Just as counseling doesn't own emotions, spiritual direction doesn't own discernment.

A reader asked me last month: If coaching is about discernment, how is it different from spiritual direction? It's a great question, and that one line is my short answer.

As a Christian, I could say the same about consulting, teaching, or mentoring. Coaches want to help a person solve a problem or reach a goal, but there's always God's view overlapping everything. The client may not want to discuss that. But in my mind, I'm always wondering: What is God doing in this person, this situation, this organization?

I believe that when we quiet down, reflect deeply, and go inward, a person will better hear God's nudges, whether they are Christian or not.

So what is the difference between coaching and spiritual direction? Usually it's the focus. Spiritual direction, as I've seen it practiced, focuses specifically on what God is communicating to a person, often about their spiritual connection with Him, using tools like Scripture, prayer, and structured reflection.

Coaching covers a wider range. But the Holy Spirit doesn't limit Himself to "spiritual" conversations. He is nudging and speaking throughout the day, including in the middle of a challenging situation, which describes most coaching conversations. God doesn't have "His one way" for every decision we face. Often He leaves us with many acceptable options to choose from. But learning to tune in to Him in our daily decisions is ripe for spiritual formation, character formation, and leader formation all at once.

So regardless of whether I'd call a conversation coaching, mentoring, spiritual direction, or something else, I'm holding the same question underneath: What might God be doing here, and how can I align with His work?

That's what makes every coaching conversation potentially sacred space discernment.

Grace & Peace,

Keith Webb

PS - If you want to bring this kind of Spirit-attentive coaching into your leadership conversations, our training is designed to do just that.