For those who are weary of trying harder and working longer, always leveling up and then doubling down, digging in and then tapping out, this is your set-aside space where we’re learning to live and work at the pace of grace. With practical tools and simple steps, The Pace of Grace is here to help you make the most important part of your life, permeate all of your life. Your host is Kim Avery, a counselor, coach, spiritual director, and the author of The Prayer Powered Entrepreneur: 31 Days ...
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Welcome to Professional Christian Coaching Today with Chris McCluskey and Kim Avery, a weekly podcast dedicated to informing, inspiring, and equipping Christians in the art and science of professional-grade Christian coaching. Along with cutting-edge content, you'll hear great interviews with guests such as Dan Miller, Michael Hyatt, Dr. Gary Collins, Kary Oberbrunner, Dr. Marilee Adams, Dr. Richard Swenson, C.J. Hayden and more. Our goal is to raise the standard in coaching and change the w ...
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What do you do when your best efforts seem to disappear into thin air? You pour out your heart, offer your gifts, share your message… and hear nothing but crickets. A few people cheer, but momentum fizzles. Others smile politely, but their eyes are elsewhere. And the silence makes you wonder, Is any of this making a difference? In today’s episode, …
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Listening to Love: Spiritual Practices Series
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15:59
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15:59What if the Bible wasn’t just a book to study… but a love letter to savor? Think about how you read the morning news—fast, distracted, scanning for headlines. Now think about how you’d read a note from someone who deeply loves you. Slowly. Tenderly. Holding on to every word. This episode explores the sacred practice of slow Scripture reading—not fo…
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Coaching Mastery with Jamie Slingerland, MCC #442
49:38
49:38
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49:38What if coaching wasn’t about having to ask the perfect question, but about trusting the space between the words? What if silence, curiosity, and presence were the most powerful tools in your coaching toolkit? In this episode, you’ll listen in on a masterfully conducted coaching session with Master Certified Coach Jaime Slingerland, joined by comme…
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Gritty Grace: When God Doesn't Fix Things
15:05
15:05
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15:05What if God’s grace doesn’t look like what you expected? Maybe you’ve prayed for relief, and none has come. Maybe you’ve begged for rescue, and the sky has stayed silent. When the suffering lingers and the miracle doesn’t arrive, does that mean grace is missing? In today’s episode, we’re talking about gritty grace—the kind that doesn’t erase the pa…
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What if your limits aren’t in the way—but showing you the way? We’ve all been there: eager to move forward with a calling or dream God has placed on our hearts… only to run headfirst into a brick wall of limitation. Whether it’s time, money, location, energy, opportunity, or confidence—it can feel like God has called us to something and then placed…
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If you’ve ever felt like you’re swimming upstream—trying to force your quiet time, creativity, or productivity into a box that just doesn’t fit—you’re not alone. In this episode, we’re exploring how to align our schedules with our God-given design instead of pushing against the current of how we naturally work best. You’ll hear: Why the classic “qu…
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When life feels chaotic and out of control, it’s easy to slip into survival mode—searching for answers, putting on a brave face, or distracting ourselves just to get through the day. But none of those truly brings the peace we’re longing for. In this episode, we’ll explore why our usual coping strategies fall short and what actually brings deep, un…
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The Saboteur’s Lies: How to Overcome Resistance
16:09
16:09
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16:09It happens every time you step toward something meaningful. A new opportunity, a creative project, a deeper commitment to God—and suddenly, the resistance shows up. The inner critic whispers, “You’re not ready.” Procrastination sneaks in, disguised as busyness. Fear wraps itself in logic, convincing you to wait until you have more time, more clarit…
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A Very Special Celebration of Christian Coaching #441
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33:00Coaching has come a long way—and today, we’re celebrating just how far. In this episode, we honor key milestones in the growth of professional coaching and Christian coach training, reflect on where the field stands today, and cast a hopeful vision for what’s ahead. Whether you’re new to coaching or have been part of the journey for decades, this c…
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The Myth of Being Behind: God's Greater Grace
15:13
15:13
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15:13It’s a terrible feeling—that sense that you’re falling behind while everyone else is moving forward. A friend lands their dream job while you’re still figuring things out. Someone gets married while you’re still waiting for a date. A colleague expands their reach while you feel like you’re standing still. The longer the delay, the louder the inner …
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What makes a team thrive? If you've ever been part of a dysfunctional team, you know how frustrating it can be—miscommunication, lack of trust, and an endless cycle of unmet expectations. But what if there was a way to turn that dysfunction into deep connection and shared success? In this episode, we explore the power of team coaching, how it diffe…
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We all have moments of doubt—wondering if the work we’re pouring our hearts into actually matters. Whether it’s raising kids, serving others, writing, creating, or simply showing up every day, the question sneaks in: Does this make a difference? Even J.R.R. Tolkien wrestled with this, fearing his work would never be completed or, worse, that no one…
