Page Contents
I. Mentoring Book by John Mallison
“Mentoring To Develop Disciples and Leaders”. Released 1998, revised August 2004 and reprinted 2010.
Click HERE for: a free pdf download link; contents; and commendations.
II. Resources for Mentoring Sessions
Diagnostic tools, discussion starters, Bible studies, articles, etc., for use in mentoring and training sessions and retreats.
a) Diagnostic Tools
- Identifying Your Needs Worksheet – An aid for mentorees as they seek to identify their needs for discussion with their mentor.
- Whole-Person Wellness Instrument – A questionnaire for mentors to give to mentorees, to aid mentors in identifying the needs of mentorees (revised September 2007).
- Year-End Journey Worksheet – A list of questions to aid mentorees in reflection on the past year and for looking ahead to the new year.
- Enriching Our Marriage – An aid for mentorees and their spouses for assessing key areas of their relationship.
- Managing My Personal & Family Life – Questions about caring for yourself, your spouse children & friends
- A Prayer for the End & Beginning of a Year – by Leighton Ford
- Reflections on Old & New Years – Based on Leighton Ford’s prayer above
- Reflections for Mentorees – a self-diagnostic tool
- Servant Leadership – a self-assessment
b) Discussion Starters
- Postcards on a Journey … Reflections of a Christ Follower.
Most of the chapters in John Mallison’s latest book make an excellent practical resource for mentoring sessions.
Both mentors and mentorees could read a chapter beforehand and use any appropriate insight as part of their reflection together. (See Appendix: A Guide to Engaging with Each Other.). - Perceived Causes of Failure in Leaders
- Disadvantages of Trying to Make it on Our Own
- How Can a Minister Stay Focused on Ministry (article by C Lloyd Wyman) – discussion starter for training or mentoring session
- Professional Supervision of Christian Leaders – discussion starter for training session
c) Bible Studies
The following Bible studies can be completed by a mentoree and then reflected on in mentoring sessions. They are useful resources in training events or during retreats.
- The Apostle Paul’s Advice on Finishing Well
- The Sermon on the Mount
- Juggling our Jezebels
- Don’t Go it Alone
d) Mentoring/Discipleship Articles
In this section experienced Christian leaders share their reflections on specific issues/challenges they have faced, how they sought to deal with them and the actual outcomes. These are not “sermonettes” but open, honest sharing of the struggles faced by those who seek “to live and walk in the Spirit”, making Jesus Christ their Lord. A few reflective questions accompany each resource.
Mentors can occasionally have their mentorees work on one of these resources between sessions with the aim of relating it to their own situations and reporting back their responses.
- God, I’m Angry With You and Your People! : A story of burn out – honest reflections and hope for God’s healing
- The One Minute Ministry – John Planner: Making the most of opportunities in our busy schedules
- When Ministry Skills are not Enough – Ian Jagelman: A refreshing look at leadership
- God’s Guidance in a Crisis – Gordon Dicker: Why it’s sometimes difficult to know God’s guidance
- An Insatiable Desire – Ken Cornwell: Dealing with the desire to please others
- My Seductive Mistress – Mike Robinson: Encouragement to return to our first love
From John Mallison’s address to the evangelical members of the New South Wales Uniting Church in Australia on the comprehensive subject of Evangelism & Disciple-Making (Oct 2011).
- Christianity and Relationships
- Becoming a Follower of Jesus Christ (text)
- Becoming a Follower of Jesus Christ (tract)
- Becoming a Follower of Jesus Christ (tract)
e) Other Material
- Action Plan – For use by mentorees as follow up to mentoring sessions or during/following a transition retreat
- Finishing Well – Some research on failure, and how to succeed
- Finishing Well 2 – Tips on finishing well
- Finishing Well: Paul’s advice to Timothy – a Bible study
- Two Questions for Holy Week (Leighton Ford)
III. Further Resources for Mentors
a) Resources For Transition Retreats
For those passing through a significant change in their life and/or the vocation/ministry, the following link contains comprehensive notes for leaders and resources for retreats. They are designed and have been used extensively by John Mallison with positive outcomes.
b) Articles To Promote Mentoring
These are articles written by John Mallison to promote mentoring.
c) Helpful Ideas by Other Authors
- Encouragement in Mentoring – Robyn Claydon
- My Unique Me (Mum) – Julie Freund
- Women Are Natural Mentors (Mentorees)
- Managing My Personal and Family Life – Arrow Leadership Program
- Mentoring With Gladwrap – Cornerstone Communities
- Mentoring and Youth Ministry at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Para Vista South – Australia) – Stephen Trautwein
- Mentoring: In Good Company – Paul Fenton
- My Heroes – Waylon Moore
d) Legal Pitfalls of Mentoring
- Legal Pitfalls in Mentoring … and How to Avoid Them – Prepared by a legal team headed by Phillip Leslie. LLB., B.D. This could need updating.
Most denominations have their Codes of Ethics with which all helpers need to be cognizant. This resource focuses on legal matters of which it is imperative we are fully aware, especially in the current climate of litigation.