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Summary Description of the Mentoring Program
The mentoring program described in this handbook:
- Is the intentional pairing of two people in a mentoring relationship for a
short, highly focused period of time, for the purpose of the mutual spiritual growth of
those paired.
- Intends to foster relationships both among members and also between
members and the unchurched who may be seeking spiritual renewal.
- Intends to foster conversations that deal with the places where the Word
and the partners' world intersect--truthful conversation that move toward mutual growth.
- Attempts to foster the knowledge and understanding of God's Word.
- Helps the mentoring partners develop a covenant between them and with the
congregation. The covenant includes statement of mutual goals, the shape and duration of
the process, methods of evaluation and accountability, and the undergirding of prayer.
- Will help participants grow in their ability to tell their faith story, witness
to others, listen and enter into the world of another, develop as leaders, and learn how
to facilitate small group ministry.
- Will find its place within the overall mission of the parish and connect
to its Word and Sacrament center.
"While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and
went with them."
May God grant you such an encounter.
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Written by: Stephen P. Bouman
Copyright © by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, 8765
W. Higgins Road, Chicago, IL 60631. 800/638-3522. Produced by Christian
Education of the Division for Congregational Ministries.
Permission is granted for congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America to reproduce this resource for local use.