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What Are We Missing? A Journey to Noticing God in the Everyday
14:56
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14:56Have you ever felt like you're so focused on your tasks, your plans, and your to-do list that you might be missing something important—something right in front of you? It’s easy to get caught up in the urgent and overlook the extraordinary ways God is moving in our daily lives. But what if we could train our hearts to see Him more clearly? In this …
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Overcoming Calendar Chaos: Spiritual Practices Series
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17:20Have you ever glanced at your schedule and thought, “I’ve got plenty of time,” only to find yourself sprinting to keep up a few weeks later? Commitments that once seemed small and manageable have a way creeping up faster than we expect. Before we know it, we’re in survival mode, trying to outrun the chaos instead of moving forward with intention an…
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"Daddy, do you see me,” that cry from an eight-year-old girl standing on stage is the cry of all our hearts. We long to be seen, known, and fully loved. It’s why we search the room for a familiar face, why we crave recognition, why being overlooked stings so deeply. But what if the One we’re truly looking for has never taken His eyes off us? In thi…
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Building Resilience and Reducing Anxiety #439
32:46
32:46
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32:46Feeling overwhelmed and unsure how to break free from the cycle of stress? In this episode, we dive into the heart of stress resilience, unpacking what stress really is, how it affects our brains and bodies, and why it’s essential to approach it with practical strategies and spiritual wisdom. If you or your clients seek simple habits to build resil…
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Ever feel like life’s staircase is just too steep? You’re climbing step after step, carrying the weight of responsibilities, and there’s no landing in sight. Elijah felt that way too—burnt out, overwhelmed, and ready to quit. God didn’t respond with a lecture or a to-do list. Instead, He offered Elijah what he needed most: rest, renewal, and reconn…
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In this busy world, the needs around us are endless, and our hearts are eager to serve. But when life moves at breakneck speed, our bodies and brains pay the price. Neuroscience reveals what happens when we push through exhaustion: our stress becomes contagious, empathy fades, and decision-making suffers—not just for us, but for those we’re trying …
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Why are we always in such a hurry? It’s a question that stopped me in my tracks one day when my daughter asked, “Why?” in response to my go-to phrase, “Hurry up!” Why, indeed? What is all this rushing really costing us? In this episode, we’ll explore the hidden toll hurry takes on our lives, relationships, and connection with God—and how we can tra…
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What if the key to reaching your God-given dreams lies in the journey rather than the destination? In this episode, we explore what it takes to stay faithful and hopeful, even when the road ahead seems long and winding. Through personal stories, biblical wisdom, and neuroscience insights, we’ll uncover how God equips us to move forward, no matter h…
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Leveraging Speaking to Build Your Coaching Business #438
35:31
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35:31Speaking can be a powerful tool for building your coaching business. In this episode, Dale Wilsher shares her inspiring journey from being a single mom speaking in faith-based spaces to earning five figures per keynote. From starting with simple survey cards to leveraging coaching success stories, Dale unpacks the strategies and pivotal moments tha…
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She spent decades praying for her son, a journey filled with heartbreak, relentless hope, and unwavering faith. Her prayers seemed unanswered for years, but she refused to give up—and in time, God’s miraculous work unfolded. If you’ve ever struggled to stay faithful in prayer during long seasons of waiting, this episode is for you. Today, we’re exp…
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What if the key to a more impactful life is letting go of the good to embrace the great? In this episode, we explore how simplifying your focus can lead to deeper joy, greater peace, and a life of lasting significance. Drawing from personal stories and biblical examples, we’ll unpack the beauty of narrowing your efforts to what truly matters most. …
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A Few of Our Favorite Things: Episode 3 #437
26:09
26:09
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26:09Join us as we wrap up the year with six of our favorite things from 2024—some practical, some inspiring, and all centered on God’s faithfulness in every season. From memorable moments to fresh insights that have shaped our lives and work, this conversation is packed with encouragement and reflection. Whether you’re looking to discover something new…
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When God Waits on Me: Understanding Unanswered Prayers (Part 2)
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15:50Ever felt like you’ve been praying and waiting, only to wonder why nothing is happening? Maybe, just maybe, God is waiting on you to take the next step. In this episode, we’re diving into the surprising ways God answers prayers—not by doing things for us, but by inviting us to partner with Him in the process. Listen in to: Learn how God often invit…
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Looking to help your clients bring clarity and intention to their family life? In this insightful episode, Geremy Keeton, Senior Director of the Counseling Services Department of Focus on the Family and a licensed marriage and family therapist, dives deep into family values, vision, and creating a purpose-filled family mission statement. Christian …
