HOW I BECAME A KINGDOM PURPOSE COACH
God has a divine plan and purpose for every person who is conceived on this Earth.
In fact, the Bible states that before the foundation of the world God saw us in his heart and set us apart.
The Reverend
I was blessed growing up in a strong Christian family, with the heritage of a family who loved and served God.
Growing up, my grandfather always used to call me ‘the Reverend’. Maybe this was because he noticed in me an early interest in the things of God. I always seemed to have a love for the Word of God.
In 1983, while I was at a Bible Week in the south of England, I strongly sensed the call of God on my life. I knew I was called to preach and I also felt that it would involve travel. Little did I know that it would involve overseas mission, and I certainly did not have any interest in China. I knew nothing of missions as I grew up.
My life changed dramatically in 1995. I gave up a great career in a top 100 UK plc and my wife and I ‘sold up’ and embarked on some missionary training with the largest mission organisation in the world.
During our School of Frontier Missions it became clear that we should move to China, with our three very young children in tow.
We pioneered in China for several years and then returned to the UK where we had a very fruitful Chinese student ministry.
Our training had prepared us well to raise up indigenous leaders. In other words, not to do everything ourselves but to set alight the fire of God in others.
We started Catalyst Ministries in order to promote and encourage Christians to fulfil their part in the Great Commission.
Years before, Michelle and I had been given a word about being ‘catalysts’. A dictionary definition of a catalyst is ‘a person who causes or promotes change by their presence in a situation or their input into it’. It involves getting things started, initiating, pioneering, starting a chain reaction.
I first had to become a movie star
In 2007 we returned to Asia and were based in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Little did I realise I was about to become a movie star!
Well, not quite, but I did end up as Lead Actor in a docudrama that later won a Gold Remi award at an international film festival.
Now this is where my coaching journey really started.
While filming in the U.S., I met a life coach. This led to me getting some training in becoming a coach.
I also became a certified consultant for the gold standard in performance assessment – the Highlands Ability Battery.
Cleaning People’s Windows
I once had a word spoken over me that I would clean other people’s windows, helping them to see more clearly.
I never imagined I would be a window-cleaner.
Window cleaners can have a tough time of it. Heights, ladder climbing, cold or blustery weather, awkwardly positioned windows, occupants not at home meaning payment is delayed, as well as the monotony of endless windows and a lot of sweaty labour.
To get to this point of being able to clean other people’s windows, it’s been tough, and has involved some tears, required a lot of faith and just plain holding on!
As well as pioneering in China, Michelle and I have lived in several other countries, moved more times than we care to remember, lived off-grid in a desert in Arizona alongside the Navajo tribe, and are now preparing to live off-grid in a field in Wales! We have three children and nine grandchildren, all living in the U.S.
But, coming back to window cleaning…
Jesus wants to clean our windows so we can see the Father more clearly and share him with others.
He also wants us to see who he has made us to be and our purpose within his Kingdom mission on Earth.
His Kingdom work is not just for missionaries like me. It’s for everyone, including YOU!
So, whether I’m teaching, writing books, doing a podcast, or coaching, I have a passion to see people empowered in their lives, discover how they are ‘hard-wired’ (their design) and what they do best (their best contribution).
I have helped people from around the world and facilitate this process using my very own P.U.R.P.O.S.E. Profile™ as described in my book, 7 Keys to Unlocking Your Life P.U.R.P.O.S.E.
And, of course, the whole coaching process is carried out within God’s big purpose of advancing his Kingdom – his will and intentions – on planet Earth.
Credentials & Training Stuff
Finally, for any of you who want to know my education and certifications, here is a little list of those most relevant to me being a Kingdom Purpose Coach…
- Doctorate in Christian Ministry (DMin) with a specialism in Cross-cultural & Kingdom Mission, Phoenix (now Primus) University of Theology, USA.
- Highlands Company Certified Consultant (The Highlands Ability Battery & Personal Vision Coaching Program).
- Graduate from Core Coaching Skills Certificate Program, Creative Results Management.
The International Coach Federation (ICF) is a credentialing and standard-setting organisation for coaching. I have graduated from 60 hours of coach-specific training around all eleven ICF competencies. As a coach I adhere to the ICF standards of ethical conduct.
I’ve written a number of books, some of which can be found on the Resources page.
Oh, one other thing. In order to take the marriage ceremony for my eldest daughter in the U.S., I had to be ordained, so yes I have become a Reverend.
So my grandad was right all along.
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How Others have found My Coaching
“Stuart’s coaching sessions have energised and focused me in what I am called to do.” – J.C., overseas cross-cultural worker
“Coaching with Stuart was extremely helpful for me. It came during one of the most difficult times of my life. A time of uncertainty, confusion, and pain. Stuart was able to help me see through the fog with his excellent listening skills, powerful questions, insights and wisdom that were both practical and helpful. I looked forward to each week’s coaching session and would always feel like I had gained courage, clarity, and hope by the end. I would highly recommend, Stuart to anyone.” – M.O., sales professional