August 2007
Leadership Development Ideas
Thoughts on Mentoring - Part 2
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 2 of the following principle: a leader mentors.
Last month we emphasized that the principle of mentoring is fundamental to the process of biblical discipleship. And as we look at the "relational" aspect of mentoring, we realize that all of the mentoring Jesus, Paul and others did were in the context of relationship. Jesus "did life" with his disciples for the three years of his ministry: he worked with them, ate with them, traveled with them, prayed with them. He got to know their strengths and weaknesses well, doing ministry and life side-by-side. And Paul's notable partners in ministry traveled, preached and suffered with him, and a loyal friendship and closeness developed, calling Timothy his "dear son" and Titus his "true son" in their common faith.
As healthy leaders in your ministry identify an apprentice, encourage them to develop and grow the relationship in a genuine, real way, and not focus just on the task(s) at hand. Here are some suggestions:
- Find a common interest or passion and participate together (play golf, attend a sporting event, etc.)
- Meet regularly for prayer and accountability (use our "One-on-One One Minute Bible Study" as a place to start) at a favorite coffee or burger place
- If either of the guys are married/have kids, get the families connected for a BBQ or plan to attend one another's kids' events as a way of support
- Help with home improvement/yard projects
- Call or email regularly to touch base
- Find other ways to "do life" together...the possibilities are endless
The important thing is to make sure that your leaders and those they are mentoring feel connected and known, not just used for the sake of making a program or event happen. And it will only be in this context of genuine friendship where trust will build and both men will be the "iron sharpening iron" (Prov. 27:17) for one another.
Read the other articles in this issue:
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