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When God Says No: Understanding Unanswered Prayers (Part 1)
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18:17I love celebrating those moments when it’s so clear that God answered my prayers. Whether it’s the job offer arriving at the perfect time, a loved one’s health turning around, or that “just when I needed it” phone call from a friend. Those "yes" moments are incredible. But, as much as I cherish those times, they aren’t the full picture. Not by a lo…
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At times, our days can blur together and feel far from the grand dreams we once had. But what if this daily grind—the small, ordinary moments—is exactly where God is at work? What if God is using these moments to shape our hearts and lives in ways we can’t yet see? Tune in to discover: How God is at work in your ordinary, daily life. The small, con…
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Nightly Examen: Spiritual Practices Series
15:57
15:57
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15:57Do your days ever blur together, leaving you wondering where God was in it all? The nightly examen is a simple, reflective practice that helps you end each day with intention—noticing God’s presence and releasing your worries before sleep. This ancient discipline invites us to pause, review the day, and entrust everything into God’s loving care. In…
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Have you ever felt that gnawing sense of inadequacy when you scroll through social media and see others making what looks like a bigger impact? Had that restless feeling that you should be doing more, making a bigger splash, reaching more people? You’re not alone. I’ve been there too—wrestling with that quiet voice inside asking, “Shouldn’t I be do…
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Imagine sitting in a small, dimly lit room, your heart pounding as you wait for something painful that may or may not happen—a shock, literally. The uncertainty of not knowing when, or even if, it will strike hangs over you like a storm cloud. Then, you’re presented with a choice: wait it out or press the button and shock yourself right now to end …
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Sustainable Success: Soul Care Series #435
27:15
27:15
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27:15Success that leaves you drained and burned out isn’t really success at all. In today’s conversation, we explore what it means to pursue sustainable success—success that doesn’t sacrifice your soul on the altar of achievement. We’ll unpack: The Pitfalls of Hustle Culture: Why chasing bigger, faster, and more can lead to diminishing returns in both b…
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Have you ever felt like life is a never-ending uphill battle, where every task feels like scaling Mount Everest? You're not alone. Recently, I found myself in that very place—both literally and metaphorically—during a sweltering summer hike. In my determination to power through, I ignored the quiet nudge to take it slow and enjoy the journey. The r…
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The Pitfalls of People-Pleasing: God’s greater grace
16:53
16:53
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16:53Are you spinning too many plates, trying to keep everyone happy while barely keeping yourself afloat? In this episode, we tackle the dangers of people-pleasing and the profound relief found in resting in God's grace. Together, we'll explore practical steps to break free from the cycle of overcommitment and learn how to trust in God’s provision over…
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Have you ever found yourself too busy to celebrate your hard-earned successes? You're not alone. I once skipped my own graduation ceremony, tossing aside the gown and diploma without a second thought. The hustle was all-consuming, and celebrating felt like a waste of time. But looking back, I realize that I missed something important—a moment to pa…
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True Transformation: The Unlikely Path of Spiritual Practices
16:57
16:57
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16:57Discover the often overlooked yet profoundly transformative power of spiritual practices. In a world that constantly pushes us to do more and be more, we’re turning to the ancient, counter-cultural path of slowing down and drawing closer to God through intentional practices. These disciplines are not about adding more tasks to our already full plat…
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Understanding and living out God’s calling is one of the most significant pursuits in our Christian walk. While it's easy to grasp the concept of calling, translating it into our daily lives can often be challenging. But knowing our purpose and calling keeps us aligned with God's design, inspires others, and brings clarity and intentionality to our…
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While our everyday life might feel far from an adventure, God is continually inviting us into His greater grace. Whether it's wrestling with daily commitments or stepping into unknown territories, our walk with God is an ongoing, dynamic journey. We often face moments of hesitation and fear, but it’s through these very challenges that we experience…
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Combine Learning with Community through Group Coaching #433
42:31
42:31
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42:31God created us for connection—with Him and with one another. The clients we serve are hungry for it. They crave real relationships, genuine warmth, deep caring, and a healthy community. Now, more than ever, we, as coaches, have the opportunity to help our clients combine learning with community through group coaching. In this episode, you'll learn:…
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Inside-Out: 90 Day Adventure in Enjoying God
16:00
16:00
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16:00We’ve all seen them, or maybe we’ve even been them: that couple in a church, restaurant, or just walking around the neighborhood, where one partner is there but clearly not present. They sit together, but their minds and hearts are miles apart, lost in their own worlds. Perhaps they've been together so long that they think they know everything abou…
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