What is NLP? THE CHRISTIAN VIEW

*Adapted from UNLPA (United NLP Association ) website

Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), developed in the 1970s at the University of California, is the collaborative brainchild of Richard Bandler and John Grinder, with contributions from Judith DeLozier, Leslie Cameron-Bandler, and Robert Dilts. NLP combines psychology, linguistics, and brain research, emerging as a powerful tool for personal development and understanding human behavior.

I became a certified Neuro-Linguistic Practitioner in 2018 through Bennet-Stellar University. As a born-again Christian since 2004, I filtered all the principles and psychological education through a biblical worldview to ensure that the information I share with my clients and those I minister to is both sound and beneficial. Here are my thoughts.

The three mysterious letters stand for:

• Neuro - Pertaining to the nerve and sense organs. Our senses perceive the world, and this information is processed in the brain. How we process these perceptions greatly influences our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.                                                                                                                                                                                
• Linguistic - Relating to speech, language, and language patterns, which mirror our internal processes and personality. Our language structures and linguistic processes influence our thoughts and perceptions.              
• Programming - We can change and develop through a conscious application of our perceptions and speech.

I learned these concepts and immediately saw the correlation with Romans 12:12: "Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." In this context, "Neuro" is the Mind, "Linguistic" is the Word, and "Programming" is Renewal.

It's important to understand that scripture has much depth. While many people and organizations selectively interpret the Bible, I believe we should apply what aligns with biblical truth from psychology and discard what does not.

The founders of NLP explored what distinguishes successful people from less successful ones and how this knowledge can be modeled and learned. Unlike other learning and therapy programs that require months or years, NLP requires only a few sessions with a qualified counselor. Learning with NLP occurs subconsciously and is a practical, efficient communication model. Its successful applications span therapy, education, business, and law, focusing on unlocking human potential. NLP is goal-oriented, offering effective techniques tailored to individuals, enabling them to transition from their current state to their desired outcome.

One basic presupposition of NLP is that people develop an internal worldview based on their experiences and perceptions, which often does not align with reality. This "map" of the world affects their reactions and communication. By expanding this internal map (renewing the mind), individuals can experience more choices and behave accordingly. This approach benefits those willing to reflect and broaden their thinking and behavior, resulting in optimal interactions with themselves and others.

This aspect of NLP is particularly compelling to me. Providing wisdom, emotional intelligence, and biblical truths about our identity and God's nature can be profoundly transformative for clients. God created us with a subconscious mind and a powerful imagination. However, in our fallen state, the mind defaults to protection mode—fear. This can trigger subconscious reactions in inappropriate situations. Athletes, in particular, subject themselves to potentially painful situations, activating these nerves.

Using timeline trauma release therapy combined with prayerful consideration—injecting truth and grace into past wounds—yields life-changing results. We literally "pray for those who persecute us," seeing through past lies and generational curses, setting us free.

This approach is also powerful in sports performance and elite competitive situations. Players and performers often experience the "yips" and performance anxiety from deeper issues than simple nervousness. Issues of identity, acceptance, and belonging are at stake, and physical preparation alone cannot address them. Combining biblical truth and spiritual principles of service and understanding what is in our control (and what’s in God’s) can bring us into the present moment in an extraordinary state.

This performance state allows us to achieve extraordinary things with ease and joy. With biblical principles and truth, NLP results in a renewed mind and heart, leading to lasting change.

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