Mentoring Your Way to Spiritual Growth
Most of my personal and professional growth has come through intentional interactions with mentors. It was Dr. Francis Williamson at Albright College that challenged me to think—and sing—differently within my relationship with God. Also at Albright College was my psychology professor, Dr. Patricia Snyder, who, without realizing it, shaped the way I teach and preach. Then Dr. Cullen Story, my Greek and New Testament professor at Princeton Seminary, spoke into my life and ministry for two and a half decades. The longest and most intimate mentoring relationship, Dr. Story brought the wisdom of his decades of life and ministry freely into the reservoir of my maturing call—all the way up to the day he died at age 94. Additionally, for nearly 15 years, leadership expert, John C. Maxwell, has mentored me, teaching me how to be a more courageous and confident leader. Several years ago, pastor, church growth expert and author, Bill Easum, helped me to think larger when it came to the Kingdom of God and my part in it.
“We grow best when we do life together.”
Nothing can underscore enough the powerful gift of such apprenticeships. We grow best when we do life together.
Every believer, in my opinion, should not only submit to the life-influence of a faith-filled mentor, but also should be mentoring someone younger in the faith as well. It is the principle of multiplication at its best.
If you’re wondering how to establish a mentoring relationship for yourself, seek out someone who you believe has some of the personal or spiritual qualities that you are aspiring to have. Prayerfully consider your motives and how the Lord wants to grow your spiritual character. Then approach that person – asking them to prayerfully consider mentoring you. Mentoring can involve meeting for one hour once a month, or more frequently depending on your mutual schedules. Mentoring relationships are highly dependent on the “mentee” (you) asking the mentor questions that help nurture your growth. Do not expect the mentor to drive the conversation.
“Mentoring relationships are highly dependent on the “mentee” (you) asking the mentor questions that help nurture your growth.”
Here are sample questions that you can ask your mentor over the course of your relationship:
1. Was there a time when you messed up and felt like you had failed? How did you get back in the game?
2. Tell me about a time when you took a risk and shared your faith with someone who wasn’t a Christian.
3. What book are you reading now—or have you read recently—that has helped you in your faith journey?
4. Can you tell me about a time when you had a difficult—argument with your spouse, time adjusting at work, struggle with your kids, (other scenarios)? How did you handle the situation?
5. What are one or two of the most important leadership lessons you’ve learned and how have they proven invaluable to you?
6. Where do you see my strengths?
7. What do you see as some of my blind spots and how can I improve?
8. Could you offer some advice on how I might improve my prayer life?
9. How have you experienced God’s presence in your daily life?
10. What have been some obstacles for you in your daily walk with God? How did you move beyond them?
11. Tell me about how you do your daily devotions. How have you made them a priority for you?
12. What’s one of the lessons you’ve learned about maintaining a strong marriage?
13. How do you prioritize money decisions?
14. What is your “life verse” from the Bible? Why did you select it?
15. Who has been a spiritual hero for you and why did you select that person?
16. Tell me about how you decided to follow Jesus.
17. What is your favorite hymn or worship song? Why is it so meaningful to you?
18. How have you navigated through the difficult times in life? How did your faith help?
19. If you could rewind your life, is there anything you would change?
20. What has God been teaching you lately?
Let’s go mentor and multiply the Kingdom!