Our approach to mentoring is a practical one.
Our vision for it can be summed up by Colossians 2:6-8.
“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world and not according to Christ.”
There are two overarching principles that we trust the Holy Spirit to accomplish in alumni as they move through life’s transitions: that God is with them and is working to grow a deeper personal relationship with them, and He wants to use them in building His kingdom in unique and significant ways.
What Mentors Do
- Encourage. Mentors help alumni identify their strengths and encourage them to take initiative in growing, connecting, and impacting others in their new lives. They bring observations of how they see evidences of both grace and spiritual fruit in alumni.
- Disciple. Mentors help alumni learn how to integrate Biblical principles into real life. They offer insight into how to mature in their personal walk with Christ, and to be aware of God’s continuing presence and involvement in a vastly different life setting. Mentors also encourage alumni to go to the Word of God frequently.
- Give perspective. Mentors listen and talk through new life developments together with alumni, sharing their own experiences and offering practical advice. They do this with wisdom and sensitivity to both the alumni and the leading of the Holy Spirit.
- Translate. Mentors help alumni take the spiritual truths and applications they learned during their time in college ministry and use them in different ways that appertain to this real life context.
- Pray. Mentors pray for alumni to be led and inspired by the Spirit, have wisdom in decision making, to continue to bear spiritual fruit, and to experience grace in all circumstances.
- Personally introduce. Mentors invite alumni to their small group Bible studies and their church, introduce them to friends who attend other local churches, and share contact information of valued and trusted friends and colleagues.
How They Do This?
Mentoring alumni is done jointly with Alumni Connect staff and mentors in their new locations. While each mentor generally operates individually, Alumni Connect also serves as both a partner and resource to local mentors.
- Alumni Connect staff communicate primarily through phone conversations, emails and texts.
- Local mentors meet in person with alumni every few weeks. In between meetings, they also communicate via phone conversations, emails and texts.
We are always looking for faithful individuals who are eager to come alongside our alumni to help and encourage them through the transition of their lives after graduation. If you are interested in becoming a mentor, please contact Gary Brown at gary.brown@establishalumni.com!