Mentor for Life: Finding Purpose through Intentional Discipleship

by Natasha Sistrunk Robinson, Efrem Smith (Foreword by)

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780310522355
Publisher:	Zondervan
Publication date:	03/01/2016
Pages:	272
Product dimensions:	5.26(w) x 8.00(h) x 0.74(d)

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.

Table of Contents

PART I: THE TIME IS NOW

CHAPTER 1: MENTORING: MISSION CRITICAL

This chapter gives a general overview of mentoring and clearly defines mentoring for the Christian as intentional discipleship.

CHAPTER 2: MENTORING: CONNECTING EVANGELISM AND DISCIPLESHIP

This chapter shares how our Western approach to evangelism is incomplete without discipleship. The commitment to mentoring intentionally bridges this gap by making the connection between evangelism and discipleship.

CHAPTER 3: INFLUENCES AND INDULGENCES: CULTURE AND THE CHURCH

This chapter addresses how culture shapes our character, and how we, as believers in the Church, can glorify God and change the culture by mentoring or making disciples.

CHAPTER 4: MENTORING AND MULTIPLYING: THE KINGDOM AND THE PRIESTHOOD

This chapter contrasts the kingdom of this world with the kingdom of God. It acknowledges that Christians have responsibilities to both kingdoms and that as the priesthood of all believers we impact the kingdom of this world by making disciples who mentor and multiply.

PART II: THE TEACHING AND TRAINING THAT WE NEED

MENTORING: IT’S ABOUT PRESENCE

CHAPTER 5: PRESENCE WITH GOD
Knowing and loving God is the foundational mentoring pillar. Mentors/mentees are encouraged to draw near to God through reflection, solid, and silence.

CHAPTER 6: PRESENCE WITH OTHERS
Knowing our identity in Christ and loving our neighbors. It includes the practical “This is how we do it” summary of this mentoring principle.

MENTORING: IT’S A CALL TO A DISCIPLINED LIFE

CHAPTER 7: DISCIPLESHIP OF THE MIND
Theological reflection and developing a Christian worldview must be taught to mentees. This teaching includes Bible reading and study.

CHAPTER 8: DISCIPLESHIP OF THE SOUL
The disciplines of prayer, fasting, journaling, and spiritual retreat are important components of mentoring. Chapter includes the practical “This is how we do it” summary.

MENTORING: IT’S ABOUT GOD’S MISSION

CHAPTER 9: MISSION ACCOMPLISHMENT AND TROOP WELFARE

and the Apostle Paul teaches that disciples of Christ are indeed called to a disciplined life, and must therefore train themselves to live godly lives.

CHAPTER 10: RALLYING THE TROOPS

Mentors are intentional about drawing women into mentoring relationships. Chapter includes the practical “This is how we do it” summary..

MENTORING: IT’S A CALL INTO COMMUNITY

CHAPTER 11: BECOMING OUR SISTER’S KEEPER

We have the Christian duty to look out for each of our sisters.

CHAPTER 12: THE DISTINCT VOICE AND OUR TRUST

Mentoring relationships require mutual trust. Chapter includes the practical “This is how we do it” summary.

MENTORING: IT’S RELATIONAL

CHAPTER 13: UNITY IN DIVERSITY

Mentoring from the kingdom perspective of making disciples of all people groups means that we value unity in diversity and across generations.

CHAPTER 14: EMBRACING ALL OF GOD’S WOMEN

There are many issues that divide women in the church. It is important that we enter mentoring relationships with women who are different. It includes the practical “This is how we do it” summary.

MENTORING: IT’S A COMMITMENT TO LOVE

CHAPTER 15: THE MISSION IS SACRIFICIAL

Mentors must remember their kingdom purpose for mentoring which is to equip disciples to live life on purpose for God and to equip others for His kingdom work.

CHAPTER 16: SPIRITUAL GIFTS AND CHRISTIAN CHARACTER

Mentoring actually develops character and prepares mentors/menteess for leadership anywhere. It includes the practical “This is how we do it” summary of this mentoring principle.

EPILOGUE AND APPENDICES

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

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 De Ymaz, 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, Shane Blackshear.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, Small Groups.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