My Two Mentors Who Are Surprisingly Vulnerable
Mentorship is not about knowing the answers, but wrestling through the questions together
Twice a month I have a meeting with two of my mentors. These men are elders in our church. Two of the most influential people in my life.
My favorite thing about these meetings is this: They don’t pretend to know everything.
Many times we wrestle together through tough theological questions, and they show surprising vulnerability. They are open to questioning long-held traditions or beliefs.
This is not only engaging, it shows me their humility and gives me a window into a healthy way of working through questions and doubts.
Usually in these meetings we don’t try too hard to definitively “resolve” questions that are challenging. We read related scriptures, talk them over, and wrestle with them. And then we let them rest, usually coming back to them in a few months to see how our understanding has evolved and grown.
Unbelievably valuable conversations.
It strikes me that this is a key attribute to a good mentor — not that they have all the answers, but that they show you how to seek the answers honestly.
These days I have a mentor and a mental health coach that often also serves as a mentor and in a way pastoral care. I think having both has been valuable in both gaining insight and wisdom along with having someone help to that deeper soul care and formation work.