Mentor for Life
Finding Purpose through Intentional Discipleship
Published on 7. April 2016
Book
Paperback/Softback
272 pages
978-0-310-52235-5 (ISBN)
Description
Though churches are filled with good ministry programming-activities, outreach events, and an endless selection of options-many churches neglect their fundamental mission: to make disciples and equip them for service. All humans are asking the same fundamental question: "What is my life's purpose?" Through the pursuit of Christ and with a focus on his kingdom work, we find the answer to that question. Mentoring for God's kingdom helps us find our purpose and prepares us to lead well.
In Mentor for Life, Natasha Sistrunk Robinson lays a solid foundation for mentoring as intentional discipleship, within the context of a small community. It is based on God's kingdom vision, and challenge followers of Christ to consider the cost of discipleship.
Leaders in the American church is facing various challenges regarding the changing demographics and cultural climate in the world, and the discipleship crisis within the church. We must rise to meet these challenges, and develop creative ways of equipping all believers to mentor well. Mentor for Life shows how to develop mentoring relationships that function communally in existing small groups that are diverse and inclusive. It also presents a mentoring framework of knowing and loving God, understanding our identity in Christ, and loving our neighbor, which encourages theological reflection and cultivates a basic Christian worldview.
Filled with examples from Robinson's experience in the military and business world, this resource gives readers the wisdom and practical insight they need to disciple others. It proves an invaluable resource for pastors, small group leaders, seminary professors, and those who desire to take the initiate, make the commitment, and mentor others well.
In Mentor for Life, Natasha Sistrunk Robinson lays a solid foundation for mentoring as intentional discipleship, within the context of a small community. It is based on God's kingdom vision, and challenge followers of Christ to consider the cost of discipleship.
Leaders in the American church is facing various challenges regarding the changing demographics and cultural climate in the world, and the discipleship crisis within the church. We must rise to meet these challenges, and develop creative ways of equipping all believers to mentor well. Mentor for Life shows how to develop mentoring relationships that function communally in existing small groups that are diverse and inclusive. It also presents a mentoring framework of knowing and loving God, understanding our identity in Christ, and loving our neighbor, which encourages theological reflection and cultivates a basic Christian worldview.
Filled with examples from Robinson's experience in the military and business world, this resource gives readers the wisdom and practical insight they need to disciple others. It proves an invaluable resource for pastors, small group leaders, seminary professors, and those who desire to take the initiate, make the commitment, and mentor others well.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Grand Rapids
United States
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 203 mm
Width: 133 mm
Thickness: 16 mm
Weight
349 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-310-52235-5 (9780310522355)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
03/2016
Zondervan
€8.99
Available for download
Persons
Natasha Sistrunk Robison is the Assistant Director of the Center for the Development of Evangelical Leadership (CDEL) at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary's Charlotte campus. She is a blogger, speaker, non-profit, and ministry leader, wife, and mom. Connect with her at www.asistasjourney.com and Twitter @asistasjourney.
Content
PART I: THE TIME IS NOW CHAPTER 1: MENTORING: MISSION CRITICAL This chapter gives a general overview of mentoring and clearly defines mentoring for the Christian as intentional discipleship. CHAPTER 2: MENTORING: CONNECTING EVANGELISM AND DISCIPLESHIP This chapter shares how our Western approach to evangelism is incomplete without discipleship. The commitment to mentoring intentionally bridges this gap by making the connection between evangelism and discipleship. CHAPTER 3: INFLUENCES AND INDULGENCES: CULTURE AND THE CHURCH This chapter addresses how culture shapes our character, and how we, as believers in the Church, can glorify God and change the culture by mentoring or making disciples. CHAPTER 4: MENTORING AND MULTIPLYING: THE KINGDOM AND THE PRIESTHOOD This chapter contrasts the kingdom of this world with the kingdom of God. It acknowledges that Christians have responsibilities to both kingdoms and that as the priesthood of all believers we impact the kingdom of this world by making disciples who mentor and multiply. PART II: THE TEACHING AND TRAINING THAT WE NEED MENTORING: IT'S ABOUT PRESENCE CHAPTER 5: PRESENCE WITH GOD Knowing and loving God is the foundational mentoring pillar. Mentors/mentees are encouraged to draw near to God through reflection, solid, and silence. CHAPTER 6: PRESENCE WITH OTHERS Knowing our identity in Christ and loving our neighbors. It includes the practical "This is how we do it" summary of this mentoring principle. MENTORING: IT'S A CALL TO A DISCIPLINED LIFE CHAPTER 7: DISCIPLESHIP OF THE MIND Theological reflection and developing a Christian worldview must be taught to mentees. This teaching includes Bible reading and study. CHAPTER 8: DISCIPLESHIP OF THE SOUL The disciplines of prayer, fasting, journaling, and spiritual retreat are important components of mentoring. Chapter includes the practical "This is how we do it" summary. MENTORING: IT'S ABOUT GOD'S MISSION CHAPTER 9: MISSION ACCOMPLISHMENT AND TROOP WELFARE and the Apostle Paul teaches that disciples of Christ are indeed called to a disciplined life, and must therefore train themselves to live godly lives. CHAPTER 10: RALLYING THE TROOPS Mentors are intentional about drawing women into mentoring relationships. Chapter includes the practical "This is how we do it" summary. MENTORING: IT'S A CALL INTO COMMUNITY CHAPTER 11: BECOMING OUR SISTER'S KEEPER We have the Christian duty to look out for each of our sisters. CHAPTER 12: THE DISTINCT VOICE AND OUR TRUST Mentoring relationships require mutual trust. Chapter includes the practical "This is how we do it" summary. MENTORING: IT'S RELATIONAL CHAPTER 13: UNITY IN DIVERSITY Mentoring from the kingdom perspective of making disciples of all people groups means that we value unity in diversity and across generations. CHAPTER 14: EMBRACING ALL OF GOD'S WOMEN There are many issues that divide women in the church. It is important that we enter mentoring relationships with women who are different. It includes the practical "This is how we do it" summary. MENTORING: IT'S A COMMITMENT TO LOVE CHAPTER 15: THE MISSION IS SACRIFICIAL Mentors must remember their kingdom purpose for mentoring which is to equip disciples to live life on purpose for God and to equip others for His kingdom work. CHAPTER 16: SPIRITUAL GIFTS AND CHRISTIAN CHARACTER Mentoring actually develops character and prepares mentors/menteess for leadership anywhere. It includes the practical "This is how we do it" summary of this mentoring principle. EPILOGUE AND APPENDICES