It has been said that many people look forward to the New Year for a new start on old habits! Well, that's a pretty cynical view of the budding potential waiting to blossom in 2008!

Each New Year gives us a chance to get rid of old habits, pursue a new 'us,' and enjoy new challenges-- that's why we often make New Year's resolutions. The word "resolution" means: a decree, declaration, pledge or decision.

A New Year's resolution carries with it a lofty promise. It's a contract we make with ourselves and we fully intend to keep it. But it seems that most New Year's resolutions go in one year... and out the other!

So how do you turn your resolution into results?

I am glad you asked! You maintain your New Year's resolutions the same way you eat an elephant. Yes, the most enduring piece of advise my dad has given me is how to eat an elephant. I followed the technique in high school when I had term papers due. Later, I used his "elephant" advice during college and even when writing my books.

 

The way to eat an elephant, the way to turn your resolutions into results is... "one bite at a time!"

Through the years I have spoken with many leaders about what has worked, and not worked, in their mentoring ministry. As with almost everything else in ministry, what has worked in one church, may not have worked in another church. However, I did find similarities in churches that have a thriving mentoring ministry.

Successful mentoring ministries are:

• Christ centered
• well organized
• focused
• time specific

We will spend some time talking about the last three in our next issue, but first, I want to share some thoughts on mentoring that were sent in by Carmen Schroeder.

I love it when we are challenged to think outside of "traditional thought" and encouraged to dig into the Word for our answers. I think you will find Carmen's thoughts are definitely worth chewing on! (Thanks Carmen!)

Thinking about the background of the word 'mentor'... we are hard-pressed to find this word used anywhere in the Bible. Many of us really haven't studied much on the subject of mentoring and to be "Frank & Earnest," while Titus 2:3-5 are the verses most commonly used for women's mentoring ministries, many of us do not feel compelled to devote a lot of time building teaching relationships as described in in these verses because our lives are already much too hectic.

The word 'mentor' actually comes from Greek mythology. A wise man named Mentor was the guardian enlisted to care for Odysseus' son while he was away during the Trojan War. Mentor was a friend, advisor, and teacher to Telemachus, helping him grow into a noble hearted, clear thinking prince.

A word you will find in the Old Testament is 'merea.' (Robyne's Note: this word is used a handful of times in Genesis, Judges, Samuel and Proverbs and is typically translated as companion(s). The actual word in Hebrew is a masculine noun that means trusted friend and companion.)

Applied to a "mentoring" relationship...

• a Merea gives BECAUSE she has... she does BECAUSE she is!
• a Merea does not feel obligated to serve another that she may simply 'check it off her list of good works' for the day.
• a Merea is compelled by the LOVE of Christ.
• a Merea is always actively loving and working for the benefit of others, while she herself lacks 'no good thing' and is satisfied (Psalm 84:11).

A Mentor/Merea knows that before she sees changes in those around her, she must see changes within herself first. She is in the habit of ABIDING in HIS Presence.

In essence, we are to admonish one another to 'be' before we 'do' - and in so being (becoming), we shall be doing.

I am not proposing that we do not use the word 'mentor.' I am proposing, however, that we look deeply into the original Scriptural concept of being a teacher of good things in word and deed.

So take a close look at your mentoring ministry. Is it focused on discipleship and teaching women to live a Christ-centered life? Don't forget, one of the keys to a successful mentoring ministry is that the women involved are in an active and intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. When the women are Christ-centered, the ministry will be also!

In Him,
Robyne Beaubien
Editor

Book your 2008-2009 event today! Catch Bridget this spring - Tampa, FL; Elkin, North Carolina; Monroe, Louisiana; Springfield, MO; Tokyo, Japan. Listen to her new cd "The River" at bridgettaylor.com. First single "A New Day" coming soon to Christian radio.

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