Are U Considering becoming a Spiritual Mentor?
Currently, our church is running a series that is talking a lot about Big Brother and Big Sister type relationships within the church. This concept is where more mature Christians lead or mentor younger Christians and so on. I have been having a bit of a struggle with this as I have not seen this type of relationship lived out, even within the current circles that I participate. I certainly understand that the process can take some time to develop or mature and that in any relationship you open yourself up to vulnerability, but when some of those leading the charge are the ones violating the trust…I take issue with that.
This concept has been very successful within the secular realm of Big Brother’s and Big Sister’s mentorship program. Research shows that children matched with a mentor are more likely to succeed in school and in life. Children matched with Big Brothers or Sisters are:
52% less likely to skip a day of school
46% less likely to start using illegal drugs
64% more confident of their ability to perform their schoolwork
I do believe that the mentorship philosophy can be equally successful in the spiritual context as well. However, just as in the secular version of this concept, if an adult Big Brother or Sister violates that trust with the younger child it could have a huge impact on the outcome of that child’s life. I think the piece missing for me in the spiritual mentorship program is the lack of proper screening, teaching and realization of the HUGE responsibility this is. Not properly handled and it could have REAL lasting impact on spiritual growth for the younger Christian.
Taking on a Big Brother or Big Sister role within the church, in my opinion, is one of the biggest responsibilities you can undertake and it ABSOLUTELY should not be taken lightly or for one’s own gain. Some that I have observed around me do not fully realized the responsibility that this type of role requires.
Shut Up And Look Out The Window!
Over the last 6-8 months I have been asking God and praying that He will show me where He wants me and when it will happen. I have been questioning why He has taken me on the diversion I have encountered over the past year, when all seemed to be going fine prior to that. Well about 2 months ago I decided to stop asking “where are we going, when will we get there and how much further”, like some whiny kid in the backseat on a vacation trip. I finally said “okay God, You are in control…You are driving and wherever we are going is fine and when we get this is fine”. I clearly heard back…and I will paraphrase here, “Thank you, now shut up and look out the window.”
So, here I sit looking out the passenger side window wondering if that mountain in the distance is where we are going. If it is, there sure is a lot of distance still to cover before we get there. The longer I sit content and look out the window…the more it becomes okay. This has been a tough one to learn because I am a doer…probably why God has me learning it.
As a disclaimer, I know God may not speak to His children like I titled this blog, but He might, however it is much more humorous for me to look at it the way I paraphrased it.
Haiti…what the media is not reporting
Post Disaster Sunday in Haiti, as reported by CrossWorld.org
Five days ago – tens of thousands died; some are still buried alive; many others have not been found; thousands of homes are destroyed. The Haiti earthquake is a mega disaster!
But what does Sunday morning five days later look like – at the seminary – and all over Haiti?
People are worshiping God – “they are…singing, praying and rejoicing in God’s provision of protection,” says Phyllis Schmid. Worship services were held all over Haiti and at the seminary, Professor Jacques Louis preached and several people trusted Christ as their Savior. One young man requested to burn his charms and fetishes asking Bruce McMartin to run home to get some diesel fuel and matches. God is at work in Haiti.
Reuters news agency reported Sunday “many Haitians turning to God”. CW MK now a missionary in Haiti, Judy Dilus, heard a Haitian senator on the radio calling the nation to prayer. One thing is certain she says “people are turning to God in great numbers”. The National Post in Canada reports, “they praise God for their misery; they thank Him for sparing their lives and cheer each other up with rousing choruses of popular Haitian hymns.”
Perhaps not a normal Sunday … but an incredible Sunday! As people sang and worshiped God, helicopters passed over the campus, looking for the best drop sites – yes help is on the way!
You can give to the Haiti Disaster Relief Fund, through the CrossWorld website or by sending your check to the office in Kansas City, MO or Mississauga, ON.
Dealing with a Narcissistic Boss
Narcissistic Personality: a personality disorder characterized by extreme self-centeredness and self-absorption, fantasies involving unrealistic goals, an excessive need for attention and admiration, and disturbed interpersonal relationships.
Steven Demaio wrote and great post, “Leading When You Don’t Have Formal Authority”, In that post he talks about three principles. The one I liked the most and so often see is…
Demonstrate excellence without being cocky or solicitous of approval. “Bearing the burden of someone else’s ego is always a turn-off, whether the ego is already big or in need of puffing up. When an ego-driven person is your direct manager, you just hold your nose and do your best to perform in spite of the stench… Needy leaders are rarely inspiring.”
Just as an FYI to you…this is a problem that isn’t going to resolve itself, as vanity (excessive pride in one’s self, qualities, abilities, achievements) is rewarded in our society. Your ego driven boss is probably getting support from every one of his/her supervisors for this kind of behavior.
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