July 2007
Leadership Development Ideas
Thoughts on Mentoring - Part 1
In this section of our newsletter we will touch on the principles of Christian leadership that guide our efforts with churches. This month we will cover part 1 of the following principle: a leader mentors.
The principle of mentoring is fundamental to the process of biblical discipleship. It seems Jesus' plan for the spread of the gospel was designed around following and then leading others: "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." And Paul in his letter to Timothy, exhorts him in 2 Timothy 2:2: "And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others."
When we speak of mentoring, we identify two aspects to it: a "task" aspect and "relational" aspect. This month we want to elaborate on the "task" aspect of mentoring - identifying and developing an apprentice.
Healthy leaders look for potential leaders who wish to receive the experience, tools, and wisdom that can be transferred to them from others.They want to ensure that over the long haul, the particular area they oversee doesn't revolve around or rest on them. So how do you find and develop an apprentice? Some thoughts on finding one:
- Look for someone who has passion for that particular ministry area - perhaps he is the guy that stays late to talk about how the event went, or has ideas on how to improve a particular activity
- Clarify what spiritual gift and skill mix are needed for your ministry leadership position, and make sure there's a fit (use your surveys)
- Draw from someone who has been involved in some aspect of this ministry area already, so they aren't starting from scratch
- Don't confuse eagerness to lead with readiness to lead - if someone is jumping up and down to lead a ministry area, take the time to check his motive and get to know his character.
- Look for marks of maturity, emotionally and spiritually. Has this guy walked through challenges in his life and relied on the Holy Spirit for guidance? Does he have tact, discipline, wisdom?
Suggestions on developing an apprentice:
- Adopt a "learn, do, teach" approach - instill in your apprentice the notion that he will be encouraged to find someone to learn from him and pass on what he has learned, after he has learned it and done it. Setting this expectation from the beginning with your ministry leaders guards against a possessiveness and ego-centric view of their roles
- Have them shadow you - invite them to be an apprentice early enough in your ministry planning so they can watch how you pray, plan and execute an event or gathering
- Walk alongside them their first time - make sure they are given the authority to lead while offering your supportive presence and counsel along the way.
Next month we'll cover the "relational" aspects of mentoring.
Read the other articles in this issue:
|
