Course Overview

Experience coach training that integrates the best of all worlds – evidence-based methods, ICF-accredited standards, and a Christ-centered foundation.

This intensive 15-week course blends the rigor of neuroscience and coaching research, the credibility of globally recognized ICF competencies, and the depth of Christian wisdom. You’ll move beyond theory into hands-on application, developing the listening, questioning, and presence that create breakthrough moments for clients.

What sets this course apart? Our program uniquely integrates three essential elements: cutting-edge neuroscience showing how the brain creates lasting change, professional ICF Core Competencies recognized worldwide, and Biblical principles that ground your practice in timeless wisdom. The first 10 weeks establish foundational coaching skills, while the final 5 weeks deepen your transformation through ontological practices – shifting from doing coaching to being a coach.

By course completion, you’ll be conducting actual coaching sessions with confidence – not just understanding coaching concepts. You’ll have gained the tools, framework, and guided practice needed to serve with clarity, integrity, and transformative impact, equipped to continue your growth journey as a coach who integrates faith, evidence, and professional excellence.

Essentials of Life Coaching course title with Christian coach training description and textbook
  • Course Length: 15 weeks

  • Weekly Commitment: 2 hour live class + 5-7 hours reading, audio instruction, peer coaching, and assignments

  • Format: Live via Zoom
  • Prerequisites: None – open to anyone called to the coaching profession

  • Price: Starting at $265/month
  • Course Length: 15 weeks
  • Weekly Commitment: 2 hour live class + 5-7 hours reading, audio instruction, peer coaching, and assignments

  • Format: Live via Zoom
  • Prerequisites: None – open to anyone called to the coaching profession

  • Price: Starting at $265/month

Is This Course Right for You?

This hands-on training is designed for individuals who feel called to walk alongside others in meaningful transformation – whether pursuing professional certification or deepening personal and ministry impact.

Aspiring Professional Coaches

You want ICF-accredited training built on both professional rigor and Christian worldview. You’re ready to pursue coaching as a calling – a people-centered work that aligns with both head and heart. You need credible training that opens doors to clients who value excellence and faith integration.

Ministry & Organizational Leaders

You’re a ministry leader, counselor, mentor, or church/organizational leader seeking to enhance your ability to listen deeply, ask powerful questions, and facilitate transformation without directing or advising. You want to bring a coaching approach into your leadership, cultivating growth and empowerment in those you serve.

Professionals in Transition

You sense a calling to meaningful, transformational work but lack a clear framework. You’re drawn to helping others discover breakthrough insights and create lasting change. You want training that combines neuroscience, professional standards, and spiritual depth – preparing you for a practice built on solid foundations.

Your Certification & Credentialing Journey

Whether you’re pursuing CPLC certification or ICF credentialing, understanding where this course fits ensures you’re building your training path strategically and efficiently.

CPLC

CPLC Certification

REQUIRED

ICF Level 1

Level 1 Certificate

REQUIRED

ICF Level 2

Level 2 Certificate

REQUIRED

Visit our Coaching Certification page for detailed requirements and steps for both PCCI’s CPLC certification and ICF Level 1/Level 2 certificates.

What You’ll Accomplish in This Course

You’ll develop practical coaching competencies through experiential learning, live practice, and personal reflection – moving from theory to transformation.

  • Master the ICF Core Competencies and apply them with authenticity through weekly demonstrations and real-time feedback.

  • Integrate evidence-based principles from neuroscience, positive psychology, and adult learning theory into your coaching practice.

  • Ground your coaching in Christian wisdom and the spiritual dynamics of growth and change without compromising professional standards.

  • Conduct 10+ peer coaching sessions with structured feedback from peers.

  • Develop your unique coaching presence by shifting from doing coaching techniques to being a transformational coach.

  • Create client agreements and coaching structures that establish trust, safety, and clear pathways for growth.

  • Navigate the change process using proven models like Prochaska’s Stages of Change and understanding how the brain resists or embraces transformation.

  • Lay the foundation for a sustainable coaching practice with clarity on your niche, calling, and the future you’re being invited to create.

Course Breakdown

The course follows a carefully designed progression – establishing foundational skills in the first 10 weeks, then deepening your transformation through ontological practices in the final 5 weeks.

Weeks 1-2: Foundations of Professional Coaching

Discover what professional Christian coaching is and how it differs from counseling, consulting, and mentoring. Explore the ICF Core Competencies and understand the neuroscience behind why coaching works. Learn The Coaching Process™ and establish the foundation for everything that follows.

Weeks 3-5: The Person of the Coach

Develop the internal capacities essential to effective coaching: embodying a coaching mindset, establishing clear agreements, cultivating trust and safety, and maintaining powerful presence. This is where transformation begins – with you as the coach.

Weeks 6-8: Mastering Core Coaching Skills

Master the two pillars of coaching: active listening and powerful questioning. Learn to listen beyond words – for values, energy, and what’s not being said. Develop curiosity-driven inquiry that evokes awareness and helps clients discover their own insights and breakthroughs.

Weeks 9-10: Facilitating Change & Growth

Explore proven change models and understand how people move from languishing to flourishing. Learn to translate client awareness into action while honoring their autonomy. Master goal-setting, accountability structures, and session closure. Review foundational competencies and begin exploring your coaching niche.

