The Importance of Mentoring

Jack Shephard · #1 07-25-2007, 08:49 PM

After a conversation with MOW I thought about this thread.

How important in mentoring to you? Is it better to let young ministers learn their way up? Any pointers on mentoring?]

In my opinion I feel that is why the younger generation is so wishy washy. It is a lack of correct mentoring. Not on "standards", but commitment to Christ. "Standards" is not this issue here. Infact, for the sake of this thread we will just leave "standards" out of the conversation.

MOW brings a great point. Mentoring is a learned trait not taught, as in classroom setting. I feel that this generation is one of the most important generations that has ever been. What will this generation be like in 15 yrs? IMO there is a large gap in age between our leadership, pastors, and the younger ministers that those Elders are getting the job done.

In my situation I was told that someone 2 yrs older than me would be my mentor. This person is the next pastor in training. He is also the Sr. Pastors son-in-law. The Sr. Pastor was too busy working his golf swing and political stance than to let us learn from him. With that being said.....

What say ye????

ManOfWord · #2 07-25-2007, 09:07 PM

True mentoring is IMPARTING. It is investing yourself. It is not turning someone loose and just expecting them to know what to do. You can't IMPART without spending time with them.

StillStanding · #3 07-25-2007, 09:15 PM

LEADERSHIP is the art of developing people. If you are not developing and mentoring people to replace you, you are not a good leader!

Scott Hutchinson · #4 07-25-2007, 09:19 PM

Someone who is a novice in the ministry must be trained and taught, as someone who is older and experienced can help them to avoid pitfalls.
Also too a novice needs to learn how to deal with people ,and such.

Sherri · #5 07-25-2007, 10:33 PM

Bro. Hardwick has always been my husband's mentor, all of our married life. He has had a great impact on Eddie's ministry and ability to think outside the box and to be stretched beyond what seems possible.

ManOfWord · #6 07-25-2007, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sherri

Bro. Hardwick has always been my husband's mentor, all of our married life. He has had a great impact on Eddie's ministry and ability to think outside the box and to be stretched beyond what seems possible.

Bro. Hardwick is one of my "faves" as well. He loves to be a blessing to younger men.

Malvaro · #7 07-25-2007, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JTULLOCK

What say ye????

give them enough room to be able to make occasional mistakes (don't make it life and death)....

then after they've made a mistake, share one of your mistakes with them.... use it to encourage them that they can rebound and grow from it....

take the time and have the willingness to answer their questions....

give them encouragement to venture out of their comfort zone for growth....

make resources available to them that would help them grow (books, studies, sermons, articles, etc).... make sure they keep learning....

encourage them to interact and minister to others.... Bible studies, teaching in nursing homes, prisons, etc....

help them realize that a pulpit ministry is really only a small portion of "real" day-to-day ministry....

ask them for feedback about where they are as a leader, whenever you choose to give them feedback.... it will give you an opportunity to deal with other things as they open up to you....

just a few possibilities.... maybe i'll share more later....

SDG · #8 07-25-2007, 11:03 PM

Hey Mal .... will you be my mentor?

Malvaro · #9 07-25-2007, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daniel Alicea

Hey Mal .... will you be my mentor?

I'd probably be a bit too liberal for your tastes.... maybe Elder E could take you on; he's more up your alley....

Jack Shephard · #10 07-25-2007, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sherri

Bro. Hardwick has always been my husband's mentor, all of our married life. He has had a great impact on Eddie's ministry and ability to think outside the box and to be stretched beyond what seems possible.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ManOfWord

Bro. Hardwick is one of my "faves" as well. He loves to be a blessing to younger men.

I love Bro Hardwick as well. He is a unique individual. He is up in age, yet very youthful in spirit. He seems to have a great way of communicating too. I saw him in person out here at CLC and it was tremendous. Maybe if I moved to Nashville he could get me in the right direction...LOL.

Sherri, Pastor Eddie I bet is a good mentor too. I gather that from hearing him teach.