Marks of a Mentor

Growing up I was constantly looking for a mentor wherelver I could find one. And for some reason…there were always many spiritual mothers in my life. But it wasn’t until I went to the UTC East Coast that I found a mentor that has really impacted my life. His name is Pastor Patrick Robbers. Since then, he has connected me with other mentors in my life as well. After reading “As Iron Sharpens Iron,” by Howard Hendricks I came across something he shared about looking for mentors. He mentions this list in his book. I mention this list because this generation could use a lot more mentors. So by going over this list…see if you have mentors in your life that meet these requirements and see if you have what it takes to be a mentor to another.

10 Marks of a Mentor

1. Seems to have what you personally need
It could be a skill, a discipline, etc. But the main thing is to surround yourself with people that will challenge you to go to another level. When you surround yourself with people that have what you already have…it’s pretty impossible to expect a change in your personal life.

2. Cultivate Relationships
You want to talk to people persons. It would be very difficult to establish a relationship or work with people that don’t like being around people. You might get on thier nerves and chances are…you won’t enjoy the beauty of a family relationship that everybody longs for. That’s one of the blessings of a mentor/student relationship…the ability to have an extension of you personal family.

3. Take a chance on you
Huge. We don’t all start out on the top of the world. And it takes someone to see us as we’re going to be. That will really cause someone to build thier confidence. It worked with me and I believe it could work with you.

4. Respected by other christians
Great to have a good reputation with others. Don’t want to be close to a leader or a person that has a stanied or tarnished name. You can learn something from everybody…but be careful who you’re close to.

5. Has a network of resources
It’s not always finances. I believe in youth ministry…that’s huge. It could be people, books, articles, etc. Ex: I may not know anything about being an evangelist…but I can introduce you to Evangelist…

6. Consulted by others
Other people desire the advice of this leader as well. He’ll have some experience or expertise in that specific area of you life. And if he’s helping other people out…he’ll be able to help you too.

7. Both talks and listens
This shows great concern for both the person talking and listening. This is what helps the relationship go deeper and have greater meaning. Proverbs 17:17, “A friend loves at all times…” Great friendships are founded on conversation…which builds trust…which helps build strong accoutability. “The wounds of a friend can be trusted.”

8. Consistent in lifestyle
Emotional rollercoaster…be careful. A leader influences…so be careful who you allow to influence your life. Just might rub off on you too.

9. Able to diagnose your needs
This is in my mind the greatest Mark of a Mentor. See friends will just talk about thier needs…maybe even vent to each other. But that’s usually as far as it might go. If it stops there, nothing changes. You just might feel a little bit better because you got it off your chest…but you need a mentor to show you how to deal with something. That’s a true mark!

10. Is concerned with you interests
They should care about you…it really works both ways too. You’ll want to see their vision come to pass as well. You won’t just be there in the hard times, but celebrate in the great times as well.