Mentoring is usually concerned about mentoring younger leaders. Mentees are seeking for guidance and coaching from senior leaders as they face new challenges and...
Discipleship of the emerging leader is as crucial as a lion nurturing his offspring or a father his child, but it goes deeper than a father to child relationship. It is much broader than teaching skills or fine-tuning character. Malcolm has written a letter that goes straight to the heart of discipleship and what emerging leaders need from those more experienced leaders.
Chinese Christians have become adept at finding solutions by relying upon the Lord. Partners with them should be encouraged to bring tools rather than providing solutions. These tools in the hands of Chinese leaders may provide the means for devising suitable approaches to the challenges they face. Brent says mentors that model godly character traits help to build solution-finding leaders.
A certain leader took on a very promising young man to disciple in the faith. The leader’s reputation was such that if he were to let it be known that he was looking for someone to mentor, most people would drop everything to volunteer for the position. The leader poured heart and soul over that young man, but he was still a tremendous disappointment.
Transformation of a caterpillar into a gorgeous butterfly is biologically amazing. Transforming fishermen, shepherds, and tax collectors into mighty men of faith and leadership was the intentional act of Jesus. The results were obvious, turning the world upside down. Such should be the results of our own discipleship. God freely gives this ability of building leaders to anyone who will answer His call.
To develop leaders, God uses circumstances, events, and other leaders in their lives. It's not just a matter of giving leaders the right input. Life-on-life experiences are as important as solid training material. Mentoring and coaching are as essential as great curriculum and excellent faculty.
As we work with children—whether in a Christian setting or a secular setting—our job is to bring them to Him so that He can touch their lives. We must lean on Him to know how to do just that. As we engage with each child, we need to be open to God’s nudging as the opportunities pop up.