Why Invite Mentees to Apply to a Mentoring Group
For those old enough to remember getting something in the mail other than political ads or credit card offers, think back to yourself as a high school senior running to the mailbox looking for a letter from the college of your choice. You see the school crest, tear into the letter, and read the words, “Congratulations, you’ve been accepted.” There was a feeling of relief, accomplishment, and anticipation. Not to compare a Radical Mentoring group to a college application, but for many mentees, the experience described above is the last time they felt like they earned something.
When the Radical Mentoring team shares our story and process, a couple of questions are commonly asked, including “Why do you have mentees apply?” and “How do we find mentees?” Let’s explore…
First, the application. Most church programs are focused on more, more, more. And if you do have to sign up, it’s first come, first serve. Radical Mentoring is different. By having your mentees apply and only selecting the ones who best fit, you are working to ensure you only get mentees who will actually benefit from time in a mentoring group.
It may sound a little old-fashioned, but we want your mentees to feel the weight of the mentoring process. You want them to understand that they’re signing up for something more than a weekly Bible study or small group. The application should give them a sense of the mentoring process and the commitment level involved. When someone receives an invitation to apply, it lets them know their church identified them as someone they want to invest in.
But how do you find mentees to apply? We’ve seen churches set up a booth in the lobby or announce the mentoring program upfront or in the bulletin on a Sunday. But recognizing that all churches are different, we think the ideal situation is to solicit recommendations from your mentors, pastors, and other church leaders. Then, send individual invitations to those potential mentees.
Think of it in fishing terms. The first situation is like throwing out a net; you may end up catching what you are looking for, but you may need to cast the net a few times. The more targeted approach is like using a radar. You’ve looked under the surface and know where the fish are, so now you can drop the line and hopefully reel them right in.
You know your church and your people better than we do, but as you launch your mentoring season, remember the power of the invitation to be a part of something, the power of the application to convey the commitment involved, and the significance the mentoring experience can have for the mentees, their families, and their walks with Jesus.
Question: What are your best ideas for identifying and inviting mentees to be a part of your church’s mentoring program? Tell us here.
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Responses (1)
Dear Kevin,
Here at Engedi Church, I always solicit names and contact info of “heat-seeker” young men from our senior church staff (and former RM alums). In September, I send all candidates a detailed and formal “request of interest” letter, printed on nice paper, via USPS to each man, along with an email telling them to expect the letter.
There is a deadline by which to let me know if they are interested or not in taking “next steps”. When a man expresses interest, he will then receive from me a detailed invitation letter, which reinforces the gravity of the “ask”.
I then pray over all the returned invitations and assign them to one of three RM mentors (including me).
I think this system reinforces the concept the RM is not just another low-commitment church event.
And word has spread about actual results after five 11-month RM groups here at Engedi.
Thanks for asking!
Bill Bredemeier