Coaching presence is more than a skill – it’s a way of being that creates space for deep transformation. In this powerful episode of Professional Christian Coaching Today, you’ll hear an ICF-approved Master Certified Coach session that reveals what coaching mastery truly sounds like in practice.

Listen on Apple Podcasts | Download

Quick Summary

• Listen to a real MCC-level coaching session submitted to the ICF for credentialing.
• Learn how coaching presence shapes insight, freedom, and client ownership.
• Hear expert commentary from Cindy Schmelzenbach, MCC, Director of Education at PCCI.
• Discover why patience and partnership matter more than performance.
• Explore how Christian coaches can grow toward mastery right now.

What You’ll Discover in This Episode

In this episode, Brian Brown, MD, MCC, president and founder of Coaching to Lead, guides a client through a pivotal leadership and life transition. Rather than rushing to solutions, Brian demonstrates coaching presence marked by ease, patience, and deep partnership.

Moreover, Cindy Schmelzenbach, MCC, offers thoughtful commentary throughout the session. She highlights how mastery-level coaching integrates being and doing, rather than focusing on technique alone. As a result, listeners gain rare insight into how MCC competencies come alive in real conversations.

This episode is especially valuable for Christian coaches pursuing ICF credentialing. It also serves those who want to embody coaching presence that honors both professional standards and Spirit-led discernment.

Essential Insights for Christian Coaches

One defining feature of MCC-level coaching is the coach’s ability to stay with complexity. Instead of steering the client toward quick action, Brian allows insight to unfold naturally. Consequently, the client moves from internal tension to clarity about identity, freedom, and calling.

Additionally, this session illustrates how powerful questions emerge directly from the client’s language. By reusing words like tension, freedom, and story, the coach partners with the client’s inner world rather than imposing an agenda.

Reflection question:
Where might you be tempted to move clients forward too quickly, rather than trusting the depth of the process?

Key Takeaways to Strengthen Your Coaching Presence

• Mastery-level coaching prioritizes presence over performance.
• Deep listening includes tone, pace, and energy – not just words.
• Client language is a gateway to insight and transformation.
• Patience creates space for lasting change.
• Christian coaching integrates faith naturally, without force.

How Can Christian Coaches Apply These Lessons?

Christian coaches can strengthen coaching presence by slowing down, listening for meaning beneath words, and trusting the client’s process. When coaches remain fully present and non-anxious, clients access deeper insight, clarity, and ownership – leading to transformation aligned with both ICF competencies and Christian values.

Next Steps

If this episode stirred a desire to grow in coaching mastery or pursue ICF-accredited Christian coach training, a conversation can help. Connect with an Academic Advisor to explore coaching, certification, and credentialing pathways that fit your calling.

About Bryan Brown, MCC

Bryan Brown, MDiv, PCCis the President and Founder of Coaching To Lead, LLC. With 25 years experience in developing leaders, Bryan enjoys increasing the capacity and confidence of emerging leaders as well as coaching established leaders to maximize their influence. Bryan also enjoys using his experience to work with teams on strategic planning and team development.
Bryan studied Human Resource Management at Samford University then received his M.Div. from Birmingham Theological Seminary. As a missionary, pastor, entrepreneur, husband and father, he has learned to apply the principles of Biblical leadership and team development in multiple contexts.

Bryan currently serves as the International Leadership Director at Perimeter Church in Atlanta, working with pastors and church leaders who seek to ignite movements of Life on Life Missional Discipleship around the world. In this role, he has the privilege to regularly train and coach leaders in Australia, South Africa, and Brazil among others. Bryan also engages leaders through his private coaching practice, www.coachingtolead.com, to clarify and intentionally pursue their callings. His passion and experience is coming alongside leaders to accelerate their growth and influence, while at the same time maintaining their personal health and enjoying the opportunities before them.

Bryan is also the developer of Trusted Leader 360 °a Christ-centered 360° tool designed to help leaders grow in emotional intelligence, relational trust, and lasting impact.

About Cindy Schmelzenbach, MCC

Cindy has a passion for supporting coaches in personal and professional development journeys. Having lived internationally in leadership roles for 27 years, she’s energized by diverse cultures and human experiences. These experiences enhance her coaching interactions significantly.

Cindy holds her ICF MCC credential and is a certified Mentor Coach and Coach Supervisor. Additionally, she’s a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach with an MA in Counseling. She serves as Director of Education at Professional Christian Coaching Institute, an ICF accredited level 1 and level 2 provider.

In her private practice, she offers life coaching, CliftonStrengths coaching, ICF mentor coaching and coach supervision. Learn more at: https://coachingwithcindy.com