Ethical practice is the foundation for a coaching relationship anchored in integrity and respect. In this episode, you’ll discover how ICF Competency #1 helps Christian coaches build trust and operate with excellence from the first session.
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Quick Summary
- Overview of the four sections within ICF’s 11 Core Competencies
- Key ethics and risk-management principles for Christian coaches
- Guidance for honoring both the spirit and letter of ethical standards
What You’ll Discover in This Episode
In this episode, you’ll first understand the big picture by exploring ICF’s Core Competencies framework, focusing on where ethical practice fits and why it matters from the start. Moreover, Michael Marx shares practical ethics and risk-management principles that align with both Christian values and professional standards. Finally, you’ll learn to raise your standard—embracing not only the letter of the law but also the spirit behind it—as shaped by ICF and PCCI’s commitment to integrity.
Essential Insights for Christian Coaches
You’ll engage with concrete applications that help you integrate ethical practice into your coaching sessions and your ministry. For example, aligning your coaching agreements with confidentiality expectations promotes trust and clarity—core elements of ethical practice. Moreover, reflecting on questions like, “How am I safeguarding client confidentiality in my practice?” can deepen your commitment to professional conduct. Use this reflective journaling question to reinforce your own standards and uphold the highest ethical quality.
Key Takeaways
- Ethical practice (ICF Competency #1) is the foundation for all professional coaching.
- Having clear agreements and managing confidentiality and risk builds mutual trust.
- Ethical decision-making goes beyond compliance—it embodies Christian integrity and character.
- Coaches must actively reflect on boundaries, bias, and client autonomy.
- Following ethical practice strengthens your credibility as a Christian coach.
How Can Christian Coaches Apply These Lessons?
Ground your coaching in trust by establishing clear agreements, honoring confidentiality, and continually reflecting on decisions—this fulfills ethical practice and models Christ-centered professionalism.
Next Steps
Ready to live out ethical excellence in your coaching? Contact an Academic Advisor to explore how PCCI’s programs can help you raise your standard and align your calling with integrity
About Michael Marx
Michael J. Marx, MBA, EdD, PCC is a Professional Certified Coach specializing in business coaching and corporate consultation. A gifted teacher, Michael holds a BA from Oral Roberts University, an MBA from the University of Louisiana at Monroe, and an EdD in Adult Education from Regent University. His passion is adult learning and he serves on the faculties of Concordia University Wisconsin (teaching MBA International Business, and MBA International Finance), and the Professional Christian Coaching Institute (teaching Coaching Skills Mastery, and Ethics & Risk Management).
Irrepressibly adventurous, Michael and his wife Joy lived and worked in Europe for over two decades. More recently, they traveled the U.S. and Canada in an RV, operating their location-neutral businesses and coaching/teaching via internet video. A patch of the Rocky Mountains of Colorado is now called home. Their German golden retriever, “Angel” writes a blog (in two languages!) about her family’s adventures at TravelsWithAngel.wordpress.com.
A strong advocate for professionalism in Christian coaching, Michael has served on the International Coach Federation Global Ethics & Standards committee and on the Ethics subcommittee for educating coaches on ethical practices. He currently serves as the leader of the ICF Global Community of Practice on Ethics. Additionally, he is the president of Christian Coaches Network International.
Michael is a sought-after subject matter expert. He often speaks and conducts workshops on trust building, coaching relationships, ethics, evidenced-based coaching, and one-to-one (dyadic) learning. His hobbies include skiing and dog sledding. But his greatest joy comes from mentoring. Learn more about Michael at www.BlazingNewTrailsCoaching.com.
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