Mentoring and advice

Mentoring with Locke this week focused on teaching classes and general advice. Getting people to talk in class is one of my goals and priorities. Locke offered that the initial activity is the key. Poll the class on a question and then inquire why. Other possibilities is small group work that answers questions and then comes back and reports. In order to keep people engaged after the initial activity try PowerPoint and handouts. I have already incorporated handouts in some of my classes but PowerPoint is an idea for the auditorium class. Mostly I will see if I have time to create something.

Second was general advice. Locke offered 4 ideas on our future work in full-time ministry.
1) Arrive early for things. I already do this for the most part but having a kid adds another element that I am working with.
2) Consult with elders and staff about vacations before setting times and buying plane tickets. Even get it in writing via email. This came up in our situation when there was some miscommunication and all three ministers were gone for a Wednesday. Each one thought we had told enough people but none of us had it in writing.
3) I have a tendency to not finish things because I get overwhelmed with trying to do to many good things. Focus on what I believe God has led me to do and make sure I am spending time with my family. Learn to say no and don't promise anything unless I set a deadline and then report back to whoever on it.
4) This goes along with point 3, Don't speak up or get involved unless I'm able and willing to be the lead person. Provide guidance when asked but don't lead or take over the situation. This is difficult because of my dominant personality. Locke suggested if I focus on campus ministry and display and share that excitement it will be easier to avoid taking on too many things. I can say I have too much going on in campus ministry right now to accomplish this task and then proceed to share one or two of the great things I am working on. I like this focus and will try to incorporate it immediately.

Locke is a great mentor and I am thankful that he invests in training me.

For ministry I will have mentoring with Drew today and will meet with Brandon & Amanda on Sunday to set up a Bible study with them. It's an exciting time.