Mentoring: God's Pattern for Developing Leaders

“Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.”

I Corinthians 11:1

Mentoring is not a specific term that appears in Scripture, but the concept is found throughout the old and new testaments. The pattern of wise and trusted counselors or teachers investing in the lives of others was a common practice for transferring wisdom from one generation to the next. It’s evident that mentoring is part of God’s pattern for developing leaders.

Here are some of the mentoring relationships from the Bible that are probably most familiar to you:

• Jethro and Moses
• Moses and Joshua
• Naomi and Ruth
• Deborah and Barak
• Elijah and Elisha
• Elisabeth and Mary
• Barnabas and Paul
• Paul and Timothy

Jesus, the greatest leadership role model in all of history, took a very direct approach to mentoring. He openly invited men and women to follow him. Then he told them exactly what he would train them to do.

And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

– Matthew 4:19

Jesus challenged his followers to observe his example. He urged them to have eyes to see what he did and ears to hear what he said. He asked good questions to ensure they understood who he was and the significance of why he came.

And he asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Christ.”

~Mark 8:29

When you read Matthew 10:5-15, you observe Jesus giving his disciples very specific instructions before sending them out on their first evangelistic assignment. He outlined the potential outcomes and encouraged them to stay the course. He empowered and assured them that they had nothing to fear. He carefully equipped them so that they would be fully ready to ultimately receive the great commission and the Holy Spirit who would be their constant guide.

THE OUTCOMES MENTORING NETWORK

In January 2015, Christian Leadership Alliance launched the first round of mentoring relationships through The Outcomes Mentoring Network. CLA members recognize mentoring as one of the most valuable leadership development experiences in the life of any leader. And based on more of their feedback, The Outcomes Mentoring Network will offer the opportunity for mentoring matches every month. With this change, more leaders and emerging leaders will get the guidance they long to receive.

The Outcomes Mentoring Network serves men and women who follow Christ and seek connections with other leaders that share their worldview. Because participants submit to God’s authority, we look to God to lead in the exchanges between mentors and mentees. Mutual trust, sharing, and enrichment for both the mentor and mentee, all guided by the Holy Spirit, are the desired outcomes of this experience. Only through the power of the Holy Spirit will hearts be transformed, minds renewed, and life-changing wisdom revealed.

Mentee registration deadlines for The Outcomes Mentoring Network are set for the following Fridays:

• February 13, 2015
• March 13, 2015
• April 17, 2015
• May 15, 2015
• June 6, 2015
• July 17, 2015
• August 8, 2015
• September 9, 2015
• October 10, 2015
• November 13, 2015
• December 11, 2015

These registration dates and reminders will be posted on the CLA Website landing page, The Outcomes Mentoring Network landing page, in the monthly Outcomes Online Newsletter, and featured in the events section of the CLA Higher Thinking Blog. CLA will also include them in the quarterly Outcomes Magazine.

Remember, anyone interested in becoming a CLA mentor can join the community by submitting a mentor profile at any time. Serving in this role is an outstanding way for you to share your expertise and positively impact the development of another Christian leader.

Prayerfully consider engaging in this leadership development experience. If desire to find a mentor, register by February 13, 2015 and begin your six-month engagement by the end of this month!