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MENTORED MINISTRY

About Mentored Ministry

Partnership in Mentoring
There are several players on the mentored ministry team, whose roles are clarified by their function in formation. This mentoring mix invites deeper integration of the head, hands, and heart with Jesus or develops and connects beliefs, practices, and virtues.

First, Pastoral Mentors come alongside students on the journey to maturity in ministry for shared action and reflection. The Pastoral Mentors meet with students at least two times per month for focused feedback about “hands-on” ministry skill development, along with periodic attention to both theological reflection and soul care.

Second, Congregational Mentors are a small group of three to five committed members within the church or ministry agency intended to provide encouragement and support to the student and evaluation of the student’s progress. This team will meet at least four times per year.

Third, we will strengthen mutual theological reflection through peer mentoring groups. Figuratively speaking, we’ll integrate the “head” with “hands-on” ministry as students think deeply about ministry and consider next steps. Such group reflection will occur once a month. 

Fourth, we will integrate mutual spiritual direction into field education through these same peer mentoring groups. Figuratively speaking, the “head” work of theological reflection and “hands-on” work of ministry activity integrates with the “heart” work of spiritual formation. We learn together to pay attention to the Spirit stirring within us and around us as we listen for the Lord’s leading. Such mutual spiritual direction will occur once a month in peer groups.

“I am excited to facilitate mentoring among emerging and existing pastoral leaders as students connect other areas of seminary study with mentored ministry activity.”

Dr. John McNally
Director, Mentored Ministry
Assistant Professor of Practical Theology

Contact
Rev. Dr. John H. McNally
Director of Mentored Ministry Program
PHONE: (902) 585-2231EMAIL: john.mcnally@acadiau.ca

Cycle of Engagement

Mentored Ministry is an invitation to integration. We take lessons learned about biblical, historical, and theological foundations in dialogue with ADC courses in the practice of ministry by putting these principles into practice in a unique field education context or mentored ministry placement. Ideally, students participate in a continuous cycle of critical engagement as course content intersects with ministry praxis. In all this, we give glory to our God and Father as Christ is formed in us as the fruit of the Spirit grows in us (Galatians 1:3-5, 4:19, 5:22-25).

As pictured, the questions and implications of areas of study inspire and inform other areas of study and ministry on the journey to maturity.

Videos

Congregational Mentor Orientation Video

Mentored Ministry Materials

Mentored Ministry Handbook

The Mentored Ministry Handbook contains is a comprehensive document outlining all aspects of the program.

(updated June 2022)

TOOLS
ResourceAboutDownload Link
Group Spiritual DirectionThe purpose of group spiritual direction is to provide a place where individuals can experience what it means to be listened to and loved by others, so that they can learn to listen more attentively to God in their daily lives and be used by God to spread God’s grace and love throughout the world. Download
SELAH Group Spiritual Direction ArticleThis article describes the mutual spiritual direction or peer group spiritual direction that I am developing in the Mentored Ministry courses at ADC. This process could be explored as part of inviting others on the spiritual journey of maturity in community. Article Download
Formation JournalA practical tool to guide reflecting on the head, heart, and hands-on areas of ministry or related beliefs, virtues and practices.Download
Journaling about Head, Heart, and Hands ArticleThis article describes the personal and communal benefits that students receive when they engage in the spiritual practice of journaling. It asserts that journaling is a vital tool for cultivating formation.Article Download
REFLECT Process This is to be used as a reference document to guide you through theological reflection.Download
Group Theological ReflectionThis is a practical tool for reflecting sensitively in ministry situations by integrating insights from Scripture, culture, theology, history, etc.Download
GROWA practical guide for effective coaching conversations.Download
FORMS

The forms below are very valuable in assessing the student’s growth in ministry and maturity. Pastoral and congregational mentors can use these tools to facilitate an encouraging and challenging PLACE (Pray, Listen, Affirm, Coach, Evaluate) that is described further in the orientation video below. In your interactions, remember to always share the truth in love with your student.

