Chaplain

Mentor and model

As I go through this season of learning and growth, one of the beautiful moments that has strengthened my desire and passion for learning is the realization of two important factors that have motivated my development. These factors are having a mentor and a model who stand by me to encourage me and accompany me as I navigate this season.

Having a mentor and a model is essential for growth, as I continue to realize in this phase of my journey, because the mentor speaks to me and directs me, while the model shows me and accompanies me. The mentor and model leader has opened a new perspective for me in learning and growth, as it has challenged me to use my experience as a learning opportunity for growth and discipleship.

Why is mentorship significant? For starters, as one navigates life, there are moments when we step into environments where we are either uncomfortable or unfamiliar. It is at moments like these that the mentor steps in to encourage, direct, and explain the new landscape, easing our transition and enhancing our engagement with our new context. As a chaplain who is growing daily in ministry and in the military, this is an essential part of my journey of maturity within this context of chaplaincy.

You may also wonder, why is modelling important? This aspect of growth and learning has enabled me to see the different ways of operating or engaging as a chaplain in a diverse and challenging context. Speaking and showing are sometimes used to assist children to learn; however, as adults, they are also an important learning tool. One which I have come to appreciate and embrace as I step into the next phase of my learning within the Clinical Pastoral Education environment.

As I reflect on the mentoring and modeling I have received and continue to receive, I hope to have the opportunity to mentor and model some skills to the next person who seeks to learn as I have.