Mentoring Leaders
Written by Burt Braunius /
April 15, 2014
Written by Burt Braunius /
April 15, 2014
Most of us remember Augustine (345 – 430 AD) for the quotes attributed to him. A book entitled Augustine as Mentor suggests that in addition to being a theologian and bishop of Hippo (today’s Algeria), he played a significant role in mentoring leaders. Let’s first identify a few quotes, then we’ll define mentoring and describe selected principles for mentoring.
Augustinian quotes:
Augustinian mentoring:
Mentoring is “ the work of one Christian helping another disciple or group of disciples grow in their knowledge and application of the teachings of Jesus and the Scriptures. Put another way, the mentor coached his disciples toward realizing the fullness of their salvation” (in Augustine as Mentor, p.55)
This is a good, albeit broad, definition. It could also refer to discipleship or coaching. The working definition used by CLC is “a developmental relationship between a more experienced person (mentor) and a less experienced partner (mentee). Through regular interactions, the less experienced partner trusts and applies the mentor’s guidance for gaining perspective, skills, information, and experience.”
For either definition, several principles provide helpful guidance for the mentors and mentees. These include the following.
Church Leadership Center participates in matching all of our participants with mentors. We also provide orientation and supervision of the mentoring process. “Mentor Check-in Reports” are conducted twice a year, where mentors are solicited for information (below), while their responses are followed up as is appropriate.
Mentoring is at the heart of how Church Leadership Center works in partnership with pastors, churches, and other ministry groups. We also do assessment interviews and reports; personalized training plans, classes, and certification so that participants are able to increase their effectiveness in all areas of church life. To view videos about Commissioned Pastors and those who support them, click here.
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