Choosing the Right Mentor
All the practical things that artists, churches, pastors and leaders, and arts supporters do to encourage a New Renaissance in the arts are so important to ushering it in, but in the end they won’t be enough. A real spiritual renewal in the arts will come through the power of the Holy Spirit…when we really learn to collaborate with God in our life and work.
New Renaissance Arts Movement
You want to form a creative arts ministry. But how? God has been nudging you about incorporating the arts into your church. But where do you begin? Many pastors and artists are ill-equipped to take those first steps. So, you find a mentor – a person who can guide you into the journey ahead; a soul who can council you on which road to take; someone who takes your hand and whispers wisdom.
Choosing a mentor is a huge responsibility.
How do you navigate the complexity? How can you be sure you have chosen the right mentor, the right guide?
This list empowers you with tips for the process ahead. We want you to be well-informed about what to look for in this space.
A BALANCED APPROACH
First, look for a mentor that helps you develop a solid vision but also empowers you to implement strategic change.
You cannot decide what to do (strategy) until you fully understand who you are and where you’re going [core values, mission and vision]. Likewise, a good identity-formation process that lacks an actionable strategy is a waste of time and money.
Scott Ball, Vice President of The Malphurs Group
Any mentor that lacks a comprehensive approach will undoubtedly leave you feeling frustrated and empty-handed. Without a comprehensive approach, your ministry is more likely to fail within two years. The best processes address all areas in a way that gives peace of mind that nothing has been left out – from drafting the proposal and presenting it the elders to recruiting volunteers.
In your interviews, ask potential mentors about their process and determine if it is balanced enough and inclusive enough to give you the results you’re looking for.
PHILOSOPHICALLY ALIGNED
At the same time, be sure that the mentor you choose has a philosophical or theological point-of-view that aligns with yours. The arts are unique to each church and their mission. Choose a guide who understands your value proposition and goals. You want someone who can help you compliment your vision, not detract from it.
ASSESSMENT
Next, when the mentor you speak with hears about your context (your specific set of circumstances), do they immediately jump to solutions or do they take the time to understand your unique situation? You cannot make good decisions without good information. Good assessment is central to an effective journey.
All churches have similar challenges, but the context and nuance are always unique. Be sure your mentor has a system for assessment that isn’t one-size-fits-all.
PROCESS
You need a clear process that empowers you to thrive. Does the mentor offer you a clear, step-by-step process? Do they present ways to adapt the process to your unique situation?
Make sure that you can get your mind around the process and be sure that what they outline suites your challenges and situation. Be sure you communicate your expectations up-front so that the mentor can clearly communicate that they can or cannot meet your requirements.
LISTENING
Finally, we cannot overstate the important distinctive of a good mentor: They listen.
The best advisors demonstrate this in the first conversation.
Do they take time to get to know you? Did they show genuine interest in hearing your story? Did they hear the dreams you have for your ministry?
Some mentors have out-of-the-box solutions with lots of glitz and glamour. But all of those can highlight a lack of interest in your distinct culture.
Make sure that the person you work with demonstrates authentic curiosity about you and your goals. Their curiosity will increase their understanding, grow your trust, and lay the groundwork for an exciting ministry. It will position you to break through barriers and maximize your impact.
You have accepted the call to adventure. Find a mentor who can:
#1: Ease your fears by assuring you that there is a way through, no matter how obscured or unclear it may be at any given time.
#2: Help you reach within yourself and to find the courage, strength, and wisdom inside yourself that you didn’t even know you had.
There is a call