Reflections on Preparing for a Mentoring Relationship
The possibility of being involved in a mentoring relationship is appealing to those seeking deep and meaningful relationships in a predominately individualistic culture.
Relational connections are a powerful way that God communicates with his children as they seek his direction. A mentoring relationship that is a "good fit" for both people is a beautiful example of the community Christ intended for his church. But beyond the recognition that mentoring can be wonderful and mutually beneficial, the process of finding a good match can be overwhelming.
If you desire to be mentored, think of the personal areas which you desire to pray over and discuss with your mentor. In the selection of your mentor, prayerfully consider character qualities you would like to intentionally foster in your life, then think about people you know who exhibit those qualities. A few areas you may want to consider include,
Prayer Life
Who do you know that takes prayer seriously, who can model creative and effective
prayer practices you could learn to echo?
Contentment
Is there someone in your life who lives simply and is content with the circumstances
and gifts God has given to them?
Relational Contentment
Do you know someone who demonstrates a healthy Christ-centered relationship
with their spouse or has honored God through their singleness? Ask this person
to pray for you and the choices you will make in regard to the lifestyle of
marriage or singleness.
Think of a person who has been a successful steward of their financial, energy and time resources. Remember that you will never have an entirely clear picture of another's financial picture but it is possible to prayerfully detect how they value the "talents" they have been given. Ask this person to help you have a globally minded perspective of need and the ways in which you can help this need through your own "talents." (The term "talents" is used here in reference to the parable Jesus told in Matthew 25:14-28 which extends the concept of stewardship.)
Decision Making
Who have you seen in your church or in your community who has exemplified good
decision making during a time of transition in their life? Consider meeting
with that person to determine how they were able to make that decision well.
Have them pray and council you as you make important decisions about vocation,
missionary service, marriage, children, advanced education and other topics
as they become relevant and pressing issues in your life.
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