A second task for the student’s committee is to assist him in choosing an individual who will serve as a mentor during the internship period. We believe the mentor will serve as the most important part of the field training exercise. The mentor will be asked to meet with the student weekly to supervise and encourage. Regular reports are required by the Bible college. These reports are necessary for final graduation and diploma presentation. A final goal of the program is to make available to the student opportunities for continuing education.
Today’s leadership training methods, with heavy institutional emphasis, have strayed quite a distance from the models given in Scripture. It seems that the major technique of training in the early church was discipleship oriented. A master imparted by example and relationship. I believe that if we desire to improve the quality of our leadership training programs a return to the mentoring model is imperative.
Mentoring could be defined as “a relational process between the mentor, who knows or has experienced something and transfers that something (resources of wisdom, information, experience, confidence, insight, relationships, status, etc.) to a mentee, at an appropriate time and manner, so that it facilitates development or empowerment.” Several key points will lead to a more effective mentoring experience.
Mentoring is essentially a relationship between two individuals. The first step in making this experience fruitful is do define the relationship. Differentiate coaches, tutors and mentors. At the onset of a mentoring experience it is important for both individuals involved to work together to clarify the purpose and expected outcomes of the relationship on paper.
Further details for internship and mentoring are available by contacting the school administrator.