ML523_Clinton

ML523/623: Mentoring (4 units)

J. Robert Clinton, Professor of Leadership

Spring 2008 Pasadena

DESCRIPTION:

This course is an in-depth study of the informal training model called mentoring. Mentoring is probably the most important means of training leadership today. It is a flexible model that can be used in organizations and churches or with individuals. Mentoring is a relational experience in which one person (called the mentor) empowers another person (called the mentoree) by a sharing of God-given resources (of many kinds). Three basic categories of mentoring are explored (intensive, occasional, passive). Under these three categories are subsumed nine types: mentor discipler, spiritual guide, coach, counselor, teacher, sponsor, contemporary model, historical model, and divine contact. These nine types are explored in detail including the dynamics of each of these mentoring relationships, guidelines for them, etc. In addition, deliberate use of these nine types is suggested within the framework of a constellation model, which includes upward, downward, and lateral mentoring relationships. This course is a must for anyone who wants to be trained in an on-the-job situation and for anyone who anticipates training others in a personal way.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

1. Students will recognize and be able to use a variety of 9 mentoring types in their ministry.
2. Students will develop a case study showing their past & present mentoring experience and their anticipated mentoring.

COURSE FORMAT:

The course meets once a week on Thursday nights for five sessions, each going from 6:30 - 9:30 (with a mid-class break of 10 minutes). During these five sessions we will cover the conceptual framework of mentoring. Class sessions will include worship time, spiritual formation, input, and small group work. There will then be a two-week break from class attendance on campus in order for each student to do their research paper on themselves concerning mentoring. Then the course will meet for the final three weeks, again from 6:30-9:30. During the break, each small group will meet on its own and watch, critique, and write up a short paper concerning a Mentor DVD. During these final three sessions there will be presentations of the research findings by each student in the class. These presentations will include some public ones made to the whole class and those made to small groups. Everyone will make a presentation—most, to their small groups. A few will be chosen for public presentations.

REQUIRED READING: If already read, select other books from the recommended reading list or book approved by instructor.

1. ML523 Syllabus—Spring 08.
2. Clinton, J. Robert and Paul Stanley. Connecting—Finding the Mentors You Need to be Successful in Life. Colorado Springs: Nav Press, 1992.
3. Clinton, J. Robert and Richard Clinton. The Mentor Manual—Guidelines for Mentors and Mentorees. Altadena: Barnabas Publishers, 1991.
4. Reese, Randy D. and Anderson, Keith R. Spiritual Mentoring: A Guide for Seeking and Giving Direction. Downers Grove, Ill. : InterVarsity Press, c1999.
5. Either, Clinton, J. Robert and Laura Raab. Barnabas: Encouraging Exhorter. Altadena: Barnabas, 1985.
OR, Clinton, J. Robert and Katherine Haubert. The Joshua Portrait—A Study in Leadership Development, Leadership Transition, and Destiny Fulfillment. Altadena: Barnabas Publishers, 1990.
6. The Mentor Reader (MentorReader.pdf, Available on CD given out in class.)
7. Clinton, J. Robert. ClintonPracticalTips.pdf (Available on CD given out in class.)