Angie Barna
Graduate-degree Coach
My degrees:
I work with:
MEd, MA Biblical Studies, DMin Pastoral Counseling (expected graduation 2025)
women
I serve those struggling with:
Life Transitions, Grief/Loss, Abuse/Trauma, Boundaries, Stress/Anxiety, Religious Issues/Scrupulosity, Depression, Sexual Addiction, Infidelity/Betrayal, Separation/Divorce
Other trainings and certifications:
Emotionally Healthy Spirituality/Discipleship
Why I'm a coach:
I am passionate about helping women experience authentic, fulfilling, and emotionally healthy relationships with God, themselves, and others amid the challenges of life. From early childhood, I knew I was called to ministry, and I was active in my faith. But in my early 20’s I became the prodigal son (daughter) in Jesus’ parable, running from God, family, and church for many years – like the old song “looking for love in all the wrong places” – seeking identity, self-worth, and fulfillment in a series of codependent relationships, a successful career, and in doing life my own way.
Despite my attempts to run from Him, I experienced God’s relentless pursuing love drawing me back to a personal relationship with Him. This relationship ultimately restored my whole person and brought healing and new life to relationships I had destroyed and dreams I had thrown away. Of course, restoration and changing life direction didn’t happen overnight. I took intentional steps to grow – and an important part of the process was being coached and mentored along the way.
Now I coach women who are feeling lost amid all the stuff life is throwing at them….who want to believe God has something better for them but don’t know where to start…who are tired of trying to live up to all the expectations and doing all the things while still feeling that something is missing…who are wondering where God is and how to know His presence and confidently live out His purpose in everything they do. I believe that there is no sin too great and no brokenness too broken that God’s love and grace cannot transform into wholeness and holiness – and that God will move all of heaven to answer the faintest heart-prayer, “Lord I believe, help my unbelief.”
What I love most about coaching:
I especially enjoy seeing women come to realize God’s unconditional and transforming love and the process of helping them to experience God’s healing peace and power that fills life with joy and purpose in any circumstances.
I believe biblical discipleship encompasses coaching and that God intends for the church to function with robust discipleship methods such as coaching, mentoring, and education. In my own experience, coaches and mentors have blessed me by walking alongside me on the journey.
Coaches help us see where God has been at work in our story and where He is continuing to work – even in the most difficult experiences. My coaches have listened and given me a safe space for processing, encouraged me to make healthy changes, given me tools and strategies, held me accountable, and enabled me to understand myself, God, and God’s purpose for my life with clarity. Now I carry this same mission in my coaching of others.
I recharge on my day off by:
I enjoy traveling, hiking, bicycling, and peaceful times for thinking, reading, and hanging out with God.
My three favorite things:
Besides God and family, my favorite things include.... studying and learning, especially theology and Christian history.
I love the Pacific Ocean and Oregon coast, where my parents met and where I grew up -- definitely my happy place.
I love my animals (dogs, chickens, goats), especially my dog, Diego.