SP767 Day 1
Amma Synkletika (Egypt, died 400 AD): It is perilous for a person to teach who has not first been seasoned by personal experience. For if someone who owns a shabby house invites guests there, he endangers them by his neglected building. It is the same situation for someone who has not first built an inner abode. He causes danger to those who visit. By words one may convert them to salvation, but by bad personal conduct, one injures them.
Johannes Tauler (1300-1361): “An unfaithful spiritual director is like a bad hunting dog. Instead of bringing the rabbit to its master, it devours the rabbit itself.”
Generally speaking, if you want to know who you really are as distinct from who you like to think you are, keep an eye on where your feet take you. (Frederick Buechner, Wishful Thinking: A theological ABC.)
“As I am a beginner myself, I will assume that you are also beginners, and we will try to begin together” (Anthony Bloom. Beginning to Pray)
“We do not want to be beginners. But let us be convinced of the fact that we will never be anything else but beginners all our life” (Thomas Merton, Contemplative Prayer)
We never assume we know how to mentor people, no matter how much experience you have.
Realize that the Holy Spirit is always the primary mentor. We are just the instrument through which He works.
Beware of techniques. It is not about techniques and practices. It is all about relationship.
We are mentoring all the time. People are looking at us.
Our biggest mistake is trying to be more spiritual than God.
Programs are for serving the person, not the reverse.
Do not preach to the congregation that you wish you have. Preach to the congregation in front of you.
You are the key to the healthy church. Healthy church can only be led by healthy leaders.
None of us is fit for ministry. But God use broken vessel for everything.
We can be who are are and different at different times without compromising our authenticity.
The mind is a dangerous neighbourhood, don't go there alone.
Do not offer what you are not ready to give.
