Mentoring

CONTENTS OF THIS PAGE

Mentoring Overview
Mentoring Book by John Mallison
Resources for Mentoring Sessions
Resources for Transition Retreats
Articles by John Mallison to Promote Mentoring
Helpful Ideas on Mentoring by Other Authors
Legal Pitfalls in Mentoring and How to Avoid Them
Recommended Reading for Mentoring/Discipleship
Links to Other Mentoring/Discipleship Sites

Mentoring Overview

"Mentoring is a recent term especially in Christian circles, but what it describes has been the focus of Christian community since the early church. It is a dynamic relationship of trust in which one person enables another to maximise the grace of God in his/her life and service. It has a sound biblical and theological basis with Jesus as the ultimate model, retaining all that is consistent with his life and teaching."

Extract from "Mentoring to Develop Disciples and Leaders" by John Mallison

WATCHING OVER ONE ANOTHER IN LOVE

John Wesley's 'General Rules for Methodist Fellowships' (Societies) released in 1743 included, 'Watch over one another in love'. This was the key to his success in retaining those who were converted through that revival. In class meetings and one-to-one, they cared for one another.

PART OF THE FABRIC OF LIFE

Mentoring has always been part of the fabric of society. Parents play a major role in mentoring their children, especially in their earlier years. The artisan/apprentice relationship or the coach of an individual sportsperson or team are common forms of mentoring or coaching. There is a growing emphasis upon mentoring at all levels of commerce, industry, education and public life. An abundance of secular training courses and resources on the subject are widely promoted.

Increasingly, those who take their Christian discipleship and service seriously are seeing the value of having a friend and adviser with whom they can share openly and to whom they can be accountable. As the wise old sage said, 'Two are better than one' (Eccl. 4:9)

JESUS - OUR PRIME MODEL

Jesus, interacting with his disciples, provides our prime mentoring model. The New Testament is full of ‘one another’ and ‘together’ passages, pointing to Christianity as a relational lifestyle, about community, the power of togetherness.

YOU CAN DO IT

Mentoring is a very significant role every Christian disciple can fulfil - irrespective of age or experience - it is not restricted to ‘giants of the faith’. The basic requirement is a living relationship with God and an ability to listen and respond sensitively, and to encourage. If this is true of you, you can be God’s agent in enriching another person’s life.

Men - Although many often fear to share their inner struggles, thoughts and feelings, lest disclosure erodes others’ confidence in them, they can bond with others to provide exemplary support.
Women - are natural mentors and co-mentors, because they usually find it easy to talk about deep issues with friends.
Busy people - Some of the best mentoring is done by those who are very active.
Housebound - Many who are housebound because of young families or physical disability mentor effectively by means of their phones or by inviting others to visit them.
Seniors - Mentoring can be a very fulfilling role for those of mature years, allowing them to grow older as participants rather than spectators!

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Mentoring Book By John Mallison

"Mentoring To Develop Disciples and Leaders". Click HERE for contents, commendations, reviews or to order.

Resources For Mentoring Sessions

Diagnostic tools, discussion starters, Bible studies, articles, etc, for use in mentoring and training sessions and retreats.

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 Spetember, 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.

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.). Order the book HERE.
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

BIBLE STUDIES

The following Bible studies can be used between mentoring sessions, in training or during retreats

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

OTHER MATERIAL

Action Plan - For use by mentorees as a follow up to a mentoring session or during/following a transition retreat
Finishing Well - Some research on failure, and how to succeed

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 retreatants. They are designed and used extensively by John Mallison.

Resources For Transition Retreats

Articles by John Mallison to Promote Mentoring

Helpful Ideas On Mentoring 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

Legal Pitfalls In Mentoring And How To Avoid Them

Legal Pitfalls in Mentoring ... and How to Avoid Them - Prepared by a legal team headed by Phillip Leslie. LLB., B.D.

Most denominations have their Codes of Ethics with which all helpers need to be cognisant. This resource focuses on legal matters of which it is imperative we are fully aware, especially in the current climate of litigation.