|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
MENTORING Mentoring for Service is a Bible study written by Jean M. Wagner based on Mentoring: a tool for ministry by Henry A. Simon. The study was written that we might take a look at our own ministry and that of our LWML Societies with a refreshing and important focus.
Thoughts on Mentoring:
Christian Mentoring What is meant by the word mentor? How can mentoring help in a congregation? If you are searching for a way to develop more leaders in your congregation or strengthen ministries within your church, perhaps the concept of mentoring could be a blessing. The word mentoring is not a biblical term but it can be described as a process taking place in the church between an experienced teacher and a disciple; the results are an increase in knowledge and wisdom for both. It is a teaching style that is very personal and distinctive to the individual, resembling that of a pupil or follower of any teacher or school or an apprentice working alongside a craftsman. Mentoring can take a variety of forms involving the head and the heart. In a Christian congregation mentoring is a special way to develop leaders for ministries within the church. It is an excellent way to strengthen faith and show Christian love. Just as Moses was mentored by Jethro, and later Moses mentored Joshua, mentoring is a tool for helping encourage and assist future leaders prepare to serve and share the Good News of Jesus Christ. One form mentoring can take is helping a new Sunday school teacher. Someone may love children and be willing to teach but just not know how to approach the task. Mentoring can be a valuable tool to help equip persons to teach and use God-given gifts. Future leaders can be trained to serve and at the same time not feel threatened. More experienced members can make a difference. Have you ever looked around in your congregation and tried to share with someone your experience, skills and understanding? If there ever was a time in our congregations for mentoring, for equipping Christians for spreading the faith and sharing the Gospel, it is now. One-on-one mentoring to share the love of Jesus Christ and His great sacrifice definitely needs to reach our thirsty culture. Mentoring offers a teaching-learning tool for use to the glory of God and the good of our neighbor. Guided by the Holy Spirit, mentoring results in an increase of wisdom and better leadership for both the mentor and the mentee. Our Saviour was the perfect mentor. When we follow in His footsteps, we are blessed. At the same time we encourage one another in Christ. Praise God that His Son loved us with an everlasting love. He showed each one of us how to love. Jean M. Wagner [ print this article ] [ return to top of page ]
Mentoring in serving others The goal of the Mission Service Committee of LWML-Canada is seeking ways to encourage you in serving God and your fellow man. Mission Service is not good works, but an expression of love and gratitude to God for what He has done for us. It is about serving others in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We follow in Jesus' steps by helping meet the needs of all people, young or old, or of another culture and religion. Scripture shows Jesus with young children (Mark 10:13-16). In John 4, Jesus spoke to the Samaritan woman at the well and gave her Living water. Matthew 8:14-15 tells us of Jesus healing Peter's mother-in-law. One way of serving others is becoming a mentor. The older, more experienced person helps or equips someone, usually younger, to face future challenges. The dictionary defines a mentor as a wise and trusted advisor. Mentoring is not a new concept. St. Paul writes in Titus chapter two that older women should be good examples and teach the younger women. Recently, in my community, I saw a good example
of mentoring. Five women, three mothers of teenagers and two grandmothers,
held a workshop entitled "Helping the stay-at-home mom."
It was not a workshop to pressure young mothers to stay at home.
Rather, it was a sharing of how and what worked for them in situations
where financial resources are stretched, especially in one-income
families. They discussed "Feeding and clothing your family
in a cost-effective manner," and "Organization - being
more productive, but having time to do the things you also want
to do." These ladies were a blessing to all those who attended. Remember, you are unique and God has given you unique experiences and insights. How can you become a mentor to someone else? By being willing and ready to share your experiences in the spiritual and/or physical realm with whomever the Lord may send your way. You will both be blessed in the process. Judy Hertlein [ print this article ] [ return to top of page ]
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
