Seven Unique Aspects of Radical Mentoring

When we traveled to Minneapolis to host a Lunch and Learn about Radical Mentoring for pastors in the Twin Cities, we turned the mic over to Henry Williams, Senior Pastor of our host Five Oaks Church, to give a personal testimonial to those in attendance.

When Henry, who has led multiple Radical Mentoring groups, rose to address the pastors and mentors in the room, he gave a better commercial for Radical Mentoring than even we could have given. Here are the seven things he and Five Oaks love about RM’s approach to developing disciple-makers…

1. Flex schedule – Mentoring meetings are all scheduled at the beginning of the season, but they’re done so around when the mentees are available, not vice versa. Henry thinks this is unique. Typically, churches schedule meetings, and mentees, all of whom are busy, have to be available when the church says so.
2. Homework – “How many times do we discuss what we need to do in church groups but never do it or check back on each other?” Henry asks. Radical Mentoring homework drives home what discipleship is. Reporting back makes it happen. Change happens only when we practice discipline.
3. Vulnerability – What’s kept in the dark rarely gets better. Radical Mentoring creates an environment for mentees to share and be vulnerable with each other. As they open up about their struggles, it’s not unusual to hear them say, “Oh, you too? I thought I was the only one!”
4. Reading – To be in a Radical Mentoring group, mentees are required to read, most likely more than they currently do. One mentee from Henry’s first group said he hadn’t read a book since college over a decade ago, but as he finished RM, he and his small group co-leader have committed to reading a book a month together and sharing their net-outs.
5. Adaptability – The process can fit into almost any church context. The topics, books, Scriptures to memorize, and homework assignments are all adaptable to any particular church or denomination.
6. Tools – Henry encourages pastors to personally lead at least one group to understand the process and add some new tools to their ministry/discipleship/leadership toolshed.
7. Engagement/re-engagement of leaders and the older generation – People who have formerly served as deacons, elders, small group leaders, ministry leaders, etc., often get lost in the aftermath of service. Asking them to lead a Radical Mentoring group keeps them engaged and adding value. An old African proverb says, “When an old man dies, a library burns to the ground.” Those who pay it forward through small group mentoring live lives full of meaning as they pass on what they’ve learned to the next generation and beyond.

Scripture: Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. (Hebrews 13:7)

Mentor Tip: Rather than fly solo and mentor on your own, let us help you take Radical Mentoring to your church. There, you’ll find like-hearted people who’ll join you on your mentoring journey. To schedule a short phone call with a team member who can guide you, click here.

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