If you’ve been following my blog for very long, you know that mentoring is very close to my heart. Mentoring is a foundational biblical principle, although it’s fallen into sparse use in Western evangelical culture. President Obama has declared January, National Mentoring Month. He’s encouraging US citizens to become actively involved in mentoring children, especially troubled youths. This is an amazingly significant role for churches to assume. Becoming involved in programs such as Big Brother Big Sister, CASA, or SHAPES Mentoring can make a profound impact in the life of the child and in the greater community.
I’d also like to challenge pastors to mentor each other this year. Too often, ministers within a local community view each other as a threat rather than a resource. My wife has been in public education for 12 years. Our local school system assigns a mentor to employees in new or transitioning positions. She received a mentor as a math teacher, Spanish teacher, assistant principal, and principal. Each of these mentors provided her with seasoned advice, lasting friendship, and a discerning ear.
While the Assemblies of God doesn’t assign mentors to ministers in new or transitioning positions, there are great opportunities for mentoring through your section, through the new and growing AG Coaching Network, and through the ever-growing network of ministry colleagues on MinistryDirect.com. Connect with another minister for mentoring this year and watch how your ministry will thrive as a result.
Mark Forrester 