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As Part of the church community at Epping Baptist church, we have a formalized mentor program.
While mentoring often happens informally through friendships, the church recognizes the need to formally introduce and encourage people to meet together and encourage one another in their growth with Christ.
We have a wonderful opportunity at Epping to mentor one another due to the size and age range of the people in the church.
Definition
Christian mentoring is a dynamic, intentional relationship of trust in which one person enables another to maximize the grace of God in their life and service. (John Mallison)
Christian mentoring is all about making disciples and leaders under the direction and enabling of the Spirit of God, so that Jesus Christ may be praised.
What is involved?
- The mentor program involves older mature Christians volunteering to mentor a younger or new Christian.
- Volunteers fill out a referral form, noting their interests and their background as well as some questions regarding their personality. These questions assist the coordinators in finding suitable partnerships.
- Volunteer Mentors are also required to submit a working with children check with the NSW Children’s commission.
- These forms are available from this website or from the church office.
- After the forms are collected, mentors are required to undergo some training.
- Mentors are selected based on their willingness and Christian maturity to mentor another.
- When Mentors and mentorees are selected a letter is then sent to each of them advising them of their details. Mentors are then required to contact the mentorees and arrange their first meeting.
- Regular updated training and support in the form of resources and reading materials is provided. The coordinators also will also be in contact on a regular basis should there be problems or difficulties arising.
Recommended meetings
The relationships begin with weekly visits between the mentor and mentoree for about 1 month then moving to every 2 weeks or a month depending on each other’s timetable.
How long does it last?
The formal mentor relationships will be reviewed after the first 6 months and then again after 12 months. After this time if the relationships continue it is up to those involved.
Some of the people in the church have been in mentoring partnerships for over 6 years, from the first established mentor program in 2004.
A comment by a mentor
"I can’t think of many greater privileges than being asked to be a mentor to a fellow traveller. It is a position of honour, because that person is expressing trust and confidence in me – not only that I might have something to contribute, but also that I am someone with whom they wish to explore the endless horizons of God’s grace. I don’t presume to know God’s will for them. But it is a privilege to listen carefully to their joys and sorrows, to encourage and support them, to pray with them and for them, and to keep pointing them to Jesus as their reason for living, loving and serving. Yes, it costs me time. But since time is precious to me, it is a special gift that I give, freely and with love. Yes I must put aside my own concerns and focus on the needs of the one I mentor. But since I can sometimes spend too much time worrying about me, it is a special gift that the mentoree gives me in enabling me to give myself in their service. And in the whole process, I find that god have much to say to me, and that I too am enriched and encouraged."
Forms
Resources
Coordinator Contacts
- Sarah Romer -
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