Ponder Anew Podcast

Paul didn't write just one, but wrote two letters to Timothy.  We use this opportunity to reflect on Paul's relationship with Timothy, namely, that of a mentor.  We reflect on what it means to be a mentor, especially a spiritual mentor?1)  Who have been key mentors in your life?  What made them good mentors?2)  Whom have you mentored? What have you learned about yourself, life or even your "trade" through this mentoring?3)  Do you have a relationship with a godparent or a godchild?  What made this meaningful (or not!)?4)  Who have been your spiritual mentors?  How is this kind of mentoring different?5)  What could your church to do better foster spiritual mentorship?

Why do people not get along on teams, in businesses and in organizations or even churches?As we work through the Bible in a Year, we turn to Paul's first letter to Timothy.  In this letter, Paul is seeking to help his mentee, Timothy, manage the church.  It may surprise us to consider that so early on in the church life, they needed to develop clarity around church leadership positions.  However, if anyone has ever been a part of an organization that is bigger than a single household, you know how important structure and leadership expectations are!Some questions to consider1)  What are times in your life where you have experienced conflict due to a lack of clarity about expectations?2)  What are times in your life where you have experienced conflict due to a lack of clarity about boundaries and lanes?3)  Have you been a part of religious organizations that have handled staff and volunteer expectations well?  What kind of expectations have you ever had of yourself made clear to you?4)  What kind of behavior do you expect out of your clergy? 5)  How can a religious organization have expectations but also grace for the humanness of their leaders?6)  What did you think of Pastor Rob's definition of immaturity as a lack of awareness about our reaction to stress?7)  How do you help people see their immaturity?  What has helped you become more aware of how your reaction to stress impacts others?8)  What has helped you become a more self aware person who can better navigate stress?  What tools have you developed?