Debbie Stuart, Director of Women’s Ministry at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, TX, shares her training handout used in the women’s mentoring ministry. She has it printed out in booklet form using attractive fonts and formatting. After the training session, the booklet is kept as a reference by the ministry participants.

Purpose:

Spiritual growth through friendship

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work.

Ecclesiastes 4:9

What is the Mentoring Ministry?

It is a ministry for women of all ages based on Titus 2:3-5. It is a ministry that intentionally develops friendships among women of different generations. Women invest in the lives of each other through encouragement, guidance, listening, laughing and loving. The goal is to form strong and lasting relationships that are a source of support, growth and strength.

What is a Mentor and what does she do?

  • A mentor is a wise woman who is mature in faith and consistent in godly conduct.
  • She is willing to listen, share skills, and provide a positive perspective for life experiences.
  • She provides wisdom and offers a spiritually sound, safe and fun friendship to a younger woman.
  • “One leads simply because she knows the path a little better.”

What is a Merea and what does she do?

“Merea” is a Hebrew term that means “young friend.” A merea is a woman who welcomes the insight and knowledge of a more mature woman. She desires to develop certain skills and/or strengths for her personal, spiritual journey. She is looking for a woman who has dealt with the struggles she now faces.

Why have a Mentoring Ministry?

  • The Lord commands us to tell the next generation – Psalms 145:4, 48:13, 71:18, and 78:4.
  • Teaching what we’ve learned is the Lord’s plan for growth and maturity – Titus 2:2-5.
  • Spiritual friendships are extremely valuable in a woman’s life – Proverbs 27:9and17.

What commitment does the Mentoring Ministry require?

  • Your commitment is from _________ to _________ – about ____ months.
  • You agree to make contact once a week, i.e., email, calls, card, etc.
  • You agree to meet once a month, i.e., church, Bible study, fun activities, etc.
  • You agree to pray for each other regularly.

What are the important Mentoring dates and deadlines?

  • You can join the Mentoring Ministry from __________ until __________.
  • The Mentoring Prayer Team will pray over all profile sheets from __________ until __________.
  • Mentoring Matches will be made on __________.
  • The Mentors will be called by someone on the Mentoring Prayer Team.
  • You will be contacted by your Mentor the week of __________.
  • You and your partner attend the “Meet Your Match” covered dish dinner on __________.

How will I be “matched” with my partner?

It is a two-step process:

STEP 1: You must complete the profile sheet in the back of this booklet, and turn it into the Women’s Ministry office by __________.

STEP 2: Your profile sheet will be prayed over for 10 days. On __________ the Mentoring Prayer Team will determine the partners and begin calling the Mentors. Mentors will then call their new Mereas.

Can I choose my Mentoring partner?

Sorry, but no. We are allowing the Lord to make that choice. We choose best when we leave the choice to Him.

Do I have to be a member of the church to participate?

No, membership is not required; however, you must have evidence of faithfulness.

That we might be mutually encouraged by each others faith, both yours and mine.

Romans 1:12

Mentoring Ministry Special Events

Meet Your Match on __________, from _____ to ____ p.m.

Bring your favorite potluck dish to share with a new friend.

No cost or childcare.

Dallas Arboretum – __________, 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.

An Evening with Vicki Kraft – __________, 7:00 p.m.

Canton Trade Days – __________, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The Benefits of Friendship

1. Emotional

A. Love

Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

Ask not, “Do I receive this type of friendship, but do I give this type of friendship?”

Romans 12:10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. A great friend is ready to stand by at great personal expense.

B. Acceptance

Romans 15:7 Accept one another, then just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.

Acceptance is not permissiveness, but responsibility with the goal of maturity.

C. Support

Romans 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.

Proverbs 25:20 Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day or like vinegar poured on soda is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.

D. Freedom of Expression

James 1:19 My dear brothers take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. (someone to share deeply with)

Proverbs 17:9 He who covers an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends. (A friend overlooks an offense; does not betray a confidence.)

E. Consideration

Proverbs 25:17 Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house- too much of you, and he will hate you.

Proverbs 27:14 If a man loudly blesses his neighbor early in the morning, it will be taken as a curse. (A friend respects your schedule so she does not frustrate you.)

2. Spiritual

A. Counsel

Proverbs 27:9 Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of one’s friend springs from his earnest counsel. (Spiritual counsel from the word.)

Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. (A good friend stimulates and sharpens you).

Proverbs 13:20 He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fool suffers harm.

B. Speaking the Truth in Love

Ephesians 4:15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is Christ.

Proverbs 27:6 Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.

C. Encouragement

Hebrews 3:13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.

Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.

Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another.

Philippians 2:4 … look out for the interest of others (attitude of Christ).

3. Physical

A. Help in Work and Trouble

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work. If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But, pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!

B. Health to Your Body

Proverbs 16: 24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

Proverbs 17:22 A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. (A discontent and a bitter heart in a friend dries up the vitality of a relationship.)

