MAN UP BIBLE SERIES IRON MAN 1 – A Call to Mentor Lesson Seven

The Real World So you are in the 7 th Lesson in this series entitled “IRON MAN.” Today we are going to look at some very practical ways to start a mentoring relationship. This is probably one of the hardest things for guys to do. We are not good at working outside our sphere of influence especially when it comes to setting up a close relationship. There are really three possibilities: “YOU KNOW THE MAN.” This will be the easiest to initiate. This is the kind of guy you can go to with anything you want to discuss. The second possibility is: “YOU KNOW EACH OTHER BY NAME.” This could be someone at the Corps that you know their name but have never really hung out together. This is the kind of man you might go to with a specific problem like raising teenagers. The last possibility is the hardest to start: “YOU ARE STRANGERS.” This is the kind of man who has an expertise in an area you want to grow in. The real point is you have to start somewhere. If you are stuck go to your pastor or Corps Officer for a good referral to find a mentor. Step Out in faith and God will provide. The option is staying where you are. Not a good option.

The Real Word 1 Peter 5 New International Version (NIV) To the Elders and the Flock 5 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. 5 In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” [a]a 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Real Talk Are you willing to learn how to be a better man? Are you willing to seek help from another man? Are you willing to help someone out who needs your help?

Real Steps 20 Ways to find a Mentor: 1. Call and ask for an appointment about a specific issue. Ask for help. 2. Have a friend set it up. A go between is very helpful. 3. Get a referral. Ask you Corps Officer for a mentor. 4. Ask him to help you be an expert like he is. Praise always works. 5. Offer to join his group or team. If he has a small group meeting ask to join it. 6. Offer to help him in a project. Helping is a good way to get help. 7. Share with him something you are good at. We all have talents. 8. Bring him something in the area he is interested in. If it is cars bring him a car magazine. 9. Ask him to read something you have written. He can get to know you. 10. Respond to something he has done. Praise always helps. 11. Ask him about his mentors. Start the conversation. 12. Interview him for something you are working on. Ask for his help. 13. Give him a small gift with a note of appreciation for something he has done. Thank you! 14. Say something to honor him in public. Kind words are important. 15. Go to something he is teaching or leading. If he has a Bible Study go to it! 16. If he offers to meet together sometime, do it! Take him up on his offer. 17. Ask for help. Seek all the help you can find. 18. Tell him how you are doing once he gives advice. Check back regularly. 19. Wait for the right timing. Ask when you are both able to concentrate. 20. Pray for a Mentor. This is the most important factor in finding a Mentor. Ask God for help!

Time To Close As I close this lesson on how to find a mentor I need to give you a bit of advice. When you go looking for a mentor do not use the word: mentor. It will scare off the potential person you are looking for. Why? MEN DO NOT SEE THEMSELVES AS POTENTIAL MENTORS! Why? Most men have a built in feeling of inadequacy that that our culture tends to reinforce. “You are not Smart Enough!” “You do not have any training in being a mentor.” “ I am not Spiritual Enough to help someone else.” “I can barely keep myself going, How can I help you?” Some men are afraid to say they are good. They have been taught to downplay their abilities for fear of getting kicked down a rung or two at work. Some men think of mentors as a special guru or a hold man on the mountain top. So ask for help. If you are stuck ask your Corps Officer for a referral or help. There is a man out there who can help. Ask Him! Time to MAN UP!