How it Works

Individuals will either be a Shepherd, Mentor or Mentee and each group is a “family”.

SHEPHERD (oldest)

Covers the Mentor/mentee in Intercessory prayer.

Calls and checks on Mentor/Mentee for prayer needs.

May meet the Mentor/Mentee in person if possible to become acquainted with them and understand their prayer needs but this is not required. Prayer is the most important responsibility of the Shepherd.

MENTOR – (middle)

A season ahead of the mentee in age.

Disciple and Lead the Mentor/Mentee relationship by the following: Initiating and guiding the conversations (following the curriculum) with Mentee, encouraging and praying for the Mentee daily. Allowing the Mentee to discuss areas where they might need more support or direction.

By Listening to the Mentee rather than giving an “opinion” a mentor should point the mentee to Jesus and the Word, praying with them to allow the Holy Spirit to speak to them and provide answers.

MENTEE – (youngest)

Have a teachable heart and an open mind ready to hear from God.

Be open to meeting with and talking/praying with the Mentor.

Be willing to be open and honest and desiring to grow in the Lord.

FAMILY

A group consisting of a shepherd, mentor and mentee.

To Begin an 8-week session

Initializing the group: Gather names of the Shepherd, Mentor and Mentee. Goal is to have equal numbers of each. Give applications/questions to them. Pray over them A LOT.

Pair the “Families”: Rely on the Holy Spirit’s guidance. You can look to see if there are any common characteristics between the Mentor and Mentee. If you do not know them personally look at their application for common interests. Pray, Pray and Pray and God will guide you. Be patient for God to pair them.

Communication with Group: Setup a communication platform through group me, email or text.

Have a “Reveal” night. Gather all participants to explain the Schedule of the next 8 weeks. Share the vision and why mentoring matters. Have everyone introduce themselves and tell something about themselves. Consider a fun Reveal where the Families introduce themselves. Consider sharing stories from past programs and how mentoring has impacted others in the community. Conclude the night in prayer over the groups.

Topics and weekly meetings: Each Week send out the topic/devotional and check in with each family. Send a survey at 3-4 week point to check in and see how it is going. At the end of the 8 weeks gather the thoughts, comments, suggestions and feedback from the participants. This will help refine future sessions.

Celebrate: Have a final gathering and a time of reflection. This can be a time of fellowship and sharing of things that impacted each participant during the 8-week period. Encourage sharing praises, answered prayers and how the program helped the participant grow closer to the Lord.

The schedule for each Family

Each Mentor/Mentee will meet four times per month for 2 months (approximately each week). At least 2 of the weekly meetings should be in person and two may be by video conference or Facetime. Mentors and Mentees may meet as many times as possible or desired but must meet eight times during the two-month period, with at least four of the meetings in person.

Ideally the first meeting is face to face since this is the “get to know you” meeting. You may include your shepherd at this meeting but that is not required.

Meet weekly to discuss the topics given to you. These topics are guidelines for conversation. Allow your Mentee to share what is on her heart. As a mentor and shepherd, keep it positive and encouraging. Let them share, listen and point to Jesus and the Word. If you share your opinion, please share with them that it is an opinion and that they should listen to the Holy Spirit for guidance and direction in their life.

Weekly devotionals and questions will be distributed at the beginning of the program or a week at a time.