Introduction

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Congratulations!  You have decided to use your gifts, experience and wisdom to help candidates develop theirs.  Mentoring is an exciting ministry and one that is very important. As people answer their call, it is vital that they have a relationship with someone who can answer their questions and help shape them into the competent clergy persons they desire to be.

The Candidacy Guidebook, Answering the Call (posted in "General Mentoring Resources" section found on the homepage) begins by explaining the ancient image of the pelican as a symbol for Christ, and as a symbol for the mentoring relationship.

First, build your relationship on clear expectations

Answering the Call says, “Candidacy mentors are trained to give counsel and guidance and to create a hospitable place for reflection and growth.” (p. 16) The authors of this course hope it will help provide the training promised!

Mentors’ expectations from Mentees include...

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• Mentees are expected to take ownership of their process. They set their own pace, taking a major role in determining the agenda and asking for what they need in order to meet their timeline goals. It is the candidates’ task to discern whether or not they are ready for the next step in the process.
• Mentees are responsible for being on time to appointments, meeting deadlines, keeping commitments, and staying in contact with their mentors on a regular basis.
• When meeting, the mentee’s attention will be fully focused on the interaction with the mentor (cell phones should be turned off).
• Mentees should listen carefully and take feedback and suggestions seriously.

Mentees’ expectations from Mentors include...

Respect

Have respect for your mentee and their time. You expect them to keep their commitments, and they should be able to expect you to honor yours. Make every effort to meet regularly as agreed, to give them feedback as quickly as possible, to be present at interviews (if appropriate) and to write and submit Mentor Reports as required. If you need to make a change, please make them aware as soon as possible.

As with the mentees, Mentors should give their full attention to the candidate during a meeting. The mentor should be proactive about fostering a calm environment free from distractions (e.g. turn off your cell phone, and tell your administrative assistant you are not to be disturbed).

Confidentiality

Confidentiality and trust are vital in this relationship. It is very important that mentees understand that what they share with you goes nowhere else. In your reports for DCOM and conversations with the committee, do not share anything they have not given you permission to share:

(Regarding reports to the DCOM) Your mentor prepares this report and shares it with you before sending it, and you and your mentor will consent to the content of the report. It will not contain any confidential information without your permission. In fact, no conversation or personal information is shared in the report unless you give written permission.  (Answering the Call, p. 18)