What it's all about
Christian Care/Pastoral Counseling/Life Coaching
Ministry Rationale for Chaplain of Lutheran Educators:
While pastoral care and counseling are self-explanatory, coaching may need some
explanation. Christopher McClusky describes Christian Life Coaching as “A way of
helping people find God’s vision for their lives and learn to live accordingly.”
God is at the heart of every Christian Life Coach relationship. As Christians we realize
that our passions, life purposes, inner strengths, and visions for the future are God
given and that we find ultimate fulfillment when we’re living in accordance with God’s
plans. Christian Life Coaching is distinguished from all other coaching in that we
profess that it is God, not human ingenuity, at the core of our being and that God is the
guide for all coaching work.
The pathway in which I am proposing, is to walk along side of Lutheran Educators. The
process will take everyone through the steps of identifying their values; creating a
specific God pleasing vision; and identifying the aspects needed to live life with a sense
of mission.
About
My name is James E. Thelen
"He (Jesus) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things are created, things in heaven and on the earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities, all things were created by Him and for Him. He is before all things and in Him all things pull together." Colossians 1:15-17 “We look at this Son and see the God who cannot be seen. We look at this Son and see God’s original purpose in everything created. For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible, rank after rank after rank of angels—everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him. He was there before any of it came into existence and holds it all together right up to this moment. And when it comes to the church, he organizes and holds it together, like a head does a body.” Colossians 1:15-17 MSG) Academic Experience: BA in Social Science (Psychology/Sociology): Concordia Wisconsin 1983 Master of Divinity: Concordia Seminary, St Louis 1989 (Emphasis on theology and pastoral counseling) Coach for Life: Life Coaching Certification 2007 Transforming Church Network 2008: (Life Coach Training specific to helping churches/staff with goal setting) CoachNet: Life Coaching Certification 2009 Ministry Experience: I am entering into my 35 th year of pastoral ministry. I have been blessed to serve 7 different churches throughout my ministry. Each one, with the exception of my current church, had Lutheran schools as an important part of their mission and ministry. (Since arriving at 1C we have now started, and are blessed to have, a daycare/preschool. In less than one year we have over 70 students. God is good!) I love working with educators and support staff in their endeavor to disciple the students entrusted to their care. Throughout my ministry God has used me to walk alongside many who need pastoral care/counseling/coaching. People of all ages have come seeking God’s direction in life. I have woven all three approaches into my ministry.
TESTIMONIALS
I would like to introduce you to Sam Walker. He is a 32-year-old dedicated teacher, married for a decade, and blessed with two wonderful children. Sam's life, although fulfilling in many ways, had reached a point where he felt the need for guidance and support in navigating the challenges that life presented. This is where “New Life” Christian Care/PastoralCounseling/LifeCoaching came into the picture. At a faculty meeting the vision of “New Life” Christian Care/PastoralCounseling/LifeCoaching was presented. Intrigued by the idea, he decided to reach out to another faculty member who has committed to this journey and found the time spent meaningful. Jim was an experienced Christian Life Coach, described by Sam’s peer, who had helped many individuals find clarity, purpose, and direction in their lives. Their first meeting was a revelation for Sam. Jim listened attentively as Sam shared his thoughts, dreams, and the challenges he faced in his career and family life. Jim helped him identify his core values, which included faith, family, and service. These values gave Sam a sense of renewed vision as a husband, father and teacher. Together, they set clear and achievable goals for Sam to create a God pleasing vision in all aspects of life. Sam began to feel once again a renewed mission and joy in life. As Sam continued his journey with “New Life” Christian Care/PastoralCounseling/LifeCoaching, he found himself becoming a more patient, compassionate, and engaging teacher, a loving husband, and a devoted father. The principles he learned helped him navigate the ups and downs of life with a newfound sense of purpose and resilience. As a result of the grace of God through coaching, Sam's life had transformed in remarkable ways. His relationship with his wife, Sarah, had grown stronger, and they found joy in nurturing their children together. Sam's students benefited from his renewed joy, vision and passion and he became a source of inspiration in their lives. Sam's story is a testament to the faithfulness of God. This God, Who has promised to walk with Sam throughout life’s journey, gives Sam the strength and power to be faithful as a husband, father and teacher. With the guidance of his coach, he was able to align his life with his Christian values, creating a fulfilling and purpose-driven life that not only benefited him but also those around him. Through faith, support, and a commitment to living according to his beliefs, Sam recommitted to the calling God has placed in his life. Life that has a more meaningful, purposeful and joyful existence. "(Jesus) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things are created, things in heaven and on the earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities, all things were created by Him and for Him. He is before all things and in Him all things pull together." Colossians 1:15-17
Sam Walker
FUTURE ENDEAVORS AND WHERE YOUR GIFTS CAN HELP
Your gifts of support to Tselem Ministries/ New Life will help Pastors and teachers, grow in their gifts that God has given them.