MENTOR’S ROLE ’06-‘07

(Parents, please help your child find a mentor and explain to that person the mentor expectations listed below)

Congratulations! You have been chosen by an adolescent to be a mentor! Count it a privilege to be asked!

Your mission, should you choose to accept it is to: meet with your student once a month October – April  (for 7th and 8th grade) to build a friendship, learn more about faith and have fun.

A spiritual mentor is an important and vital element in the spiritual growth of youth. A mentor is one who will encourage youth in their relationship with Christ. Studies by Search Institute have shown that a regular dialogue with an adult other than a parent on faith-life issues has a significant impact on the spiritual growth of youth.

The acronym FAITH provides an easy reminder of the characteristics of a spiritual mentor:

1. Faithful: dependable, fulfills commitments.
2. Available: willing to make time to invest in the life of a young person.
3. Initiator: initiates contact with the student. Good people skills - able to relate well with youth.
4. Teachable: willing to grow, interested in learning.
5. Heart for God: desires to follow Christ wholeheartedly.

To be a mentor you must be:

1. A Christ follower (believer).
2. Agree to a background check.  Begin by filling out the form:  Permission to Obtain a Background Check.
3. Able to meet once a month with your student October – April to develop a friendship, participate in a learning experience of your
4. Able to attend Journey Sunday April 29th at 9:30am.
5. Promise to affirm your student, at the end of eighth grade, with a “life verse” at the Journey worship service April 29th.

You also might want to remember to:

• Pray for your student.
• Encourage them in life and faith.
• Be a good listener. conversation.
• Be aware of special events in their lives (e.g. school events, birthday etc) and possibly even attend or ask about one or more of their events.