I always enjoy spending time with and listening to Shane Blackshear’s interviews on Seminary Dropout. I had the pleasure of talking with him recently about all things mentoring. You can check out the interview here. (He is giving away a copy of “Mentor for Life” this week!)
We began our #Mentor4Life conversation talking about being the best in the professional arena, and how so many people who are the best in their perspective fields consistently have mentors in their lives. I had the pleasure of sharing my personal experience of being raised and mentored in my hometown of Orangeburg, SC; how mentoring set me up for success at an early age; and how mentoring became a natural part of my leadership tool box because of the leadership training received at the United States Naval Academy.
I discuss the different aspects of mentoring through my book, “Mentor for Life.” Since this is a resource primarily for the church, I clearly define mentoring as:
Mentoring is a trusted partnership where people share wisdom that fosters spiritual growth and leads to transformation as mentors and mentees grow in their love of Christ, knowledge of self, and love of others.
In short, mentoring is intentional discipleship.
Shane and I discussed how a lot of the challenges and problems we face in the American church are linked to our lack of accepting responsibility and lack of intentionality for making disciples. On the other hand, when we do accept this responsibility two things happen: 1.) People begin to understand their purpose and 2.) They are equipped for work in the kingdom of God.
I answer questions like: Why I decided to attend Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary Charlotte campus? Why is diversity important in the body of Christ? Why I have made a commitment to become a life-long learner? How can we discern the work of the Holy Spirit in a church or community? How can we accurately measure success in the church? Is being present with God and with other people worth the effort?
Finally, I close the interview by offering theological understanding, and some practical steps for group mentoring with Jesus and his twelve disciples as our model. There are three practical points to consider when making a commitment to Mentor for Life: praying, preparing (or training), and planning in that order. This book is a tool of that preparation.
Get Mentor for Life: Finding Purpose Through Intentional Discipleship and receive a free six lesson Leadership Training Resource and accompanying videos by confirming your early order (before April 30, 2016) at this link.
A SISTA'S JOURNEY 