S4E47: Discipling Through Coaching: Leadership, Purpose & the Practice of Presence with Chris McCormick

Chris McCormick’s journey is anything but linear—from the weight room to the pulpit, from Division I sidelines to planting a church grounded in family, service, and spiritual leadership. Before becoming the Lead Pastor at Reliant Church in Indiana, Chris spent over a decade in collegiate athletics, serving as Director of Athletic Performance at universities like FAU and Gardner-Webb. But underneath the reps, metrics, and X’s and O’s, Chris felt a deeper call—a higher-order purpose that couldn’t be measured on the field. In this episode, Chris shares how discipling and coaching are two sides of the same coin. For him, discipleship isn’t about throwing Bible verses at people—it’s about presence, learning, and living with intentionality. He opens up about leaving a PhD program to pursue coaching, the role Chad Scott played in his journey at Liberty, and how prayer, storytelling, and belief—not just “feeling spiritual”—have become the foundation of his life and leadership. Now, as a church planter and father, Chris is redefining what it means to lead. Whether it’s honoring the Sabbath with his family on Fridays, or helping others encounter a higher power in everyday rhythms, he lives what he teaches: that transformation happens in relationship, not performance. Talking Points: Why discipling and coaching are deeply connected Leaving a PhD behind to follow a calling What Chad Scott and Liberty taught him about spiritual leadership The transition from performance-driven environments to purpose-driven ministry Sabbath as a discipline—not a luxury The role of ritual, storytelling, and higher purpose in everyday life Why coaching is about helping others become who they already are Navigating faith in a world obsessed with output Lisa Miller, Gaia Games, and the neuroscience of spiritual awareness How belief and prayer can shape your leadership—beyond feelings If you’re a coach, leader, or parent looking for a more rooted, spiritually-aligned way to lead and live—this one will speak to your soul. Resources: The Empowerment Blueprint  The Coach Toolbox The High-Performance Coach’s Guide to Lasting Change Gaia Games Summit 2026: Join the Movement! Dr Joe Dispenza The Awakened Brain by Jill Miller   Connect with Chris: The Reliant Church Linkedin