Three Foundational Qualities for Mentors

What are the most essential qualities of a mentor? There are, of course, an abundance of skills and competencies that are required to work in the field of professional mentoring or supervising. However, there are a few that stand out as foundational. 

The three essential qualities we want to focus on today are Mature Discipleship, Seasoned Christian Leadership and a Healthy Lifestyle. Without these traits, the odds that you will become a transformational and effective mentor/supervisor are slight, and you will likely cause more harm with your efforts than you will help your clients. Throughout the next blogs, we will be exploring these qualities in depth. For today, here’s a quick overview.

What is a Mature Disciple? 

A mature disciple is a person who is committed to being transformed into the image of Christ and committed to the Greatest Commandments and the Great Commission. A mature disciple loves God and loves others. They want to pass on their skills and experience to help new disciples transform into an example of Christ in the world.

I’d like to clarify that our emphasis is on being transformed, not on being perfect. We will never be as good or wise as Jesus, but we can continually pursue His truths and seek personal and professional growth. A mature disciple is committed to the transformation of themselves and their disciples. 

Luke 6:43-44 (NLT)

“A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. A tree is identified by its fruit. Figs are never gathered from thorn bushes, and grapes are not picked from bramble bushes.”

What is a Seasoned Christian Leader? 

Persevering through the experiences of Christian leadership prepares leaders to guide others. Seasoned leaders know the challenges and difficulties of the work, as well as its joys. They can see their weaknesses and strengths and always aim to improve themselves. This allows them to see their mentees better and provides wisdom to help them journey towards their own transformation. 

A seasoned Christian leader always pays attention to how they are doing. They reflect on what they could be doing differently and how to avoid past mistakes, and listening to the Holy Spirit’s direction. 

Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” 

What is a Healthy Lifestyle? 

Lifestyle choices impact a leader’s work more than many people recognise: they stretch beyond the walls of the workplace. A person who takes care of themselves, eats well, rests, exercises, spends quality time with loved ones, and makes time for their emotional needs will be more effective as a leader. A leader who fails to take their health (physical, emotional, and spiritual) seriously will find it negatively impacts their work. They may find themselves tired, frustrated, or depressed, which will change how they interact with the people around them, cloud their judgment, and affect their motivation towards their goals. 

This includes finding a healthy balance between work life and personal life. Dedicated leaders may have difficulties setting their work aside to care for themselves because they are passionate about their projects and their community. However, work without rest inevitably leads to burnout, ultimately significantly setting a leader back. 

A final reminder: 

The cornerstone of Christian mentoring is that it flows out of a relationship with God. Apart from God, the work of a mentor falls flat. John 15:5 tells us: 

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing.”

God is the X-Factor that allows for more than we could ask or imagine to be accomplished from a mentoring relationship. The wisdom and guidance of a mentor can take a person far, create positive habits, and help to find new insights, but relying on the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit will take both the mentor and their mentee on a life-long journey towards true transformation. When they both invite God into the relationship, miraculous things can happen. 

Reflection Questions:

• Where are you experiencing the transforming work of God’s Spirit?
• What practices are helpful to transformation?
• What practices reinforce old habits?
• What relationships are helpful to transformation?
• What relationships reinforce old habits?

Next Steps:

Who is supporting you? Can we help you find a mentor/coach/supervisor? Get in touch with us today. https://vervelead.com/contact/