GROW LEADERS
We mentor and equip all ages
to be ambassadors for Christ.
(Mission FOCUS)
Board Devotional - Week 9
by A Allan Martin, PhD
Devotional Scriptures to Reflect On
“15 Christ died for everyone. He died so that those who live should not live for themselves anymore. They should live for Christ. He died for them and was raised again. 16 So from now on we don’t look at anyone the way the world does. At one time we looked at Christ in that way. But we don’t anymore. 17 When anyone lives in Christ, the new creation has come. The old is gone! The new is here! 18 All this is from God. He brought us back to himself through Christ’s death on the cross. And he has given us the task of bringing others back to him through Christ. 19 God was bringing the world back to himself through Christ. He did not hold people’s sins against them. God has trusted us with the message that people may be brought back to him. 20 So we are Christ’s official messengers. It is as if God were making his appeal through us. Here is what Christ wants us to beg you to do. Come back to God! ”
“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”
Devotional Message
Devotional Application: How to Get A Mentor
My good friend, Oregon Young Adult Ministry Director, Benjamin Lundquist, offers practical steps to finding a mentor:
Mentors can unlock your potential, help you see what God is doing in your life, and challenge you to level up. Don’t think of mentoring as a relationship between a teacher and a student, think of it as doing deeper life with someone you want to be like, we call it “deeper withing.” Each person brings value into the relationship/friendship and becomes a better version of themselves as a result. Remember, you always want to be looking for mentors, some will stay with you for life and others just for a season. You don’t ever have to call someone a “mentor” to be mentored by someone or use that term to mentor someone else. As you are looking for mentors for your life, remember God has also called you to invest in the life of others, you need to be doing both on a regular basis. You have way more to offer other people than you realize. Here are 10 steps to find mentors:
1. Find someone you want be like:
Identify people who are currently where you want to be in your future, or have accomplished things you want to accomplish with your life.
2. Study that person:
Do your research and read what this individual has written, posted, and shared. Learn as much as you can about them and the free content that is already out there.
3. Make the ask to meet up:
Be courageous and set up a non-threatening meeting together at a convenient time. “I would love to meet up sometime next week and ask for your advice or I would love to meet up sometime next week and hear more about your story.” This could also be over the phone or video chat.
4. Evaluate your time together:
Did you feel good about your time together? Did the person engage in the meeting? Did you leave feeling encouraged? Do you want to meet up with this person again?
5. Follow-up with a “thank you”:
Shortly after your meeting send a nonthreatening thank you text or email, showing your appreciation for the person’s time. Express how you look forward to meeting up again sometime in the near future.
6. Let things develop organically:
The right relationships will develop organically, they are not forced. If nothing develops it may not be the right time or the right person.
7. Lean in when you are challenged:
Stay humble and lean in when you are challenged to grow.
8. Invest in the relationship w/ value:
Look for ways you can add value to the relationship. Pay for a meal, help with a project, show up to something your mentor is doing.
9. Ask for feedback often:
Ask for honest feedback and advice. How would you have handled the same situation? Do you feel like this opportunity would be a great match for me?
10. Commit to the process:
Mentoring is about relationship, and any relationship is a process of growth overtime. Be consistent, meet up when you can, and invest.
—Benjamin Lundquist
Examples of Mentoring Happening in Our Church
I’m so excited before we close to share with you just a few examples of those mentored through our church. Click the above icon, or here for samples of “Mentoring the Next Generation.”
Devotional Benediction
Lord Jesus,
As we follow in your footsteps,
may You awaken our hearts to where You are working in our world,
so we can join You in what You are already doing.
Fill us to overflowing with your Holy Spirit
so your Love radiates from our lives.
Bring people into our lives that help us become more like You,
and in turn, allow us the privilege of being your ambassador
in the lives of people.
As we follow your example,
may people be drawn in to follow your Love within us.
In your name,
Amen.