Cloning Yourself: Multiply Your Ministry Through Mentoring Leaders
Are you effectively mentoring leaders to maximize your ministry?
Will your volunteers know how to carry on in your absence? Or will programs fall apart and attendance decline in a haze of confusion until the next official leader comes? In everything you do, you have the choice to build only for today or to build also for tomorrow. If you choose to build for tomorrow, you’ll be doggedly committed to mentoring your volunteers.
Successful children’s ministry leadership requires a team effort. Whether you’re fielding questions, pitching out great ideas, or hitting homerun programs, working side by side with others is the key to success. Are you using your talents efficiently so you can make disciples and provide future leadership in ministry? Take a moment to complete this checkup on your mentoring ability in ministry.
Note your answer for each question.
The Mentoring Quiz
1. Do you keep your eye on the ball? (You keep God at the center of your heart and ministry.)
most of the time | sometimes | not usually
2. When you strike out, are you willing to get into the batter’s box again? (You persevere and seek God’s will rather than your own.)
most of the time | sometimes | not usually
3. It’s the last inning, you’ve got two outs, and you’re down by three runs. Can you hit the ball with confidence, knowing that you can still win? (You’re a driving force of enthusiasm even in the face of frustration.)
most of the time | sometimes | not usually
4. Are you able to recognize a bad swing and take advice on how to correct it? (You learn from your mistakes and can warn others of potential problems.)
most of the time | sometimes | not usually
5. Do you excel in the role of the general manager? (You develop concise game plans, anticipate problems, and generate a clear vision for a winning season.)
most of the time | sometimes | not usually
6. Are you willing to act as the batboy? (You assist others at any time, regardless of the task.)
most of the time | sometimes | not usually
7. Do you evaluate your performance regularly? (You check in with your team to find out what worked, what didn’t, and how to plan for improvement.)
most of the time | sometimes | not usually
8. Do you consistently remember to sing “The National Anthem”? (You habitually express gratitude, appreciation, and recognition to your team members.)
most of the time | sometimes | not usually
9. Do you sit in the dugout and let others pitch? (You pass on ministry opportunities to others.)
most of the time | sometimes | not usually
10. Do you pitch to each batter knowing that every person will respond differently to what you throw out? (You’re receptive and respectful of other’s opinions, strengths, and weaknesses.)
most of the time | sometimes | not usually
11. Do you realize that every win and loss is a team effort? (You recognize that you’re a member of a team rather than claiming ownership and responsibility for everything yourself.)
most of the time | sometimes | not usually
12. Are you the local sportscaster? (You’re a sounding board for others, welcoming input, ideas, changes, and suggestions.)
most of the time | sometimes | not usually
13. Are you willing to wear someone else’s uniform? (You listen to others’ needs, feelings, and positions rather than insisting that people fit into your mold.)
most of the time | sometimes | not usually
14. Do you advertise your games? (You encourage new members to join the team and invite everyone to participate.)
most of the time | sometimes | not usually
15. Do you recognize that each member can’t play every position? (You identify each person as special and unique, able to serve in his or her own way.)
most of the time | sometimes | not usually
16. Can you accept criticism from the crowd? (You realize that negative and positive criticism can challenge you to offer the best you can give.)
most of the time | sometimes | not usually
17. Do you play with the team, rather than creating a top-down model? (You share your administrative process with others.)
most of the time | sometimes | not usually
18. Do you broadcast your games coast to coast? (You’re skilled at communication and networking.)
most of the time | sometimes | not usually
19. Are you the team medic? (You stand ready to heal, assist, support, guide, advise, encourage, and nourish your team at all times.)
most of the time | sometimes | not usually
20. Do you commit to a rigorous schedule of training so you can lead others with expertise? (You attend all the training events you can, and you’re constantly searching for new ideas.)
most of the time | sometimes | not usually
21. Are you willing to rearrange the batting order to establish greater effectiveness? (You forgive others and give them another chance.)
most of the time | sometimes | not usually
22. Are you a model player? (You do all that you ask of others.)
most of the time | sometimes | not usually
Your Mentoring Results
How you rate: Give yourself three points for every “Most of the time,” two points for every “Sometimes,” and one point for every “Not usually” answer.
If you scored:
- Under 36, it’s possible that you feel apprehensive about working with others. You’d rather get the job done yourself. Open yourself up to new opportunities toward becoming a team member. Look for strengths in others that could complement your weaknesses and team up with those people.
- Between 36 and 56, you’re well on your way toward mentoring others. Be intentional about your efforts to raise up qualified leadership in your ministry. Encourage your volunteers to be willing to take over your role should God ever lead you to something new.
- Above 56, you excel as a team player and provide quality modeling for future leaders in ministry. If you’ve been successful at mentoring leaders, perhaps it’s time to give them more leadership responsibilities. It’s been said that the most successful discipler is the one who can work him- or herself out of a job.
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