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 Welcome to Jon Pfaff Christian Coaching! I imagine you might be asking yourself, "Why get a Life Coach?  Can't I just use a therapist?". Let me just say, a Life Coach is a helper, not a judge (Matthew 7:1). A Life Coach also doesn't have an agenda. They can free you from expectations that have been put on you by others. A consultant may give you the best solutions and answers, but a Life Coach helps you find those answers from within.

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Building Resilience Beyond Trauma

At Jon Pfaff Christian Coaching, I am here to help individuals heal from trauma and embrace spiritual growth through dedicated coaching tailored for teens, young adults, and veterans. Trauma can leave deep emotional scars that affect every aspect of our lives. For many, the journey to healing can feel overwhelming and isolating. However, from a Christian perspective, recovery is not just about personal effort; it involves faith, community, and divine support. I want to help you because I have been through some of these things.  I have spent countless hours with teenagers and young adults, many of whom were soldiers I was serving with at that time. And one thing I think they would all say was that Jon Pfaff cared for them in a personal and meaningful way. Please email jonpfaff5@gmail.com.

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To schedule an appointment for a personal coaching session please email jonpfaff5@gmail.com.

Pinning Sergeant on one of my soldiers, Africa

Life Experiences

Jan. 1996 – July 2002 – Full time church staff youth/college pastor, Hollister, CA and San Antonio, TX.

July 2003 – July 2008 – Volunteer church youth leader, San Antonio, TX.

Nov. 2012 – Nov. 2016 – Squad leader, Texas Army National Guard, San Antonio, TX.

Nov. 2016 – Nov. 2022 – Platoon sergeant, Texas Army National Guard, San Antonio, TX.

--07/2022, Master’s Degree in Human Services Counseling with emphasis in Military Resilience, Liberty University.  

--11/2020, Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Grand Canyon University.    

--09/2017: US Army Master Resiliency Training, Ft. Mc Coy, WI. --05/1994 Rhema Bible Training Center Tulsa, OK – Two-year Bible vocational school with emphasis in youth ministry, counseling, and leadership.

SERVICES

JOURNEY OF HEALING

Jon Pfaff Christian Coaching is dedicated to offering life coaching focused on recovery from past trauma and PTSD in its various forms. The main goal is spiritual growth, especially for teens, young adults, and military veterans. Through tailored workshops, we ensure a supportive environment for all participants.

With a decade of experience as a youth/college pastor and an additional five years as a military resiliency trainer, Jon Pfaff combines faith-based principles with practical strategies. Our goal is to empower individuals to overcome their past and thrive in their spiritual journeys. Email jonpfaff5@gmail.com.

Talking to a few high school and college young people

RECENT INSIGHTS

Testimonials

Jon Pfaff (POPS) as I call him. What can I say about this man , one of the most incredible leaders, friend, and listener I have ever met. He was a father figure to a lot of us in our platoon. He guided us, never turned his back , and always was there to listen to our problems as young men and women. Not only did he look out for us but he also built us up and pushed us to be the best we could be.                                         Bryan B. US Army Veteran

He has always been incredibly easy for me to talk to. From childhood experiences to really personal struggles, he created a space where I felt safe opening up without feeling judged or rushed. During difficult moments in my marriage, especially when my partner and I were struggling to communicate or understand each other, he was someone I could turn to. He didn’t just listen he helped me slow things down, see situations from different perspectives, and gave me practical tools I could actually use in real conversations.

What I appreciated most was how he helped me work on myself, not just the relationship. Through our conversations, I learned how to communicate more clearly, regulate my emotions better, and show up with more intention both for myself and for my partner. His guidance helped me make sense of things that once felt overwhelming and gave me confidence in handling challenges instead of avoiding them. The support he provided had a real, lasting impact on my growth and on my relationship, and I’m genuinely grateful for the clarity and strength I gained through working with him.

Brittany R. US Army Veteran

“The first time I met Jon, he was SGT Pfaff, one of the most inspirational Sergeants I have ever had. On top of that, he is in general a phenomenal individual who always checked in on not only a professional level but on a personal level as well. What always stood out most to me is the respect he showed to everyone he met, regardless of differences in religion, orientation, background, or beliefs. One of the most influential moments I remember is when he told me once that he ‘believes in humans and all humans deserve respect’ and for me that created a comfortable and accepting relationship where I felt like I could bring any issue or topic to him for an open and honest conversation. Through that he consistently showed me what it meant to be a truly supportive, caring, and understanding person in any setting through the simple act of communication. I have witnessed and learned from his ability to approach every situation with patience, empathy, and a willingness to listen and learn, making myself and others feel valued and heard. As a continuing service member, now in a leadership role, he is one sergeant and now community leader that I always refer to for inspiration in my leadership style and life.”