Creative Ideas for Building Relationships
(How to Mentor and be Mentored)

1. Share a time when you were aware of God’s presence, help or timing in your life.

2. Read a chapter in the Bible every day; share once a week what the verses said to you.

3. Read the same book, a chapter a week, and discuss what you have learned.

4. Keep a daily journal describing how you have seen God in your life that day. Share some highlights with your partner each week.

5. What concerns have been on your heart lately?

6. Pray daily for your partner. Initiate praying together.

7. As you pray about specific problems, discuss how God has been answering your prayers.

8. Write a simple note or poem expressing your love or appreciation for your partner’s being willing to be your friend.

9. Give a heart-felt hug or touch.

10. Could you give an encouraging word? (Proverbs 17:22)

11. Drop off a surprise gift of two mugs you have made or bought.

12. Give a simple green plant – to grow as your friendship grows.

13. Call to sing or wish “Happy Birthday.”

14. Simple call to ask, “How are you?”

15. What is your talent? Could you make a simple memento for your partner?

16. Give a bookmark you made or bought.

17. Share a favorite dessert.

18. Meet for coffee, tea, breakfast, lunch or dinner (don’t forget going for dessert).

19. Share a normal activity: a walk, sporting activity, errand, meal, etc.

20. Attend a Bible study together.

21. Can you make an apple pie, balance a budget or make bread together?

22. Go to the Extreme Monster Truck Nationals together.

Resources on Mentoring

Becoming a Titus 2 Woman: A Bible Study with Martha Peace by Martha Peace (Can be done as a study for one or a group)

Between Women of God: The Gentle Art of Mentoring by Donna Otto Based on Titus 2

A Garden Path to Mentoring: Planting Your Life in Another & Releasing the Fragrance of Christ by Esther Burroughs

The Influential Woman: How Every Woman Can Make a Difference in the Lives of Other Women by Vickie Kraft

Women Connecting with Women: Equipping Women for Friend-to-Friend support and Mentoring by Verna Birkey (Comes with a study guide)

Spiritual Mentoring: A Guide for Seeking and Giving Direction by Keith R. Anderson and Randy D. Reese

Spiritual Mothering: The Titus 2 Model for Women Mentoring Women by Susan Hunt

Women Encouraging Women by Lucibel Van Atta About mentoring and discipling women, with practical applications at the end of every chapter. (Out of print, but worth trying to find at the library.)

Woman to Woman: Preparing Yourself to Mentor by Edna Ellison and Tricia Scribner (A Bible study for mentors)

Becoming a Woman of Influence: Making a Lasting Impact on Others by Carol Kent

Gifts of Gold: Gathering, Training, and Encouraging Mentors by Betty Huizenga

As Iron Sharpens Iron: Building Character in a Mentoring Relationship by Howard Hendricks

Divine Secrets of Mentoring by Carol Brazo

Guardians of the Gate – Enriching your Life Through Spiritual Mentoring by Ann Platz

The Heart of Mentoring by David Stoddard

p Mentor p Either p Merea (young friend)

2005 Step by Step Mentoring Ministry Profile Sheet

Please fill out all the information. Use the back or another sheet if necessary!

Personal Information:

Name: ______________________________ Age: _________ Birthday: ____________________

Address: _______________________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip: _________________________________________________________________

E-mail: ________________________________________________________________________

Phone: Home: _________________ Cell: ___________________Work: ___________________

Marital Status: S M W D Blended family

Profession: __________________________ Spouse’s Name: ___________________________

Children’s/Grandchildren’s Name(s) and Age(s): _______________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

Prestonwood Information:

Attended Since: ________ Bible Fellowship Class: _____________________________________

Other Church Activities Involved In: __________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

Tell us about you!!

Briefly describe your salvation experience. ___________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

Interests, hobbies, talents, desires, needs, hopes and passions! _____________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

What are you looking for in a mentoring relationship? ___________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

What do you feel you can give to a mentoring relationship? _______________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

What situations has the Lord allowed in your life that you could share in this relationship?

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

Please add any other information which will help us match you with the best partner.

Continue on the back if necessary.

Note: Please consider time restraints that would prevent a positive, successful relationship.

Two are better than one, for they have a good return for their work; if one falls down his friend can help him up. Ecclesiastes 4:9

“Step by Step” Mentoring Covenant

We will make a nine-month commitment to our mentoring relationship.

We will contact each other once a week and meet a face-to-face a minimum of once a month.

We will pray for each other and ask the Lord to deepen our bond of friendship.

We will spend time together, walking together through spiritual disciplines, involvement in various ministry events, or enjoying other activities together.

We will make an effort to keep our relationship ongoing, consistent and fun; we will always ask God to be a part of it and bless it.

We will make our relationship a priority, sharing openly and honestly, and set aside time for it in our schedules.

We will keep our sharing confidential – just between the two of us – unless we agree that it is OK to share with someone else. We will talk only about ourselves and our personal journeys.

Other promises we are making to each other:

We are committed

____________________________

(Mentor)