For those interested in growth
over the lifespan there can be no better aid, notwithstanding a relationship
with Jesus Christ, than mentoring. When we consider that we either grow or
regress in life, it pays to plan for growth. Growth is true success. But growth
is such an abstract concept.
Because it is impossible to chart
our progress, mentoring helps simply chart the journey. It makes nothing of
measuring the immeasurable. It works on the observable, on opportunities for strengthening
our strengths, and on honing what is identified by the person being mentored as
problematic.
Mentoring combines the assistance
of a discipler, spiritual guide, coach, counsellor, teacher, sponsor, and hero.
And these roles can be combined into three modes of mentoring: intensive,
occasional, and passive.
1. Intensive Mentoring
This concentrated variety of
mentoring encompasses the roles of discipler, spiritual guide, and coach. This
intensive process involves equipping those being mentored with the basics for
following Christ, engaging them for accountability and for the provision of direction
and insight, and for motivation and skill development.
The style of mentoring is likely
to be frequent, targeted, and possibly directive. This is the most deliberate
style of mentoring. We can imagine those involved in this mentoring meeting
fortnightly.
2. Occasional Mentoring
With less directive mentoring the
roles of counsellor, teacher, and sponsor come into effect. What is less
directive is less deliberate. The mentor under this regime is more of a wise
friend than an accountability partner, though wise friends will always step
into the breach.
The counsellor provides the
subtleties of timely advice and correct perspectives on views of self and
others, circumstances, and ministry. The teacher will help with knowledge and
understanding in a particular subject. The sponsor provides career guidance and
protection as the person being mentored moves through organisational strata.
Being less directive and less
deliberate, those engaged in this mentoring would meet 4-6 weekly. It is intentionally
a hands-off process and it’s typically driven by the person being mentored.
3. Passive Mentoring
Role models or heroes best suit
the idea of the mentor in passive mentoring.
This usually involves no
relationship at all, as the ‘mentor’ is a contemporary or historical figure we
simply admire, observe, and try to be like. We emulate what they do and teach
by reading what they wrote or listening to what they say or said. This sort of
mentoring has influenced every single one of us. Every one of us has had a hero
we looked up to.
***
Growth is our opportunity to
advance in the faith, enabling us to love and serve others better, to live more
hopefully, and to worship God more fully. Mentoring is central to growth. It is
a very wise and godly thing to come under the charge of good mentoring.
© 2012 S. J. Wickham.
General Reference: Paul D. Stanley & J. Robert Clinton, Connecting: The Mentoring Relationships You Need to Succeed in Life
(Colorado Springs, Colorado: NavPress, 1992). The three models proposed above
are sourced from this text.
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