Mentoring for Ministry

The art of mentoring, like all great arts, is a grace to be received, a gift to be given, and a skill that can be learned and practiced. This book explores the practice and grace of that art. The pastors in these pages share their hard-won experience of mentoring and being mentored, their wobbles and successes, insights and wisdom harvested from years in the vineyard. Mentoring happens. The only questions are whether we are aware it is happening and intentional about finding the right kind of mentoring. This insightful and stimulating book gives us the guidance that we need in getting clear about all of that. It is a must-read for leaders who want to be faithful and effective servants of the Gospel! --Richard J. Mouw, President Emeritus, Professor of Faith and Public Life, Fuller Theological Seminary Among the most important tasks of any leader is mentoring other leaders. Mentoring for Ministry is a great read filled with biblical examples of mentoring, inspirational stories from outstanding leaders, and concrete ideas for what mentoring can look like. --Adam Hamilton, Senior Pastor, Church of the Resurrection, Leawood, KS; author of Speaking Well: Essential Skills for Speakers, Leaders and Preachers This collection of essays is a gift to the whole church. The writers, all of whom have taught me a great deal about life, leadership, and ministry--in ways unknown to them--provide rich perceptions and inspiring insights. As several point out, mentoring is a mutual relationship of trust and growth, and the sharing of wisdom and practical skills. The reader will be mentored by the unique voices and experiences of each chapter and will, I would hope, become a mentor to equip the next generation of leaders. --Larry M. Goodpaster, Bishop-in-Residence, Candler School of Theology, Emory University Craig T. Kocher is University Chaplain and Jessie Ball duPont Chair of the Chaplaincy at the University of Richmond. He previously pastored churches in North Carolina and served as Associate Dean of Duke University Chapel. Jason Byassee is the Butler Chair in Homiletics and Biblical Hermeneutics at the Vancouver School of Theology. Jason is a fellow in Theology and Leadership at Duke Divinity School and previously served as senior pastor of Boone United Methodist Church in Boone, North Carolina. James C. Howell is Senior Pastor of Myers Park United Methodist Church, Charlotte, North Carolina. He was previously senior pastor of Davidson United Methodist Church a