The life and work of a mentor, coach or professional supervisor, really any career in Christian leadership, comes with many different seasons. There will be beautiful warm springs full of hope and productivity, and long hot stretches of summer full of life and passion for the calling. However, there will also be chilly autumns full of uncertainty and doubts, as well as cold and harsh winters that may give in to depression, stress and burnout. Of course, the seasons of a Christian leader’s life rarely line up with the annual changes of weather, but the awareness of the good times following the bad, the difficult seasons following a happy and hopeful one, is an ongoing pattern. This is a truth that all leaders need to accept and anticipate…

Christian leaders spend a great deal of time reading the Bible, studying scripture and applying it to their daily lives. We return to Scripture for obvious reasons: we read it primarily to hear God’s word, and also for instruction on how to live like Christ, be a better disciple, and be a better leader. Daily reading also helps us with personal discipline, the practice of reflection and a reminder of God’s great love for us. Reading the Bible and applying its words can bring transformation…

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, but there are a few that stand out as foundational…