The Courage to Mentor

by

It takes courage to mentor. Take the example of Jesus. Jesus was a transformative mentor. He called twelve individuals to become His mentees. Those mentees, or disciples, would go on to function as apostles and change the world. Mentoring is one of the most influential and transformative forms of guidance you can offer. Mentoring, like discipling, is a personal investment in another person’s life. Embarking on the path of mentorship demands the courage to confront your own fears and vulnerabilities. No wonder more people don’t do it. In this blog post, I will reveal three mindsets that will empower you to become a mentor you and your mentees can be proud of.

Embrace Fear

Maybe you don’t feel prepared to be a mentor. Maybe you fear that your education, your ministry accomplishments, and your training fall short. As a church leader, you possess a wealth of diverse ministry experience, and you are highly qualified to mentor. Shaking the fear and the notion that you aren’t qualified to help is the first mindset that needs to change.

In The Book of Charlie: Wisdom from the Remarkable American Life of a 109-Year-Old Man, the author names three components of fear: the thing you fear, the physical reaction that fear generates (i.e., clenched gut, tight throat, or clammy hands), and the instinct to run, flee, or hide. Courage comes when you lean-in instead of avoiding the fear. Embracing fear is the path to courage. By embracing fear as a catalyst for growth, you can transform it into a positive force that empowers yourself and those you mentor.

Be Authentic

It’s not necessary to have all the answers when mentoring. What truly matters is your ability to be authentic. This comes from sharing your experience and learned wisdom with others.

It takes courage to share our authentic selves vulnerably, but in doing so, we create meaningful connections and inspire others to do the same. As Brené Brown said, “Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage.” Taking time to reflect on your strengths and values allows you to leverage them to effectively mentor. Leading with a vulnerable, authentic mindset positively impacts your mentee’s journey of growth.

Encourage Accountability

I’ve been fortunate to have had numerous coaches, teachers, rabbis, and pastors as my mentors. The individuals from whom I learned and grew the most were the ones who held me accountable, challenging me to reach higher standards with love and support. Initially, I felt ashamed whenever I fell short of the standards they set. Eventually I realized they saw something in me that I couldn’t see in myself. By challenging my feelings of inadequacy and holding me accountable to a big vision, I was able to grow.

As a mentor, be courageous enough to hold your mentees accountable. Instead of shying away from this responsibility, engage in open dialogue about goals and realistic expectations in meeting them. Remember, an accountability mindset is not about being harsh or punitive; it’s about helping mentees realize their potential. You guide them toward THEIR aspirations. Provide constructive feedback and challenge while also offering the necessary support, encouragement, and guidance a mentee needs.

Spot Mentoring

Every day, you have opportunities to mentor, coach, or train someone. Most likely, you’ve all been mentors at various times. Your mentee may have been a colleague, a friend, a family member, or even a stranger. By remaining open to in the moment mentoring, you will find the courage needed to share your knowledge, experience, and values with others. Looking for chances to mentor in small moments can have big impacts. You may never know whose life you’ve positively influenced through spot mentoring.

Becoming a mentor is a rewarding and fulfilling experience that requires courage, resilience, and a growth mindset. By reframing your fear as an opportunity, cultivating your strengths and values, seeking accountability, and embracing collaboration, you can become a mentor who makes a difference in someone’s life.

It was in the spirit of courage to help others that I founded Creating a Culture of Renewal®. With mentoring at its core, I was guided to create a supportive and nurturing environment for personal and spiritual growth. You are welcome to join me at one of my free upcoming seminars, How Christian Ministries are Achieving Success: An Introduction to Creating a Culture of Renewal®. In this seminar, I look forward to sharing with you some practical strategies that have been proven to work. If you find yourself frustrated with the limited returns of traditional church practices, this is a unique opportunity to find courage in a new approach. Consider this an invitation to embark on a transformative journey, to embrace the art of mentoring, and to make a positive impact on your leadership.

And, if you’d like to connect with me or one of my Faculty directly about any of our offerings, or how to implement the tips in my blogs, simply fill out this short form and we’ll be in touch!  I look forward to hearing from you.

Copyright © 2023 rebekahsimonpeter.com.  All Rights Reserved.