For many years, our congregation’s Mentoring Program has helped young people deepen their faith and feel more connected to our church community. Beginning around 6th grade, youth have the opportunity to be paired with an adult mentor who walks alongside them as a listening ear and fellow companion on their journey of faith. The program has been extremely meaningful for many, yet I could tell there was some need for rethinking parts of the program.

Over the past year, I have been working to refresh and strengthen this program, both to make it easier for mentors and mentees to get started and to focus more clearly on spiritual formation. The updated structure is now ready to go, and I am excited to be moving forward with matching up new pairs for this opportunity. 

A few key updates shape the renewed Mentoring Program:

• A Shared Covenant: Each year, new mentoring pairs will fill out a short covenant together. This helps both the mentor and mentee set clear expectations, dream up possible activities, and start their relationship with intention and focus.
• One-Year Commitment: Instead of expecting mentoring pairs to continue indefinitely, the new model encourages a one-year-at-a-time approach. This makes it easier for mentors to say “yes,” and pairs who wish to continue beyond the first year can simply recommit by filling out a new covenant.
• Formational Tasks: The biggest addition is a new set of “Formational Tasks” designed to help focus mentoring on spiritual growth and engagement in the life of the church. These tasks connect to the seven commitments in CMC’s Membership Commitment and provide concrete ways for mentors and mentees to explore faith together while still leaving space for creative ways to build a relationship. Whether through “prayerful listening”, “honoring all seasons of life”, “pursuing wholistic peace with justice”, or simply participating in our faith community in a new way, the hope is that these tasks help focus our program just as much on spiritual exploration and growth as on building a relationship. 

While the program typically begins with middle school youth, any young person in the congregation is welcome to be part of it. And just as importantly, we are always looking for adult mentors who feel called to walk alongside our youth in faith and friendship.

If you’ve ever thought about becoming a mentor or simply want to learn more, this is a wonderful time to get involved. Even if you do not see yourself as being “good with kids,” my hope is that this refresh of the program provides enough focus and structure that any adult willing to put in the time can be successful. I am anticipating needing many new mentors to come on board, so I hope you will prayerfully consider it. A full Mentoring Program Handbook is available for anyone who would like to read more about the vision, expectations, and structure of the program.

Together, may we continue nurturing a community where faith is shared, curiosity is welcomed, and every generation helps the next grow in love and discipleship.