“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
2 Cor 3: 17-19
"Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.
Titus 2:3-5
Mirror Images, the women’s mentoring ministry at North Lanier Baptist Church is an exciting ministry that serves Christian women with the goal of providing opportunities for them to build a strong foundation and understanding of their faith. Through this ministry, relationships are formed and through Bible study, accountability, fellowship and prayer each women is encouraged to become an “imitator of Christ” in all aspects of life.
Being a mentor or a mentee is a blessing! A mentor is a friend, farther along in her Christian life who commits herself to serve, encourage, teach and guide a spiritually younger woman in her walk with God. Mentors are not “super spiritual” perfect people. There is no perfect age for a mentor or perfect experience that a mentor must have. Mentors just need to have a willingness to serve and a heart to use their experiences to guide and encourage a spiritually younger woman. A mentee is a spiritual friend who seeks the support and guidance of a mentor to help her learn and grow in her knowledge of God. A mentee may be a new believer or she may be a woman who has had a relationship with Jesus for many years. Being in a mentoring relationship is about developing a trusting, supportive friendship that glorifies God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of time commitment is involved?
Since it takes time to build a trusting relationship we request that mentors and mentees participate in this ministry for six months and, if things are working well, consider spending a year in their mentoring relationship. The goal is to form a strong, long lasting relationship that leads to a close friendship.
How often should the mentor and mentee meet?
We request that mentors and mentees meet at least every week for an hour during the first month of the relationship. Thereafter, we recommended that the mentor or mentee meet at least once every two weeks or as mutually agreed upon.
What do we do when we meet?
It is the responsibility of the mentor to ensure that time spent together helps to guide the mentee and assists her in deepening her walk with the Lord. Each woman will be in a different “place” and will need a different type of guidance. We recommend using a Bible Study or devotional to help guide conversation and focus on the Lord. The mentoring ministry can recommend Bible studies and devotionals once the mentor and mentee decide together the best area of focus.
How are mentors and mentees paired up?
To participate in this ministry, both mentors and mentees are required to fill out a profile application. Information written on the application is used as a tool to pair a mentor and mentee. The applications are then prayed over and considered by the leadership team. Matches are then made and a mentoring team leader introduces the mentor and mentee. The mentor and mentee sign a commitment agreement. Profile applications can be downloaded and printed from the Women’s Ministry section of the church website, www.northlanier.org. If you would like a hardcopy of the profile application, please contact any member of the Mirror Images leadership team.
Is there any training required to be a mentor?
Yes. Mentors must go through a mentor orientation program. This program is approximately 3 ½ hours of instruction and usually takes place in one meeting. However, mentors and mentees are welcome to join this ministry at any point during the year. We will arrange an orientation to accommodate any new mentor’s schedule.
What if the relationship “just isn’t working”?
Throughout the year, both mentors and mentees will receive calls from the leadership team. A relationship assessment will take place 12 weeks after a mentoring relationship is initiated to ensure it is going smoothly. If not, alternate options will be explored. After the 12 week assessment, the leadership team will contact the mentor and mentee every eight weeks to follow up on the relationship.
If you can be a mentor to a spiritually younger person, or if you could use some encouragement and accountability in deepening your relationship with the Lord, this ministry is for you! If you would like to learn more or would like a mentor or mentee profile application, you can print off the applications found on the Mentoring link above or contact the ministry coordinator, Andrea Brandt at womensministry@northlanier.org.
Mirror Images Leadership Team: Cheryl Dozier, Cheryl Cheyney, Ellen Mirakovits, Andrea Brandt, Karen Cleveland
