One of the exercises we ask our in-training mentors to complete is a reflection on who has built into their lives.\u00a0 It is well worthwhile taking some time to think through who your mentors have been, what it is that they imparted to you, and how they did it.<\/p>\n
Mentoring is not always intentional, neither is it always personal.\u00a0 Some mentors are writers, theologians, musicians and poets who have no idea of what they have contributed to the lives of others. Some have been gone for some time.\u00a0 One of the most influential men in my life is George Macdonald.\u00a0 I have learnt much from his fiction, poetry and sermons.\u00a0 While this is mentoring of sorts, it really doesn\u2019t quite fit the concepts I sit most comfortably with.\u00a0 These include a level of relationship and intentional input toward growth.<\/p>\n
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As I think back over my life I can clearly identify 9 men who have believed in me and built into my life.\u00a0 I consider myself extremely fortunate to have had these relationships.\u00a0 I was first discipled by John, fresh out of Bible College and keen to teach young people (I was only 12) the word of God.\u00a0 Bruce returned from working overseas with a commitment to help Christian young people think well, read widely, study the scriptures in context and share and pray together.\u00a0 Ray taught me a love for the Tasmanian bush, the names of alpine plants, forest trees and how to appreciate God\u2019s amazing creation.\u00a0 Harrie met with me each week to pray, study Ephesians in Greek and talk about life.\u00a0 Another John opened my eyes to issues of justice, authentic faith and taking risks for God.\u00a0 It was a challenge from Sam that caused my wife and I to lay aside our plans and head away overseas to learn in China, India and then in London and the Middle East.\u00a0 While away a third John taught me deeper ways to read the scriptures and grapple with culture, interpretation and application.\u00a0 Alan taught me about peace and the call to radically rethink who we are Christians in our contemporary world.\u00a0 Les gave me focus as a leader and trainer to build capacity into others lives strategically for God\u2019s kingdom.<\/p>\n
Who have your mentors been?\u00a0 What have they built into your life?\u00a0 What will you receive as a gift and contribute to the lives of others?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
One of the exercises we ask our in-training mentors to complete is a reflection on who has built into their lives.\u00a0 It is well worthwhile taking some time to think through who your mentors have been, what it is that they imparted to you, and how they did it. Mentoring is not always intentional, neither … <\/p>\n