This is a Guest Post by Nate Beaird.
The Book of Proverbs speaks a lot about wisdom. One of those Proverbs has guided me since I was about 19 years old. I spent the first 18-or-so years of my life acting like I knew everything I needed to know. If anyone knew I had listened to my parents, my reputation would be shot– you understand.
After a few weeks away from home at college, it clicked. As I started realizing my call into ministry, my dad helped me focus it. Conversations of how I could and should be involved in ministry took place, as well as conversations about how my generation and his generation could combine our efforts. Since those conversations, I’ve never missed an opportunity to soak up some wisdom from him.
For over 30 years he’s been involved in ministry; church planter, associate pastor, senior pastor, district leader, and now regional leader. In addition to leading the Southeast Region of Open Bible Churches, he’s getting his Doctorate in Organizational Leadership, he advises pastors across several denominations for church revitalization, and is almost finished writing a book.
In case that isn’t enough, he’s very recently started a blog. This is continuing in our dynamic scheme to be Kingdom–Minded. To disciple people via the web. To leverage technology for Christ, and let my dad’s years of experience become viral. It’s killing the two proverbial ministry birds with one stone.
Our relationship over the years portrays not only mentoring, but reverse-mentoring as well. For years, he’s been able to mentor me, but I haven’t had very many opportunities to mentor him. I helped him set up his blog, answered a few questions, and he took off with it– I have to say, I’m really very proud of him!
After all these years, Dad’s helped me put a lot of things in my life in perspective. If I reach half of the lives my father has reached for Christ thus far, I’ll live a great life story! It’s not about him passing the ministry baton to me. It’s about him blessing the ministry baton I already have, and both of us running the race together.
Take some time to reverse mentor someone who has helped shape your life to what it is today. Run the race with them. I hope you can see what I have seen, and enjoy the new perspective!
[Image from Ariel]
John Glisson says
You are very fortunate to have such a relationship with your earthly father. I am waxing jealous right about now!
human3rror says
seriously. same. (a little).
Kyle Reed says
After searching for a mentor for a very long time, I came to the realization that my dad has been mentoring me my whole life and I have taken it for granted. Though the mentor relationship has its limits (because he is my dad) this has been a huge blessing for me.
Reverse mentoring is huge. I definitely recommend Crep s book, it is really good.
Not only are you gaining wisdom and insight when you are mentored you are also learning and growing when you mentor others.
This has been a passion of mine and has led me to even start a Project up called the Mentor Me Project.
Starting the conversation about mentoring is important. January is national mentor month and what better way then to kick it off and start discussing this important topic. Good stuff.
Nate Beaird says
Thanks everyone! I'll check out Crep's book too, thanks for the link!
Tim Bednar says
Just a note – my friend Earl Creps wrote a book on Reverse Mentoring.
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Reverse-Mentorin…
human3rror says
thanks for this!