Kassie H. US Army NCO

I have had a huge obsession with Darth Vader since the first time I saw him in 1977 (I was 7 years old). I loved his strength and menace. But I also had some guilt because he didn't fit in with my Christian values. However!! At the end of Return of the Jedi, after redeeming himself by throwing the Emperor down the reactor shaft, a dying Darth Vader tells Luke Skywalker, "You were right. You were right about me. Tell your sister...you were right". These final words confirm his return to the light side as Anakin Skywalker! He was redeemed! I could love him again (with my little 13 year old self).
Compare the tragedy and triumph of Darth Vader/Anakin to real life. Sometimes we get into our feelings and allow bitterness to sink its claws into us. If we follow that road, it can lead s to the dark side. Like Yoda said, "If once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny. Consume you it will." But what can we do? As a Christian, get on your knees and fight against the darkness through prayer...and just like Vader, kill the source of the darkness that is in you.  And in our case, do all of this through the power of the Holy Spirit.

 

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This is a tattoo I designed and got a couple years ago. My adopted mother's maiden name is Walker, which is Scottish. And according to a DNA test, I really am 10% Scottish. The "W" at the top left of the design is for Walker. The words around the cross say "Adopted Son" in Scottish Gaelic. This is a bold and personal representation of who I am. My identity.

But is it really? I have attended church my entire life and asked Jesus to be my Savior at the age of 9. I was a youth pastor for several years and have taught about and led many people to a Christian life. Everything I do is guided by Jesus' words to "love your neighbor as yourself". So really, deep down, that is my true identity.  A child of God, saved by His grace. Doing my best to be kind and compassionate to others.

Yo Ho All Hands...

I enjoy a bit of Renaissance Festival stuff with my youngest daughter. We have been 6 or 7 times to 3 different Festivals. The Pirate is from the Kerrville, TX Ren Fest in 2025 and the Woodsman is from Sherwood Forest Faire 2026. We just love getting away from the reality of every day life sometimes. Use the fun and lighthearted things in your life to recharge your energy!

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So, dogs. We got these rescue siblings back in August 2025. And we quickly figured out (after we got them home) that Border Collie mixes are WAY TOO energetic for us.  However, we did some research and through trial and error have accomplished some pretty good training.

Compare this to your life. You do something good, and then it gets crazy or difficult. If you have the right tools mentally and emotionally, you can bounce back without too much problem. Let me help you get those tools so you can come back strong from adversity. Email jonpfaff5@gmail.com. I'm ready to help!

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Hello again! Storms come in life don't they? But I am here to tell you that you do not have to try and navigate through them alone. I want to help you be resilient in life so you can come back strong after difficulties. I want to help you find healthy, strong people who will support you in life so you are never alone. And I want to help you build a deeper, more satisfying relationship with God. jonpfaff5@gmail.com.

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Well, if you are any sort of LOTR fan, this image needs no explanation!! But what does this have to do with mental health or emotional strength?

We all have a circle of people in our lives that we have the most influence with (and vice versa). And the people in this circle have the most potential to help, heal, or damage our lives. However, if we have our life priorities set correctly, this shouldn't be a problem. What does this mean? It's really very simple:

List of Priorities

1. God

2. Spouse

3. Children

4. Rest of Family

See how easy that was? Let me make this more personal.....I have been a Christian for about 47 years. Loving and following God is my top priority. And because I have worked hard at keeping God number 1, He brought an amazing woman across my path and we have been wonderfully married for 34 years. Because we wanted children, God blessed us with 5. Although, when we already had two boys and a girl we were deciding if we wanted to have a 4th. God thought it would be funny to give us twins (boy and girl) and they are only 17 months younger than their older sister.

Now they range in age from 24 to 31. And my oldest is married and his wife brought two WONDERFUL children of her own to our family. So all of us equal 10 people across 3 generations in my immediate family right here in San Antonio. And I haven't even started with my wife's immediate family (all here in the greater San Antonio area) and all of my family on the West Coast. But....back to the Balrog.

We all know about the importance of the Fellowship and what it stood for. In looking at each of the characters in the Fellowship, who was the most wise? The most stable? Who had the most emotional strength? Gandalf. And when the s_it really hit the fan, he stepped in-between the danger, the evil, and his Fellowship. He quickly put himself in harm's way regardless of the possibility of injury to himself.

When we have become the one in our circle who is mentally and emotionally strong due to our relationship with God, we too will willingly put ourselves in-between evil and those who we cherish. Because that is what selfless people do.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Veterans' Path to Peace Workshop
Veterans' Path to Peace Workshop
Date and time is TBD
Location is TBD
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