Discipline Reference - ¶ 349.1b

“Clergy mentors are clergy in full connection, associate members, full-time, or part-time local pastors who have completed the Course of Study or a master of divinity from a University Senate -approved theological school and trained to provide ongoing counsel with local pastors and with provisional members. Local pastors, while in Course of Study or seminary, shall be assigned a clergy mentor by the district committee on ordained ministry. Provisional members will be assigned a clergy mentor in full connection by the conference Board of Ordained Ministry. Licensed or ordained clergy from other denominations shall be assigned a clergy mentor by the Board of Ordained Ministry. A candidacy mentor may continue with the same person if trained to serve as a clergy mentor.

General Clergy Mentoring Responsibilities

• Meet to establish a covenant and schedule for regular and ongoing meetings.
• Pray for those who are mentored.
• Establish and maintain negotiated confidentiality in the mentoring relationship, building on trust.
• Make at least one onsite visit to the workplace of the local pastor or provisional member each year to enhance reflection on ministry practices. Do not meet with the S/PPRC or the superintendent as a part of the site visit.
• Help the person or group being mentored to focus on issues of role, authority, and office, and to reflect theologically on their practice of ministry.
• Encourage clergy to reflect on their growth in discernment of vocation.

Local Pastor Mentor Responsibilities

• Become familiar with Course of Study and Extension School for local pastors and the educational materials used.
• Discuss Course of Study work with the clergy and consult on matters of pastoral responsibility.
• Discuss specific assignments from Course of Study instructors.
• Offer feedback about coursework.
• Know about resources, contact persons, and procedures relevant to continuation as a local pastor – including any dCOM deadlines related to the application process for continuation and interviews.
• Write annual mentor reports for the dCOM.