Would you like to have a mentor?
You wrestle with the question. You have the desire for someone to listen to you, but also offer guidance in your specific season in life. Mentors can help us on our path to growth in our relationship with Jesus. They give insight into situations with our jobs, dating, marriage, parenting, etc.
Perhaps, you feel stuck about finding a mentor considering where to begin. I’m very thankful for the mentors God brought into my life. Sometimes these relationships happen naturally in everyday life, and at other times you have to pursue it.
Below, I want to provide you a few steps in finding a mentor and taking steps towards forming that relationship:
1. Identify two to three mentor candidates.
Think about the places where you interact with people: church, work, clubs, and groups. You have most likely met a few people who you think have the potential to mentor you. If for some reason you find yourself new to area or context, seek a pastor or leader for recommendations.
2. Invite a potential mentor to get together.
People can get stuck in this step. Often, mentors and mentees are waiting on each other to make the ask. Take a step of courage. Start by asking, “Could we meet? I would like to ask a few questions about life and get to know you?” When you invite, set the time and the place. Value their time and show up early.
3. If you have chemistry with the potential mentor, make the ask.
You met with this potential mentor, and you experience chemistry in the conversation. In a follow-up, ask them if they would be open to mentoring or meeting with you. Specifically, share where you think they could bring value to mentoring you.
4. Create a plan with them.
Will you go through a book? How long will you meet? When will you meet? What will each meeting look like? As you work with a mentor, answer these questions together. Having a plan provides clarity.
5. Evaluate the relationship at the end of the plan.
Some mentoring relationships gain momentum and others have set seasons. Work with your mentor to have a meeting to evaluate the plan and relationship. Identify what’s working and what’s not working? Discuss the future with them.
What steps have been helpful for you to find a mentor? Share them in the comment section below.
Photo by Ben White