Shellie Kemp had already completed several coaching programs before enrolling at PCCI. As Freedom & Care Pastor at a church serving 7,000 people weekly, she knew training mattered—but previous certifications had left her with concepts, not confidence.

“I had head knowledge about coaching, but I didn’t really know how to coach,” Shellie explains. “There was no hands-on practice, no opportunity to put the concepts into action.”

Working six days a week in full-time ministry, she hesitated to invest again—in both time and money. But when the Lord prompted her to pursue ICF certification through a faith-based institute, she said yes.

What surprised her most was how interactive the Essentials of Life Coaching cohort became. “I hold degrees from two different colleges and certifications from several institutions,” she says, “yet this has been the most excellent and hands-on learning experience of them all.”

Her breakthrough came during peer coaching—earlier than she expected. “I remember thinking, ‘I don’t even know what I’m doing yet!'” As someone used to offering care as a pastor, being the client felt uncomfortable. But when she vulnerably shared a struggle she’d never spoken aloud, everything shifted. “I experienced my own breakthrough and was completely hooked.”

The impact showed up immediately in her ministry. When Mary (name changed), a woman nine months sober, came in ready to give up, Shellie used a coaching approach—asking curious questions instead of rushing to fix. Mary’s perspective shifted visibly. The recovery group leaders stood in awe.

Now Shellie runs a virtual coaching business alongside her pastoral role, reaching people globally who might never enter a church. She’s booked her first client and feels confident in every area of life.

“The Lord fills all the gaps—time restraints and every detail,” Shellie says. “You are worth the investment.”

Just like Shellie, you might be sensing that invitation to go deeper—wondering if this could be the training that finally bridges the gap between what you know and what you can do. Our Academic Advisors are here to help you explore what God might be stirring in your heart, answer your questions about our programs, and help you discern your next step.