I had one of the most privileged parts of my role with Sarah in youth work today. I am a mentor/supporter fir 2 of the cell leaders. Today I met Amber for lunch in the local noodle bar.

In the hour we spent together I listened and was simply amazed at the maturity of this young woman and how she juggles study with friends with life with leadership. She is really excellent example to her peers.

Today, her attitude reminded me of why I got into youth work and Christian work generally – a complete love for God coupled with great desire to tell people why.

It seems to me today that there are a good number of people in churches, in all kinds of leadership roles, who have quite simply lost the plot. They have forgotten their calling and been sucked into a lifestyle of good works.

Katies quote that I mentioned the other day: ‘OUR GREATEST FEAR SHOULD NOT BE OF FAILURE, BUT OF SUCCEEDING AT SOMETHING THAT DIDN’T REALLY MATTER‘has really made me think.

How much of what I do does not really matter? How much ‘important’ stuff would really be noticed if I did not do it?

Meeting with people like Amber really challenges you to ‘re-think’ and ‘re-member’the why and what it is all about questions. If we do that, then surely we are less likely to lose the plot, lose sight, became embroiled in stuff and forget God.

Mentoring is always a 2 way process. I share my knowledge and I listen and we both go away changed. I believe Christian mission to be like that too. We don’t just have a message to ‘give’ to people, we have stuff to learn from our communities too.

We always need mentors, we need experienced people to mentor, our experienced leaders also need to continue learning and to be challenged. Maybe every leader should have a mentor and be a mentor….