Thrive_Autumn 2019 digital issue

ground work
Autumn 2019
MENTORING FOR
SOUL CARE
by Tim Kerr
GROUND WORK: FRANCOPHONE AND CHAPLAINCY
Mentoring pastors in Québec has been a special privilege
for me. Over the years my mentoring philosophy
and methodology has evolved considerably. The content
has been tested repeatedly and has been greatly refined
(with approximately 150+ men in one-to-one meetings that
have usually continued for about two years, and about half
of those men have been pastors).
The underlying philosophy involves three pieces, which I
envision as three interlocking circles needing Spirit-given
wisdom to hold them together with the right proportion
and balance.
The first is the TRUTH circle. This involves Christ-centred
theological truths: both beliefs and behaviours that are
essential for mind-renewal and personal transformation.
Mentoring by truth alone, however, is inadequate because
though mentoring this way gives good direction, it tends to
be impersonal. The program, rather than the true needs of
the person, sets the agenda.
The second circle is the LOVE circle. This involves developing
relationships with others where committed accountability,
friendship, and specific Spirit-directed counsel is
fitted to the needs of the
individual. Love without
truth, however, is
also inadequate because
though it conveys care,
it eventually stalls for
lack of direction, and
lacks a proper Godcentredness
in the content
of the meetings.
The third is the POWER
circle. This essential
and often missing piece involves encountering the Holy
Spirit’s ministry through the means of faith and prayer. Yet,
if power is sought without truth and love it inevitably leads
to flaky mysticism and experiences that cannot be tested
by Scripture. I believe all three elements—truth, love, and
power—are essential for mentoring to be truly biblical and
transformative.
One of the primary areas that I seek to grow in my mentees
is the faith-habit of prayer. Learning to pray Scripture
in intercession for others; learning to live in the good of
the Gospel through prayer; praying for the power of the
Holy Spirit so we will comprehend Christ’s vast love for us;
learning how faith affirmations in prayer work; learning
how to accept difficult things through surrendered prayer
for what we don’t control, understand, or enjoy; and learning
to present ourselves anew to God in prayer (Romans
6:13 and 12:1). Prayer has so many aspects to it and we seek
to discover as many of them as possible.
In the end, both the mentor and the mentee grow together,
encounter Christ together, find wisdom, encounter
the Spirit, and form friendships that often last a lifetime.
Mentoring is really just another aspect of pastoring…but in
this case it is making sure pastors are pastored!
—Tim Kerr was born in Canada,
but spent almost half his life in
Asia. In 2006 he planted a church in
the north end of Toronto and then
passed the baton of leadership in
2017. He has spent 34 years mentoring
pastors and businessmen with
a special focus on personal spiritual
renewal. Tim and Joanne have four adult children and four
grandchildren.