Finding a job isn’t rocket science. Put together a great resume, write an awesome cover letter, be prepared for the interview process, apply to the right jobs. BUT – ministry is different. And similar.
It is different because ministry is not only a job, but also a vocation. That’s why you say you’re called to ministry. Vocation comes from the Latin word “Vocatio,” which means to summon someone. It’s also tied to the concept of “vocare,” to be called upon. You are called to ministry; summoned into the work of ministry. The apostles Paul and Peter clearly state that.
It is also very similar in the sense that you are, well, looking for a place to work! You need to up your game; put your best foot forward. You want to highlight your experience, expertise, and education. All this is not very different from looking for a typical secular job.
But you are seeking God’s will concerning a place of ministry and you really aspire to be a blessing to the church you’d join. Having said that, most pastors are in the same boat as you. So, how do you get from where you are to where you want to be, professionally and spiritually speaking? Pastoral mentoring could just be that secret ingredient.
If pastoral mentoring can simply be defined as the teaching relationship between an experienced pastor (mentor) with an aspiring one (mentee), discovering the tenants of that relationship is then vital.
BIBLICAL CONCEPT
That pastoral mentorship is found throughout the Scriptures. When Israel needed organizational skills, Jethro mentored Moses who then mentored Joshua. The school of prophets has a great example in Elijah mentoring Elisha. King Joash was mentored by Jehoiada. Jesus mentored 12 apostles. Barnabas mentored Paul, who did the same with Timothy and Titus.
From Old Testament times to the establishment of the early Church, pastoral ministry was accompanied by some form of mentoring.
Mentees seek models to follow; they seek people who can teach them. Like Paul said repeatedly, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1; 10:34; 4:16 NIV) and “For you know that you ought to imitate us. We were not idle when we were with you.” (2 Thessalonians 3:7 NLT)
WHAT CHURCHES ARE LOOKING FOR
Churches will choose a candidate showcasing the professional and necessary abilities. Yet, something matters more at the core. A church, The Body of Christ, will be looking for someone who demonstrates a godly character like the Scriptures require. Advanced people skills are sought after since ministry IS ABOUT people.
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO GROW IN
Since you are “upping your game,” getting yourself ready for that perfect ministry position, the first question you need to ask yourself is what area(s) you want and need to grow in.
You can find an answer to that by reviewing what your direct report enjoined you to grow in. Personality tests, like our DISC assessment, are very advantageous. Perhaps you already know some areas which could be strengthened. You’ve done some sort of inventory of growth possibilities, becoming “imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you…” (Ephesians 5:1).
There are a few specific areas you may desire to improve and progress in. Character traits like open-mindedness, grit, and resilience could be part of that. Listening abilities, eloquence, and empathy may be part of the people skills you want to develop. In your godly life, upgrading your spiritual disciplines and improving your depth of biblical research are certainly necessary.
Before seeking the pastoral mentorship you yearn for, make a list of your growth possibilities.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A MENTOR
As important as your cataloged opportunities for growth are, finding the right person is at least of equivalent significance.
If you needed to learn how to repair your car, you wouldn’t ask a dentist, you’d talk to a mechanic; same concept here. You want to deepen the quality of your resumé? Pastoral mentorship is what you need. A good spiritual mentor will have what can be referred to as the S.K.E.W.: the Skills of the trade, the necessary Knowledge, the developed Expertise, and the Wisdom of years of application.
Additionally, a pastoral mentor must have some W.I.T. He must be Willing to personally Interact with you and take the Time. You will be developing a relationship with this mentor, and he will do the same with you. So, creating chemistry between the two of you is totally relevant.
When you know which areas you want to grow in, then you can start searching for your mentor.
WHERE TO LOOK
Maybe you already know someone who could fill the role of a mentor. That’s great. The next point will be about asking for it. If it isn’t your case, start by going local.
Is your pastor available? An elder or a deacon with a respectable reputation would be great, as well. Sometimes, closer is better. But what if that’s not an option? Your fellowship or denomination probably has pastors who could invest in your life. Check their websites. You’ll find someone.
Hundreds, if not thousands, of remarkable men and women of God attend Christian conferences on diverse subjects. Many will even have booths! Go meet them.
You can even search on networking platforms like LinkedIn or the John Maxwell Company.
Here is a secret place to find great people who could mentor you: look for those people who write in your favorite magazines or blogs. Reach out to article writers or even to some podcast hosts. These people could be very useful to you.
HOW TO ASK
Your last ingredient to get the pastoral mentorship that your resume needs is your ability to connect with the prospective pastoral mentor.
Prepare your version of the famous elevator pitch, that mission statement mentioning in 60 seconds why you need a mentor and why it should be the person you’re talking with. You’ll find some examples at the end of the article.
You already know what you want to grow in. You should also know why you would want pastor A over pastor B for your mentorship. Drive the conversation towards that.
Be ready to pay for a coffee, a meal, or your mentor’s time. He/she may not require that but be prepared for it. You’d be proving your willingness to grow and the seriousness of your endeavor.
Since you are searching, be willing to meet at your mentor’s time convenience. Their time is not more important than yours, but you are working on their timeline for this.
When you do finally meet with your mentor, prepare “How can I…,” “what needs to…” and “why” questions. It is your role to dig into your mentor’s S.K.E.W. Be an active listener and notetaker of your mentor’s generous teachings.
EXAMPLES OF ASKING (short versions)
- “Hello pastor XYZ, I’m starting off in ministry and I know I need to grow in aspect ABC in order to be the person God wants me to be. I have been following your ministry for the last (number of weeks/years) and I know how much I could benefit from your experience in leading young leaders like me. Any time and energy you could invest in my life would be deeply appreciated and fruitful. Would it be possible for you to do so?”
- “Hello pastor XYZ, I am looking for an experienced pastor to mentor and teach me in areas ABC. I have been praying and searching for someone who had the time and willingness to invest in a young and hungry leader like myself who really needs pastoral mentorship. I sincerely hope you could be that person. I will make myself available for any time that would be convenient to you.”
- “Hello pastor XYZ, I’m a young leader (describe yourself) that is looking for a pastoral mentor. I am learning to minister in the best possible ways, and I know I need some guidance. I would certainly appreciate it if you could be that leader for me. You are known for growing leaders in your ministry and sending off able ministers of the Gospel to churches. Would it be possible to meet with you, at a place and time of your convenience?”
- Be creative; you get the idea!
ADD TO YOUR RESUME
In conclusion, add the time, reason(s), and person you received pastoral mentorship from to your resume. The leader will assuredly give you good references. You taking the time to invest in your personal, professional, and spiritual growth is an exceptional evidence of the earnestness of your initiative. Any church will notice this on your resume, as it speaks volumes. This is what your resume needs!
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