session 8 – Practice Lab #2 (Attendance required)
Another opportunity to lean in, try things out, and receive feedback. These practice sessions are the heart of the training—where your skills deepen and your confidence grows.
Takeaways:
- Deepen your coaching through continued triad practice
- Receive actionable feedback to strengthen your skillset
- Notice patterns in your coaching style and voice
- Build momentum and trust within your learning community
Aug 25, 20256:30 - 8:30 pm CT
Session 9 – Final Practice Lab (Attendance required)
One last space to refine your skills, reflect on your journey, and prepare to coach others with care, clarity, and courage.
Takeaways:
- Complete a final coaching session with peer feedback
- Reflect on your growth over the course of the program
- Identify your next steps for applying coaching in your ministry
- Celebrate the journey and commissioning into Spirit-led leadership
Sep 8, 20256:30 - 8:30 pm CT
Wondering if this is right for you?
You don’t need to be a professional coach—or even feel confident in your leadership right now—to benefit from this experience. If you’re someone who cares deeply about people and senses, there’s a better way to walk with them in faith, or:
What’s Included?
When you join Coaching for Spirit-Led Leadership, you’ll receive:
9 Live Weekly Sessions
We'll meet on Zoom, with our sessions led by an experienced Faith-Rooted Coach
3 Hands-On Coaching Labs
Get real-time Feedback and peer support
Downloadable Tools + Templates
Ready-to-use and designed to support your coaching conversations and agreements
Practical Training
Real-time practice in core coaching competencies aligned with ICF Standards
Live Demonstrations
Designed to help you see coaching in action and learn by example
A Supportive Learning Community
You're not alone in this—get connected with peers in ministry to practice with and grow alongside
Reflection Prompts + Growth Exercises
To help you deepen your self-awareness and spiritual discernment
Certificate of Completion
Get recognized for achieving foundational coaching skills with a certificate you can share
Ready to lead in a more Spirit-led, collaborative way?
Registration is open—let’s walk this journey together. Looking for payment plan options? Click "Enroll now" to get started.
- Start date
- Price
Get to Know Your Instructor
The Rev. Dr. Dawn Alitz
Director of Coaching
Dr. Alitz’s expertise is in the area of adult faith formation, coaching, and program coordination. Before joining the Luther staff in 2016, she had over twenty years of experience in congregational leadership in both mission-start and established congregations.
She has her ACC credentialing with the International Coaching Federation, trained with the Global Team Coaching Institute, and is well-known within ELCA and ecumenical circles for her work with adaptive leadership, developing online learning opportunities, and collaborating with various networks of educational and synodical professionals. Dr. Alitz’s role at Luther places her in a unique position to equip leaders to engage the Gospel in the 21st century by designing, piloting, and building out new business models for theological education and congregational leadership.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the schedule?
We will meet weekly on Mondays from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. CT, beginning July 7th and ending September 8th. There will be no class on Labor Day!
Can this course be completed asynchronously?
No, this is a live course. Participants should plan on attending the Zoom sessions at the scheduled time.
What if I need to miss a session?
Participants are permitted to miss up to 2 of the non-required sessions (1-4, 6, or 7), but must be present for sessions 5, 8, and 9.
Don’t see your question addressed?
Email us at faithlead@luthersem.edu for more information. We’ll be delighted to connect!