Mentoring Lessons

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Stay true to your calling As a leader, are the talents you use equal to the talents you’ve received? I’ve noticed in myself—and in others—that we often misjudge our talents. Sometimes we overestimate them. Other times, we underestimate them. That’s why we need a team around us—people who love us enough to speak honestly, offering wise, caring accountability. No matter how talented you are, you still only get 24 hours each day. Many skilled believers lead large churches or ministries, but some eventually realize the role demands more than they were expecting. They spend time doing things others can do – choosing building colors, approving vacation days, adjusting salaries, or raising funds—good work, but time-consuming. Later, some leaders confess they miss discipling others or sharing their faith – the core things. They didn’t realize how little time would be left for personal ministry. Every leader has to do some administration and fundraising. But how much of your time do you want to spend discipling, sharing Christ, and growing in your walk? If you’re a younger leader, think carefully before saying yes to a high-responsibility role. It’s not about whether leadership is bad—it’s about whether it fits the way God wants you to invest your talents. Choose leadership roles prayerfully, not because they sound important, but because they align with how God has shaped you to serve. Scripture to ponder – Ephesians 5:15-16 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. (NIV) Key Lesson: In sports, we often speak about counting the cost. In leadership, the same is true. Don’t say yes to a title if it means saying no to your calling.

LESSON 175 THEME🎺: Stay true to your calling DURATION⏰: 1:56sec

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It’s your choice Do you affirm others or critique them? When you’ve been in a leadership role for a while you’ll probably know far more about how to do what is needed than anyone else. That means the volunteers or staff probably know less about how to do their tasks. So how will you respond? Will you become upset when a person doesn't execute a task as well as you do? Will you slow your pace and be a mentor and encourager, or will you demand a better outcome? Even facial expressions and body language can speak louder than words in judgement. I was working with an excellent volunteer in our church sports program, but initially he struggled to succeed. I didn’t help by criticizing his mistakes. I'm surprised he didn't leave his volunteer role. I finally realized the one who needed to change was me. I needed to affirm him whenever possible and help him know it was okay to make suggestions, try new ideas and make mistakes. I went from a critical leader to a compassionate, affirming leader. I learned how to encourage and provide an environment where he could learn and grow and yes, make mistakes and fix them. The strange part of this experience was that I had been inspired by a leader who held me accountable but continually encouraged me to be myself and helped me develop my skills and talents.  However, I wasn't doing the same for the volunteer under my leadership. I tried to be his boss rather than his mentor – criticizing instead of giving helpful feedback. To be a compassionate leader, I needed to learn to be more vulnerable, which required retraining myself. I needed to model good leadership. Scripture to ponder – Psalm 78:72 And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands, he led them. (NIV) Key Lesson: If you want to see multigenerational leaders, there must be compassionate, caring leadership from one generation to the next.

LESSON 174 THEME 🎺: It's your choice DURATION⏰: 1:55 sec

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Wow! This is a big decision! Do you lean into risk – or avoid it? Most people fear big decisions, especially when those decisions could disrupt an entire community. What if the outcome hurts rather than helps? What if it unsettles partnerships that are just starting to grow? But here’s the reality: if your community team never makes bold decisions, you’ll rarely see wider outreach or deeper discipleship. Safe leadership might keep things steady, but it rarely sparks impact. Big decisions often mean big change—and most people are afraid of change. Nevertheless, your team needs to be willing to step into risk. In large agencies, high-risk decisions can affect fundraising and reputations. However, I have found that in movements, where people aren’t paid salaries, it's often easier to take bold steps. Once, I doubted a risky idea. Most others believed in it. I listened, trusted the Spirit’s prompting, and joined them. They were right—it worked. Another time, I believed a risky move had to happen, though most disagreed. I pursued the decision and was willing to carry the responsibility—and the positive impact became global. Incredible! Here's the key: train yourself in small decisions. Learn to hear God’s Spirit there. That’s what prepares you for the bigger, scarier ones. Scripture to ponder – John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you… Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (NIV) Key Lesson: Start small. Listen well. Trust God’s peace. You won’t always be right—but bold, Spirit-led decisions can change the world.

LESSON 173 THEME🎺: Wow! This is a Big decision. DURATION⏰: 1:44 Sec

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Trials bring understanding How do you give comfort to others? Often as an elite athlete, I am frustrated when things don't go my way. I put in so much hard work to perform well. There has always been so much pressure on me to achieve results due to the financial arrangements that exist in my sport. It’s easy to lose sight of the more important and larger things at stake. I must regularly step back and regain perspective. When I do, I remember God is up to so much more than I can see. He’s interested in accomplishing His purposes in and through me, not just whether I play the way I want to. As a good Father, He blesses me regularly, and often I get to play very well, but He’s always doing more, especially when I’m struggling. Scripture teaches us that in times of trouble, trial and challenge the Spirit comforts and encourages us. But it also teaches us that God allows us to go through hard experiences to prepare us to comfort others when they face similar challenges. This understanding helps us to maintain an eternal perspective and to remember that God is at work beyond what we can see. As much as a father wants to bless his children, and our God is a good, good Father, He is always making sure to advance His Kingdom in and through our circumstances. This is why Paul told us that the circumstances of his life would turn out for the greater progress of the gospel. Scripture to ponder – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. (NIV) Key Lesson: Our temporal activities and accomplishments, even when they seem trying, serve to set the stage for accomplishing God’s eternal purposes.

LESSON 172 THEME🎺: Trials bring Understanding DURATION⏰: 1:46sec

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