"My life in ministry was established at the age of 12 when I accepted Christ into my life and He revealed my responsibility to become a servant/messenger for HIM. I had my initial sermon at the age of 26 in Orlando, Florida at Grace Community Church under Pastor Ware. I eventually moved to Riverview, Florida where my wife and I begin attending From the Heart Ministries which is now Rivers of Life, where Pastor Swafford brought me on to the ministerial staff. After seven years Christ moved me into the ultimate transition of establishing True Sanctuary of Praise in Riverview, Florida. This journey has not been overnight but 16 years of training before moving in the flow of the Holy Spirit. Christ has given me a unique opportunity to pour into those who need guidance and support through the Holy Bible."

 

Apostle Dwayne C. Perry

 

Introduction

Beginning Pastors/Ministers start their first assignments; they face many new and unfamiliar situations. It is vital they receive every opportunity for growth and learning through these initial experiences in ministry. Mentoring can provide special support and encouragement as beginning ministers, pastors, and teachers test their gifts and further discern their sense of call to ministry.

    

Mentoring forms a relationship for as long as assistance is needed. The mentor serves as a listener, advocate, and resourcing friend for the growth of the pastor/minister being mentored. There must be trust, truth, respect, and prayer to facilitate true mentoring. 

A Mentor Is...

• led by the Holy Spirit as a trusted friend, advisor, and teacher who shares knowledge, insight, perspective and wisdom to help another sister or brother reach their full potential

• a disciple who cares about the growth and development of her mentee resourceful, knowledgeable and able to articulate the church’s mission and goals in a way that provides insight into church culture and how to function effectively within that cultural context

 

Scriptural Foundation

• Growth through personal relationships (Mark 3:14)

• Modeling as a means of training others (2 Timothy 3:10, 1 Peter 5:3)

• Apprenticing others for ministry (2 Timothy 2:1-2, Acts 18:24-26)

• Self-disclosure as a means of growth for others (Romans 7:21-25, 2Corinthians 12:1-10)

• Leadership as equipping others for ministry (Ephesians 4:11-12, Matthew 10,11:1)

• Incarnating the Spirit of Christ with others (Philippians 2:5-7)   

Mentees should have a significant and proactive role in any mentoring relationship. Mentees are responsible for their own growth and development and need to show a degree of initiative in beginning and sustaining a mentoring relationship. Mentees need to demonstrate growth potential and be receptive to positive feedback. The key to being an effective mentee is a commitment to life-long learning.

 

Program Goals

• Assisting in understanding the pastoral role

• Providing opportunities for personal and spiritual growth through reflection and conversation about experiences in ministry

• Help to reflect on issues which arise within the congregation

• To grow in service through the mighty hand of Christ

• To live Christ in all we say and do

• To assist the pastor/minister/teacher to grow into the servant leader that Christ desires

Specific Program Guidelines and Requirements

• The formal mentoring relationship is a 12-month period, recognizing that informal friendships may continue indefinitely

• Mentors should commit to successful completion of the approved training program; at least one meeting each month with her assigned mentee; as well as occasional meetings and communication via phone and or email

• The mentor will encourage the balance of ministry responsibilities with family, secular work, and personnel demands

• Mentors operate on a peer-to-peer relationship model, not parent-child or superior-subordinate

• The mentor is a colleague that will provide compassionate, secure and confidential spiritual support

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