Mentor Training

A Heartfelt Testimonial:
One evening, while he was leading a gathering of around 70 people, Tommy Bowman was brought to tears as he described the impact that being the recipient of spiritual mentoring has had on his life and ministry; how he wasn’t sure he’d be able to do the work he’s doing without that sacred space – just for him – to be known, loved, and challenged.

The room was hushed as he paused and openly wept.  There seemed to be a collective wondering in the room:  What is this thing called spiritual mentoring?  What goes on during these sessions that would bring Tommy to tears?  What does this mentor say to Tommy that is so powerful?

This occurred at the end of last year when Tommy, a pastor I mentor from Mission Church in Bloomingdale, led a six week class to cast the vision of their church to their core group of active attendees.  It was on the second to last evening when the course narrowed its focus on something very near and dear to my heart – one-on-one mentoring/discipleship/intentional shepherding – whatever you’d like to call it.  The following week, when I was able to attend the class myself, Tommy introduced me to the group as the Tommy Whisperer.

I can relate to what Tommy is experiencing, because I’ve had some Randy Whisperers of my own, and I know how much being intentionally and lovingly poured into has meant to me.  It has changed my life in profound ways.  It has allowed me to enter into even deeper, more intimate union with God through the striping away of the things that held me back.  It has helped me discover who I truly am and what I’m meant to do with my time on earth.  The thought of it can still bring tears to my eyes as well.

There is something so powerful that happens in this type of intentional one-on-one and small group ministry.  Jesus himself modeled how focusing on the few can eventually impact the masses, even the world, through the multiplication effect.

It brings my heart great joy seeing the top leadership of a church embracing Jesus’ modeling and attempting to create a culture of personal discipleship and personal development within the church.

Through the vision Tommy cast on those two nights, many people began the process of formally mentoring others.  Last I heard, there were 36 known mentoring/discipleship relationships already formed.  Yeah, God!  And around twenty-seven other people who were in the class expressed that they needed more training before they could commit, which has led to the start of a mentor training class.

A Mentor Training Class:
Starting in February and going through the first week of April, Dan Ruta (another young leader I have the honor of meeting with) has been leading a six week mentor training class.  There are twenty-one people in the class.

I was able to attend (and even help lead) the third week of the training, as the group looked at tools that may help a mentor discern another person’s growth needs, as well as their own.

As I watched Dan standing in the front and leading his portions of the evening, it was obvious that he is a gifted leader and teacher.  It was really fun to watch him in action.

I’m so proud of Dan for taking this step of faith, leading this class.  It’s inspiring to watch him spreading his wings in an area that is awakening a great passion within him.  I wouldn’t be surprise if someday Dan ends up working at a church…or in some form of full-time ministry.

Thank You:
In the big picture, this ministry is like a little drop in huge bucket – or an ocean even.  Thankfully, God continues to use that little drop to ripple into the Church and into the world through these amazing young people we are investing in…with an impact that brings tears to people’s eyes.  I’m so grateful (as are they) for your prayers and for your financial support that allows this ministry to even exist.  May you be blessed abundantly for your compassion and generosity.

Is Spring Finally Popping It’s Head Up?

So far this has been the 3^rd snowiest winter in Chicago’s recorded history…and my back is feeling it from shoveling!  It’s nice to see this little guy popping his head up after being buried for quite some time.  (Note: He’s a yard ornament just off my patio that I see every day – except when he’s buried.  He’s a monkey riding a surf board.  I’m not usually into yard ornaments, but this one has brought me a lot of happiness.  When I look at him, especially with a squirrel sitting on top of his head, I just have to smile).

One nice thing about the Polar Vortex (inhumanely freezing cold) weather this winter is the beautiful and ever-changing art work on my windows…Yeah, God!  What imaginative creativity!