Serving-Learning
Covenant
Mentored Ministry
Preaching Feedback Form
Mentored Ministry Competence and Character Feedback Form

Recommended Resources

We’ve collected a list of some of the best resources available related to various aspects of the practice of ministry.
Click the tabs below for a listing of books, websites and various resources in that area.
Be sure to check back often as we periodically add more recommendations for resources. Bolded titles are required texts for related ADC courses.

Calling
How can we understand God’s call for direction in our vocation?
  • Guiness, Os. The Call: Finding and Fulfilling the Central Purpose of Your Life. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2003.
  • Kise, Jane, David Stark and Sandra Krebs Hirsh. Life Keys: Discover Who You Are. Minneapolis: Bethany House, second edition, 2005. [Mentored Ministry I: PAST 7013]
  • OR Kise, Jane, Kevin Johnson, and Karen Eilers. Find Your Fit: Unlock God’s Unique Design for Your Talents, Spiritual Gifts, and Personality. Minneapolis: Bethany House, rev. ed., 2018. [Mentored Ministry I: PAST 7013]
  • Palmer, Parker J. Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2000.
  • Smith, Gordon T. Courage & Calling: Embrace Your God-Given Potential. Downers Grove: Inter Varsity, second ed., 2011.
  • Smith, Gordon. Consider Your Calling: Six Questions for Discerning Your Vocation.Downers Grove: Inter Varsity, 2016.
Gifts
How can we discover and develop our spiritual gifts?
  • Fortune, Don, and Katie Fortune. Discover Your God-given Gifts. Chosen, rev. ed., 2009.
  • Kise, Jane, Kevin Johnson, and Karen Eilers. Life Keys Leadership Resource. Minneapolis: Bethany, 1998.
  • Rees, Erik. SHAPE: Finding & Fulfilling Your Unique Purpose For Life. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2006.
  • Schwarz, Christian. The 3 Colors of  Your Gifts. Berrien Springs: NCD America, rev. ed. 2017. [Mentored Ministry I: PAST 7013]
  • Wagner, Peter. Your Spiritual Gifts Can Help Your Church Grow. Regal, rev. ed., 2005.
Church
How can churches develop gift-based ministry?
  • Bugabee, Bruce. What You Do Best in the Body of Christ. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, rev. ed., 2005.
  • Cordeiro, Wayne. Doing Church as a Team. Ventura: Regal, rev. ed., 2004.
  • OgdenGreg. Unfinished Business: Returning the Ministry to the People of God. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, revised edition, 2003.
  • Schalk, Christoph and Jon Haley. How to Implement The 3 Colors of Ministry in Your Church. Carol Stream: Church Smart, 2001.
  • Schalk, Christoph. How to Use The 3 Colors of Ministry in a Mentoring Relationship. Carol Stream: Church Smart, 2001.
  • Schwarz, Bridgette. How to Study the 3 Colors in Your Small Group. Carol Stream: Church Smart, 2001.
Career
How can clarifying calling shape selecting occupations and searching for jobs?
  • Bolles, Richard. What Color Is Your Parachute? A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters & Career Changers. Berkeley: Ten Speed Press, 1999.
  • Brennfleck, Kevin, and Kay Marie Brennfleck. Live Your Calling: A Practical Guide to Finding and Fulfilling Your Mission In Life. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2004.
  • Buckingham, Marcus. Go Put Your Strengths To Work. New York: Free Press, 2007.
  • Covey, Stephen R. The 8th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness. New York: Free Press, 2004.
  • Siciliano, Tom, and Jeff Caliguire. Shifting Into Higher Gear: An Owner’s Manual For Uniting Your Calling And Career. San Francisco: Jossey Bass, 2005.
  • Rath, Tom. Strengths Finder 2.0. New York: Gallup Press, 2007.
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