February 2010 -- The Pastoral Care Summit Care Services/Staff Development Task Force had worked on both the Essential Functions of a Board Certified Chaplain and Spiritual Leadership Competencies. To grow in the profession as a board certified chaplain, and to prepare oneself for current/future leadership roles, one can be helped by learning from those experienced in the profession/ministry. The Task Force seeks now to encourage mentor/mentee relationship among our members that can help members learn and develop the skills, knowledge, and abilities to grow in their professions.

What is mentoring?

It has so many definitions today. Some point to its origin when Telemachus, Odysseus’ or Ulysses’ son, was entrusted to “mentor” – the trusted and wise counselor/tutor – when Ulysses went on his meandering. So the name has kept that connotation of someone being a trustworthy, knowledgeable person who offers guidance to another. Usually someone identifies another or others who played that role in their lives. It has not been a formal job description one has assumed!

What is a Mentoring Relationship?

Mentoring is an intentional, purposeful, professional development relationship that engages an experienced peer/colleague with another to provide guidance to assist that person to move forward with confidence towards goal(s) achievement in professional development. It is a “joint venture” in continuous learning that always remains the responsibility of the mentee to initiate and sustain. The mentor can be responsive and helpful to the extent that the mentee is responsible and proactive.

Why would someone seek a mentoring relationship?

Often one might look for a mentoring relationship when one determines he/she at a point in his/her professional career that he/she could use someone who is more experienced/ competent in the professional field, and is ready to commit oneself to the discipline of such a relationship to achieve certain professional goals and objectives.

Who is a mentor?

A mentor is an individual considered by the mentee to be more experienced/competent in the field, and who supports and guides another towards identifying and achieving professional goals and objectives. A mentor will be a competent, non-judgmental, engaging, patient, insightful person who can be a great listener and provide honest feedback.

Why be a mentor?

If you feel blessed in your ministry, and indebted to others who have helped you grow in your ministry, then here is an opportunity to “give back,” to share your own experience and wisdom. Experience the satisfaction of assisting another in his/her development.

Who is a mentee?

A mentee is an individual who is highly motivated and has the internal desire and drive to grow by taking the initiative to seek professional development and self-improvement through the guidance of another individual. This person will be self-reflective and self-critical about one’s personal/professional situations, able and willing to set and work at professional goals, responsible for initiating and maintaining a professional growth relationship, and able to express gratitude to the person providing the mentoring.

Why be a mentee?

Are you ready for a form of continuous learning for skills, knowledge, and competence? Are you willing to devote the time necessary to be engaged and involved participant in such a relationship?

How will it look?

Each mentor/mentee relationship looks different, depending on the mutual agreement/covenant. It might mean a monthly phone call, a series of e-mail exchanges, or (if possible) even face-to-face meetings. It should be set for no more than an initial twelve-month commitment.

Will this help my job placement?

Only you, as a mentee, can prepare yourself for your next job, or the next level of responsibility where you currently minister. The mentor can help you with setting goals, direct you to resources, and assist you with your self-assessment. The mentor can not be responsible to get you the next job.

Are there ethical considerations regarding this relationship?

Those involved in this professional relationship embody the best of our NACC Professional Code of Ethics.

Is this a paid relationship?

No, this is not a relationship that requires some remuneration for services.

How do I get started?

First, please reflect upon and be prepared to discuss with a potential mentor the following questions:

• Where you are in your ministry career?
• What are some of your short-term and long-term goals?
• Why you are seeking a mentoring relationship?
• What are some of your initial expectations of this relationship?

Secondly, NACC has available a list of potential mentors. These NACC members have generously offered their experience and time. If you would like to explore a mentoring relationship, please click here to get started.