Women's Individual Biblical Mentoring
Friends, counselors, even family members tend to make people dependent on other individuals, whereas those exercising true biblical mentoring always turn people back to the all-sufficient Savior and His all-sufficient Word.
It is human nature to stick with what works; after all, we’re still here, plowing away, aren’t we? It’s our nature for some of us to worry as a way of life. Some of us hold onto resentment, while others are overcome with envy. We hold on to feelings of guilt, and we wrestle with our tempers... And sometimes we just become stagnant in our Christian walk. The list goes on until finally our behaviors end up defining who we are ‘in ourselves’, rather than who we are ‘in Christ’.
Thankfully, our Heavenly Father never intended us to plow-on in the Christian life. He has given us His Word for direction, His Holy Spirit for teaching, and He has given us one another for support. Women’s Individual Biblical Mentoring focusses on your spiritual well-being whether you are a new believer just learning about The Lord; or conquering your personal obstacles by learning to rely on Christ to overcome. Living your life with a deeper spiritual knowledge develops a deeper trust in God, which makes possible the abundant life Jesus intends for you.
God has prepared for us wonderful things - today. If we’re not confident about who we are ‘in Christ’, we’re not going to live “Christ in us”.
BIBLICAL MENTORING OVERVIEW
Your Main Objective is to Build faith!
Qualities required to mentor:
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Must be walking with the Lord! Relying on Him for His counsel – what to say, what not to say, what study to do next…
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Must have a high standard of confidentiality
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Must be non-judgmental
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Must be quick to listen and slow to speak. The study is for them and about them. Ask questions and they will open up to you. Be sympathetically bold in identifying problems and aiding according to the Lord’s Word.
Setting:
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Preferably at your home or church – with no interruptions (i.e. children running around, pets requiring attention…) Do not be attentive to phone calls or text messages. One of these two settings is neutral to them and should be a “safe place” for them.
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Offer beverages or snacks if you wish
Process:
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When someone desires to be in Mentoring Study, email them an introduction message and a questionnaire.
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Give them options for your availability. A study typically takes place at a set time, once per week for 60-90 minutes.
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First meeting: Have them bring the completed questionnaire on their first visit and go over every question with them. Ask questions to get an understanding of where they’re coming from and where they would like to go.
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Give them a folder for their studies, and a book of your choice. I give them “God’s Promises and Answers for Your Life by Jack Countryman” ($8-9 on Amazon)
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Ask what Bible they’re using – preferably a NIV or ESV Study Bible. They are required to use their Bible in study to look up verses. Not their phone! It will help them to know their Bible better.
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Give them their next study explaining they need to read it and answer all the questions in writing. Their answers could be on their study sheets, or a separate notebook.
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Second meeting: Be sure you have reviewed the study. Have them (or you) read the study out loud. Look up and read the verses noted. Further explain anything that is not clear to them. Review their answers and always use God’s directives as your reference for suggestions and answers.
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After they leave, take a few minutes to write a prayer for them to the Almighty on your copy of the study. Often you could look back and see how God has answered.
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Third meeting and thereafter – Email them their study at least five days before their scheduled meeting. Feel free to tailor the questions to the person you’re mentoring.
I’m happy to forward to you materials (Introduction letter, questionnaire, the first three studies I typically use, and any additional studies.) I have studies pertaining to all subjects on the questionnaire and more; and am available for further advisement if needed.
Utmost, I pray that if God has called you to this ministry, you are filled with the lone desire for His direction. You are merely the messenger. He and your study partner are the ones doing all the work. You have the great privilege of seeing the marvelous works our Lord does and Our Heavenly Father gets all the glory – always!
If you would like more information, or have any questions please