Weeks 11-13: Ontological Transformation

Shift from doing coaching to being a coach. Explore the ontological dimensions of transformation – identity, values, vision, and purpose. Learn to distinguish between surface-level behavior change and deep identity-level shifts. Understand how coaching at the level of being creates lasting transformation.

Weeks 14-15: Integration & Your Coaching Future

Bring together everything you’ve learned through transformational coaching practice. Explore the future of coaching as a profession and the unique role of Christian coaches. Clarify your calling, identify your niche, and make commitments for the journey ahead. Graduate equipped, supported, and inspired.

Required Course Materials

These carefully selected texts provide comprehensive coverage of ICF competencies, neuroscience-based coaching, transformational practices, and Christian integration.

Christian Coaching 2nd Edition by Dr. Gary Collins book cover for life coach training
The Powerhouse Guide to ACC, PCC, and MCC Coaching: Master the subtle nuances of ICF coaching and become one of the best coaches in the world
Breakthrough Coaching: Creating Lightbulb Moments in Your Coaching Conversations by Marcia Reynolds, MCC

Upcoming Courses

All classes meet live via Zoom for 2 hours weekly, creating an interactive learning environment where you’ll experience lecture, Q&A, and real-time coaching demonstrations from expert instructors.

January 2026

DAY: Thursdays
TIME: 4:00 – 6:00 PM Eastern
DATES: January 29 – May 14, 2026*
INSTRUCTORS: Cindy Schmelzenbach, MCC & Kris Kelso, PCC

*NOTE: Class will NOT meet on 4/2.

March 2026

DAY: Mondays
TIME: 6:00 – 8:00 PM Eastern
DATES: March 30 – July 13, 2026*
INSTRUCTORS: Crystal Wagner, PCC & Steve Cromer, PCC

*NOTE: Class will NOT meet on 5/25.

May 2026

DAY: Tuesdays
TIME: 4:00 – 6:00 PM Eastern
DATES: May 19 – August 25, 2026
INSTRUCTORS: Sandra Black, PCC & Andrew Gorter, MCC

August 2026

DAY: Wednesdays
TIME: 12:00 – 2:00 PM Eastern
DATES: August 26 – December 9, 2026*
INSTRUCTORS: Erica Vinson, ACC & Scott Frickenstein, PCC

*NOTE: Class will NOT meet on 11/25.

October 2026

DAY: Thursdays
TIME: 5:00 – 7:00 PM Eastern
DATES: October 15, 2026 – February 11, 2027*
INSTRUCTORS: Pam Mertz, PCC & Michael Pfau, PCC

*NOTE: Class will NOT meet on 11/26, 12/24, and 12/31.

Tuition & Payment Plans

We offer flexible payment options to make this life-changing training accessible, with no interest charges – only a small monthly service fee.

Full Payment

$2,250

NO monthly payments

3 Payments

$765 / monthly

$2,295 total investment

6 Payments

$390 / monthly

$2,340 total investment

9 Payments

$265 / monthly

$2,385 total investment

All payment plans include a $15 monthly service charge.

Real Results from Real Students

Our graduates consistently launch successful coaching practices and integrate coaching skills into ministry, securing paying clients and creating measurable Kingdom impact.

“PCCI is the best coach training available with Christian values, commitment to excellence, a supportive and prayerful community, and unparalleled training. I highly recommend it!”

“I have taken 149 hours of training from PCCI and I have nothing but gratitude. Lots of money and time invested, and it was well worth it!”

“Every instructor I had was very professional; no lightweights. Christianity is a constant thread. Their goal is solidly equipping coaches to coach to the highest industry standards. And it’s not just a school; you will belong to the fellowship of PCCI for your entire career.”

Thomas Kenyon, Real-Life Coaching

“PCCI coach training is life changing and one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life. The hand-on training is priceless.”

Mary Lou Caskey, Life Coach

“The training I received at PCCI has been both very professional and invaluable for this season of my career.”

Jenn Nickel, MBA, JLN Consultants

“I made the decision to train at PCCI after researching every Christian coaching school I could locate. Their high-quality training in alignment with ICF competencies impressed me immediately, and the personal attention of their faculty and staff is tremendously supportive!”

Stacy Toney

“I just completed The Essentials of Coaching course and already have my first official client – at $500/month! PCCI has provided me with a powerful launch.”

Kimberly Moore

“The Essentials class has exceeded my expectations! I’m so impressed with the quality of instruction and with our instructor’s openness in sharing their hearts…”

Teri Bailey, Life Well Coach

“I spent $2,100 for a popular DVD training program and left with no paying clients. In just a few weeks of PCCI classes, I gained the practical knowledge I needed to land my first paying client! Hearing live demonstrations and being able to ask questions helped me to clarify coaching concepts, and our live peer groups have provided hands-on practice in a safe learning environment.”

Victoria Barber-Emery, Inspire Life Coaching

“This course has been transformational for me!”

Steve Greer, Genesis Counseling Centers

“I am LOVING this class. It has truly already been a transformational experience for me.”

Dr. Saudra Wall Williams, T.E.A.C.H Ministries