Mentoring changes lives. When a spiritual companion accompanies another on an interior journey of the soul, a strategic re-wiring takes place which transforms deeply. For the next several weeks, you will hear from some of our trusted affiliate mentors with Leadership Investment Intensives. Today’s post is from Mary Yerkes, and it beautifully illustrates what can happen through the process of giving and receiving spiritual direction and mentoring.
Mentoring for Life and Leadership
Building Intentional Relationships Where Everyone Learns
After walking with Jesus for more than 35 years, leading numerous small groups and studies, and writing more articles than I can count, I’ve found nothing more effective—and necessary—for life and leadership than mentoring. Mentoring offers what nothing else can: an experienced guide and companion for life’s journey, one who shares insights and perspectives gained from a lifetime of learning.
The result of biblical mentoring is profound spiritual and emotional transformation—not only in the life of the mentee but also the life of the mentor.
I think of Meg, who initially came to me for mentoring through The 7th Year, but ended up continuing the mentoring journey for the last three years. She first came to me discouraged that her husband’s illness had taken them both off the mission field. As we wrestled with God together and sought His Word and presence in the midst of a difficult transition, it became clear that the season she found herself in was not only about “endings” but also “new beginnings.”
Through this season of wrestling with God and the many mentoring conversations we had, Meg began to sense a new call on her life. Today, she travels all over Eastern Europe equipping and discipling international leaders. She is truly a leader of leaders. We both marvel at the deep, transforming work God has done in and through her.
During our mentoring call a few weeks ago, we both sensed a significant shift occurring—not only has God called her to be a leader of leaders, but He has also called her to a ministry of mentoring. We talked about how God might use her on an international level as she works with leaders in Eastern Europe. We closed with a time or prayer, during which I metaphorically “passed the baton” of mentoring and commissioned her to serve as a mentor to the souls God has called her to in Eastern Europe.
Meg’s journey holds special meaning for me. Since first coming to Christ, I’ve dreamed of going on the mission field, but physical challenges have made that impossible for me. Because of my mentoring relationship with Meg, I feel that a part of me is on that mission field as well, that I have played some small part in the Kingdom fruit flowing through Meg’s life and the nations as she ministers to leaders.
She is also one of the most humble and honorable women I know. Through her life, I have seen and learned a deep humility and experienced a greater freedom from materialism and consumerism at a level that is new to me.
Meg’s story illustrates the profound impact mentoring can have on both the mentee and the mentor. After more than 35 years of walking closely with Jesus, I believe nothing facilitates spiritual growth and maturity more than one-on-one mentoring.
That’s why I invite you to prayerfully considering joining one of the 2016 Leadership Investment Intensive Mentoring Encounter cohorts. After participating in a Mentoring Encounter and now offering it to others, I can tell you from personal experience that it is a transformational journey like no other. Through it, you will be profoundly changed.
From Alicia: “Mary has been providing formal spiritual mentoring and direction since 2010. Never have I met a soul more seasoned by suffering. Mary exemplifies the sensitivity and authority that only comes from faith purified by pain. Leaders, if simple answers have lost their dazzle and you are ready for a deeper walk, Mary can guide you there.”
Applications are open for the 2016 Mentoring Encounters through Leadership Investment Intensives. Through retreats, intensives, practicums, and spiritual direction, Lii creates “quiet places” and practically equips leaders in the church and marketplace to discover new, sustainable rhythms of spiritual health and rest. Click here to learn more about Mentoring Encounter cohorts now forming.
