Australian Christian Mentoring Network
Resources, networking and training in Christian Mentoring
Thanks for all those who attended and shared in our 2014 Formation Forum in Tasmania. We have processed all the feedback. The response to the format was very positive.
We are in the process of uploading the notes, presentations and links to some videos from the Forum. You will need to be a registered site member to view these as they will not show up on the blog unless you are logged in.
By Glenda Holbrook
This is one of the topics we will be discussing at our Forum beginning May 7th in Tasmania. If you haven’t registered for the Forum yet, it’s not too late and we’d love to see you there. Just go to the information and registration sections of this site.
We began the journey of developing a mentoring culture in our church about two years ago. Along the way we have learned much – and still have much to learn. In this first of four articles we’ll look at WHY DEVELOPING A MENTORING CULTURE IN OUR CHURCHES is so important.
Continue reading “Developing a Mentoring Culture in your Church”
I have just come across the audio recordings and notes of 5 excellent sessions at a conference on Spiritual Mentoring hosted by the CS Lewis Institute back in 2011.
The presenter is Dr Tom Schwanda of Wheaton College, Associate Professor of Spirtual Formation.
These are well worth a listen to. The notes can also be downloaded.
Spiritual Mentoring- How to Help Others Grow in Their Relationship with Christ – C.S. Lewis Inst
Self Development for Mentoring Ministry
AUSTRALIAN CHRISTIAN MENTORING NETWORK FORUM
This Forum was held on Wednesday May 07 – Friday May 09, 2014
Punchbowl Christian Centre, Launceston, TASMANIA
One of the Biblical terms that shapes the expression of mentoring today is ‘nouthetein’ – the verb meaning ‘instruction’ or ‘edification’. It is used by Paul through his letters to encourage believers to respond to and to exercise pastoral teaching or spiritual guidance with one another. The background of the term is important. The context of its use is in family, household or close friendship environments where there is a relationship of trust, responsibility and particularly mutuality. It has the implication of ‘honest and earnest but gentle admonition among friends’. The contextual basis for nouthetein’ is always a caring committed covenant relationship with the other.
Continue reading “Biblical Foundations for Mentoring – ‘nouthetein’”
By Rick Lewis
Even mentors with many years of experience find that the inherent complexity of human relationships creates an environment in which there will always be much left to learn about this process. Part of this complexity comes from the fact that human relationships function on many levels. On the first level, it is clear that mentors’ words and actions have an impact on mentorees. What may not be quite so obvious is that on deeper levels, other factors within a mentor – such as inner attitudes, emotional health and the condition of the soul – are all in play, affecting the way the relationship functions and develops. Perhaps the most powerful of these factors operating within a Christian mentor is their godliness. Mentoring is not only about what you do; it’s about who you are. I invite you who are mentors to stir up your awareness and understanding of the interconnectedness between who you are, what you do, and the outcomes of your mentoring.
By Keith Farmer
12 dimensions of pastoral ministry in the current context which combine to create the perfect storm facing pastors. Keith introduced these in his session at this year’s mentoring network conference.
Continue reading “The Perfect Storm–Emotional Exhaustion in Pastoral Ministry”
By Rick Lewis
Much about mentoring can be learned along the way. There is no need to have everything right before you start. However, motivation is one of those matters that do need to be examined before you begin, and regularly reviewed as you go along. Although this self-examination is a confronting business, it is necessary for mentors to get their hearts in tune with the Spirit of God if they expect to be used by him to bring benefit to others through mentoring. So, what motivated you to get into mentoring? For most of us, the reality is a mix of noble and base motivations. We may wish it were not so, but there is no use pretending. Having acknowledged that, it befits mentors to propagate the noble motivations and weed out the base ones.
I’m delighted to let you know that The Lost Art of Lingering: Mutual Mentoring for Life Transformation, which captures a lot of what God has been teaching me over the last 5 years, is now available through e-books (Kindle), paperback via Confia Publishers (a less expensive option for those in the USA) http://www.confiapublishers.org/the-lost-art-of-lingering.html, or Amazon. For those in New Zealand or Australia, it’s probably better to order through me (postage will be much cheaper). My wife Elaine is handling the orders. Contact her at ejform@gmail.com and she’ll send you a copy with an invoice. We should have books available in a week.
Continue reading “The Lost Art of Lingering by Rowland Forman”
Following discussion at our conference we have decided to implement a “user” system on our website. This is now active. Please register using the widget in the right side column. When you register please be aware your registration has to be approved before you can access materials. This may take a day or so. One of the admin team will be emailed with your details and will approve you.
Thanks.