Be purposeful.
Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story—those he redeemed from the hand of the foe … Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.
(Psalm 107:2-8)
What is formational mentoring?
Formational mentoring is an ongoing relationship that nurtures a person's becoming-like-Jesus process through:
soul care habits,
an understanding of the stages of the faith journey, and
an acknowledgment of each person's unique spiritual gifts and makeup.
Formational mentoring is about story. First, the mentor needs to understand God's redemptive story and how that interacts with their own story. Then, they help you understand how your unfolding story is part of God's bigger story.
How does formational mentoring work?
Formational mentoring cannot be condensed into a formula because each mentoring relationship is informed by how God has uniquely designed the individuals and how He is orchestrating their faith journey. The frequency and length of meetings, the topics of conversation, and other details will be crafted to meet you where you are in your faith story. However, there are some concepts that transcend culture, history, generations, and life experiences that will be vital to the process of becoming like Jesus.
In each mentoring session, a formational mentor will listen well and intentionally invite you to engage with the questions God is asking all of us in Scripture. And each time you meet, you will find help to intentionally pursue the abundant life God offers to share with us.
What role does a formational mentor play?
A formational mentor will intentionally nurture the whole person - the head, heart, and hands. Formational mentoring will connect you with specific Scripture and spiritual practices to inform, invite, and influence you on your journey.
Inform: Together you will explore God's truth and learn how it intersects with life circumstances.
Invite: You can become aware of how God is drawing you into experiencing deeper relationship with Him.
Influence: As a result, you'll know the pleasure of engaging in God's purposes, satisfied in His plan.
What is the difference between mentoring, coaching, and spiritual direction?
A Life Coach might work with you for a short while to help you formulate a plan toward a goal, then encourage you to initiate follow-up steps to reach that goal. Transformational Coaching addresses change and goals so that you flourish from the inside out.
A Spiritual Director will sit with you and guide you with intentional questions as you hear from God about life circumstances and relationships. Spiritual direction helps you pay attention to God's presence and activity in your life and encourages you to respond with curiosity and freedom.
A Formational Mentor will, out of their own relationship with God, help you recognize and enjoy how God is at work to transform you through what is impacting your life. They will walk with you over a longer period of time as you acquire habits that bring you into God's presence and live in harmony with His plans for your unfolding story.
Some of the differentiating lines between these relationships are blurry. One of the primary differences is how mentors, coaches, or directors are trained to help you.
How will I benefit from having a formational mentor?
You will have a reliable, unbiased sounding board. You will feel heard.
You will receive affirmation and confirmation as you walk with Jesus.
You will confer with someone whose only agenda is to help you experience life with God.
You will have the level of accountability that you desire.