Ripples in the Pond
Influencing future leaders
Webster’s defines a mentor as “a trusted counselor or guide.” Others interchange the word mentor with coach, discipler or trainer. What does it mean to mentor, and why is it important?
There seem to be many different definitions and expectations. For this issue of EFCA Today, we’re defining mentoring as taking a proactive role to develop and unleash someone in his or her God-given gifts and abilities. When that individual then turns around and mentors another, we create ripples of influence that are neverending.
Believers are most familiar with spiritual mentoring, often called discipleship. Sadly, though, many believers seem strangers to what might be called skill mentoring—exploring and strengthening gifts and talents in the context of day-to-day life and work.
For leaders across the EFCA , the application is crucial: If you’re a gifted teaching-pastor, whom are you training in those skills? If you are a whiz at organizing children’s ministry volunteers, have you passed along any of that know-how to another? And in your life outside the church, whom are you taking under your wing to encourage and mentor in the abilities with which you’ve been gifted?
In this issue, numerous EFCA leaders discuss the role of skill mentoring in the church. We can’t tackle everything, so we’re leaving some great questions for you to address on your leadership teams: How do you recognize someone who would be a “good fit” for you to mentor? Do you have to have been mentored before you can mentor others well? Does everyone have something to offer?
And most important of all: How do we stay connected to the Holy Spirit in the midst of our great mentoring plans?
Take a look around. Someone, somewhere, is waiting for your investment of time and prayer and wisdom. Pass on a legacy. Create some ripples.
