Frequently Asked Questions – McCarthy Ministries

Q: What fundamental beliefs do the founders of McCarthy Ministries hold?

We believe that there is one true God, and that God created the heavens and the earth and everything in it.
We believe that God made man and woman in His own image. We believe that God gave man a free will. Because Adam and Eve chose to sin, sin entered the world.
We believe that sin separates us from God. However, we believe that God sent His One and Only Son, Jesus, into the world as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. It was through His shed blood that we are now given the free gift of everlasting life.
We believe that Jesus died on a cross once for all, and on the third day, He rose again. We believe that Jesus is seated at the right hand of God and that he has gone to heaven to prepare a place for us. And one day very soon, he will be coming back to get His bride, the church.
We believe that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life and that no man comes to the Father but by Him. We believe in the Trinity of God (God in three persons – the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit.)
We believe that all have fallen short of the glory of God, that we are all sinners in need of a Savior. We believe that it is by grace that we are saved, not by works, lest any man should boast.
We believe that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. We believe that once you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, then you are born again of the Spirit.
We believe that once you are born again, you receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit lives inside of you.
Although we claim to be no particular religion other than “Christian”, we believe that the Holy Spirit gives certain gifts to the body of Christ and that these gifts are meant to exhort, edify, and admonish the church.
We believe that the church is not a building, but rather people who believe in Jesus Christ are the church.
Finally, we believe that as Christians we are all charged with the Great Commission of spreading the good news of Jesus Christ.

Q: What is a spiritual mentor?

A mentor is a friend or someone that you generally look up to that can provide you with a listening ear as well as support. It is generally someone that you can trust and confide in that you know will be there to provide you with constructive feedback as well as offer helpful suggestions as needed. Therefore, a spiritual mentor is someone who can offer you wisdom and guidance in spiritual matters based on the Word of God. Another term for a spiritual mentor might be a spiritual father or mother. Although they may have knowledge of spiritual matters based on the Bible, it is to be emphasized that they are not licensed, professional counselors in any way. Although they may have specialized training in Christian lay counseling, Biblical teachings, or some other area, it is not necessary nor is it a requirement for a spiritual mentor to have any training at all.

Q: Does Lori McCarthy have any specialized training in lay counseling, Biblical teaching, or Christian leadership?

A: The answer is yes! Lori has completed specialized training through Christian Leadership International as well as an Apples of Gold listening course. In addition, she has walked through and experienced both emotional and spiritual healing from various traumatic events from her past. Therefore, she is uniquely qualified to assist other women who may be struggling with their own identities and need to be set free from their own limiting beliefs.

Q: What is a life coach?

A: A life coach is a trained professional who helps their clients set specific goals and then discern their own hidden obstacles. A life coach is trained to facilitate problem-solving and conflict resolution and offer feedback to enable their clients to identify what is blocking them from obtaining their desired outcomes. By offering the client feedback and asking strategic questions, a life coach then helps the client create a plan of action and holds them accountable to follow through until each client reaches their desired outcomes.

Q: What kind of training does a life coach have?

A: Life coaches are trained to listen to their clients’ words, observe their actions, and become aware of how they interpret the world around them. Life coaches are trained to identify limiting beliefs through keen assessment of verbal and non-verbal patterns, and then to assist their clients in recognizing these patterns. Once these patterns are recognized, a life coach is trained to facilitate problem-solving and conflict resolution and offers feedback to enable their clients to identify what it is that is blocking them from obtaining their desired outcomes. A life coach is then trained to guide the client into discovering how they can apply different strategies as a means of overcoming these obstacles to achieve their goals.

Q: Is it necessary for a life coach to be certified and to have graduated from an accredited life coaching school?

A: At present, there is no specific set of standards or requirements that must be met to become a life coach. However, as the field of life coaching continues to expand and grow, it is expected that the requirements to become a life coach will become more stringent. It is also expected that holding a certificate and graduating from an accredited school or university may eventually become a requirement.

Q: Is Lori McCarthy certified as a life coach and did she graduate from an accredited life coaching school?

A: The answer is yes again! Lori McCarthy has earned a Life Coaching Certificate from an accredited Life Coaching School as of September 3, 2019. She would be more than happy to share these credentials with you upon request.

Q: What is the difference between being a life coach and a licensed, professional counselor?

A: A licensed, professional psychologist, counselor, or therapist has gone through 4 or more years of schooling to receive their Bachelor’s degree at a minimum and often go on to receive their Master’s or Doctorate degree as well. Their training is specific to their own field of study and practice which includes being able to evaluate and treat people in the mental health setting. Life coaches are not counselors or therapists; they cannot diagnose or treat mental health issues or addictions of any kind. While they might help a client manage or overcome unwanted habits or behavior, they are not providing medical or therapeutic treatment of any kind. Most are generally not licensed, professional psychologists or counselors (although some are) nor can they claim to be in any way (although some do). In addition, life coaches don’t need to have a degree of any kind, although most have completed a certain amount of training to become a life coach. Therefore, if you believe that you require mental health services, we suggest that you seek out the help of a licensed mental health professional.

However, if you are simply seeking a spiritual mentor to provide you with support and spiritual guidance based on the scriptures, or if you would like to learn more about Lori McCarthy’s Life Coaching Services, online course, eBook, YouTube channel, Facebook page, or any of our other services including our new online Bible led by Lori’s husband, Bill McCarthy, please visit our “Contact Us” page and fill out the form. Someone will get back to you shortly.