Mentors needed

As I continue to reflect on the article I found by Leonard Hjalmarson, I wish to write about our need for mentors.  Hjalmarson says, "The role of mentors is to point searchers to God and encourage their dependence on Him. The role of mentors is to show by example how to walk forward without certainty, but with faith and hope and love.  The role of mentors is to lift others up, to serve without consideration of recognition or reward. If we can model this kind of service, we will help to birth a new kind of leader by our example."  To me, he is describing an ideal mentor.  In my experience, good leaders do not always make good mentors.  To me leadership is getting things done but through encouraging others and creating teams.  Hjalmarson is clear about the need for dependence on God and a sense of humility as a leader.

When I began a position in a congregation in 1993, I found a mentor.  I asked Charlotte Erlandson to work with me for one year.  She graciously agreed and we met once a month for one year.  We talked about topics and issues that I brought to the table.  I observed her conducting a committee meeting.  It was a most beneficial relationship for me. She did lift me up and received no reward except my appreciation.

I have tried to be a leader who works with and alongside others.  As a parent, I always cleaned along with my kids.  We washed walls together, prepared fruit for canning, and cleaned the house. In the congregation, I wipe down tables, run the dishwasher and work along others.  I like being in front telling stories and running the show but I think I model leadership best when I do the less glamorous stuff like cleaning the church refrigerator.