Mentor for Life

Description

Though churches are filled with good ministry programming—activities, outreach events, and an endless selection of options—many churches neglect their fundamental mission: to make disciples and equip them for service. All humans are asking the same fundamental question: “What is my life’s purpose?” Through the pursuit of Christ and with a focus on his kingdom work, we find the answer to that question. Mentoring for God’s kingdom helps us find our purpose and prepares us to lead well.

In Mentor for Life, Natasha Sistrunk Robinson lays a solid foundation for mentoring as intentional discipleship, within the context of a small community. It is based on God’s kingdom vision, and challenge followers of Christ to consider the cost of discipleship.

Leaders in the American church is facing various challenges regarding the changing demographics and cultural climate in the world, and the discipleship crisis within the church. We must rise to meet these challenges, and develop creative ways of equipping all believers to mentor well. Mentor for Life shows how to develop mentoring relationships that function communally in existing small groups that are diverse and inclusive. It also presents a mentoring framework of knowing and loving God, understanding our identity in Christ, and loving our neighbor, which encourages theological reflection and cultivates a basic Christian worldview.

Filled with examples from Robinson’s experience in the military and business world, this resource gives readers the wisdom and practical insight they need to disciple others. It proves an invaluable resource for pastors, small group leaders, seminary professors, and those who desire to take the initiate, make the commitment, and mentor others well.

About the Author

Natasha Sistrunk Robison is the Assistant Director of the Center for the Development of Evangelical Leadership (CDEL) at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary’s Charlotte campus. She is a blogger, speaker, non-profit, and ministry leader, wife, and mom. Connect with her at www.asistasjourney.com and Twitter @asistasjourney.

Endorsements

Bold and wise, Mentor for Life is an intentional discipleship guide for the women who officially or unofficially lead others. With refreshing boldness, this book trains and equips leaders for a great purpose. -- Sarah Bessey, author, Out of Sorts: Making Peace with an Evolving Faith and Jesus Feminist

There is no higher calling upon an individual believer, or more accurate measure of his or her spiritual maturity, than the practice of reproducing Christlike faith in the life of another. In Mentor for Life, Natasha thinks deeply, writes passionately, and challenges practically with the goal of helping you pursue and fulfill the Great Commission one life at a time. -- Mark DeYmaz, Directional Leader, Mosaic Church of Central AR

Natasha has not only written a very fine book about mentoring, she actually serves as a mentor for us, her readers. This volume is an expert guide, a model, a voice to give us the courage to respond to Jesus’ call to make disciples. May each of us follow her lead, and in response, lead others in fruitful discipleship. -- Tracy Balzer, Director of Christian Formation, John Brown University; author, Permission to Ponder

With clear focus on Jesus’ priorities, Natasha leads us to love God, to love others, and to make disciples. She demonstrates that this kind of growth and maturity in the child of God happens best in a mentoring relationship. Foundational reasoning and practical teaching and examples make this a fabulous tool for any church or ministry desiring to build multiplying disciples. -- Judy Douglass, Global Leadership and Director, Women’s Resources, Cru (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ)

Spiritual growth is something we do by ourselves and is between us and God.” That’s a very American thought, but it has nothing to do with biblical Christianity. Natasha Sistrunk Robinson explains clearly not only why Christians need to mentor and be mentored but how to best go about it. The information in Mentor for Life will revolutionize your spiritual life. -- Shane Blackshear, host of podcast Seminary Dropout, ShaneBlackshear.com

With passion and clarity, Natasha Sistrunk Robinson has presented a case for mentorship that conveys both the urgency of the mission and a vision for execution. Mentor for Life is written with the real world in mind and provides a framework that is relevant to real people. If you want to engender a stronger faith in yourself and others, Robinson has offered up a valuable resource. -- Richard Clark, Managing Editor, Leadership Journal, Christianity Today

Natasha has laid out a vision for mentoring that incorporates women of all generations, life circumstances, and cultures. The emphasis invites mutual, intentional relationships where everyone leaves knowing God, themselves, and one another better. The questions included throughout the book make this an excellent tool to use in a mentoring small group, especially for those looking to start mentoring groups in their church. -- Amy Jackson, Managing Editor, SmallGroups.com, Christianity Today

The invitation that Jesus extended to the first who followed him is one that he continues to extend to us. It is an invitation to “intentional discipleship,” characterized by developing a life of being with him, being shaped and empowered by him, and being sent on mission for him. Natasha Robinson carefully sets forth a very powerful and practical way that this is done . . . it is a welcome gift for the whole Body of Christ. -- Bishop (Dr.) Claude Alexander Jr., Senior, Pastor, The Park Church, Charlotte, NC

Natasha Sistrunk Robinson is a truth-teller, and the truth is we need truth-tellers. In her book, Mentor for Life: Finding Purpose through Intentional Discipleship, you will encounter a fundamental truth: we all need mentors as we make our way through this messy complicated world. Read this book and be encouraged. -- Frank A. James III, President, Biblical Theological Seminary