In today's post, an interview with my friend Steve Saccone, author of the new book, PROTÉGÉ: Developing Your Next Generation of Church Leaders. These are solid insights.
1. What methods of mentoring do you feel have great appeal to the next generation of church leaders?
Two primary things come to mind: Unique developmental opportunities to lead or be around other seasoned leaders. And, a meaningful and accessible relationship - to me, nothing can take the place of these two things.
- It's all about making time to be with them and bring them with you.
- Young leaders need access to mentors who make themselves available, present, and open with their lives.
- Young leaders crave opportunity for someone to take a risk on them, believe in them, and to have a person who opens doors for them and cheers them on in their growth journey as a leader.
2. Do you have any unconventional yet effective ways that you use to mentor the next generation of church leaders?
One of the most effective and yet unconventional approaches I've used involves what I call novel peer-to-peer learning experiences.
For example, I've organized group tours through the Church of Scientology with the hopes that young leaders feel what it's like to be on "the other side of conversion." After this “novel experience,” we debrief it, and as peers, great insights always emerge. Together these groups learn and are sensitized on how we should change our approach to sharing the Gospel message.
Another example is listen to other communicators outside the church and analyze their communication approach, style, etc. (i.e. I take young leaders to a poetry lounge to hear spoken word artists, or to hear comedians, or even listen online to other kinds of speakers). Powerful learning happens when peers share with other peers what they learned or are analyzing, or how they are processing everything. This tends to have a greater effect than me just teaching them “principles” of communication, which has it’s place, but isn’t always the most effective developmental approach in my experience.
3. What are some practical ways for mentors to be more effective in coaching the next generation of church leaders?
We have to ask thoughtful, intentional questions instead of always trying to give the right answers. We shouldn’t just give young leaders our own conclusions. Rather, help them come to their own conclusions through intentional question-asking. This fosters deeper development as well as ownership.
Interestingly, Jesus asked 183 questions in the Gospels and then answers just 3 of them. He asks 307 questions in response--clearly questions were important to Jesus' leadership and investment of others.
I’d also add, don't just delegate tasks, rather release authority. Equip young leaders as needed, but then release them to really lead and more importantly serve people. Foster an entrepreneurial, risk-taking spirit in your context. And then celebrate the right kinds of risks.
To receive a free sample chapter of PROTÉGÉ, or to receive a free online visual magazine, go to: www.stevesaccone.com
