Mentor, coach, trainer: who? Why? When?
Mentor, coach, trainer: who? Why? When?
Being accompanied at the beginning of one's ministry is crucial. Younger people are probably much more aware of this than their older peers.
We live in a society where coaching is recognised and increasingly common. The term “mentor” has also found its way into the vocabulary of personal development. But here's the thing... in practical terms, it's not that easy to get started.
As fundamental as this is, it is also important to clarify a number of things:
Expectations
The relationship
How it works
Limits (which we will cover in the next article)
And then, who to choose? How do you choose? A coach? A mentor? What do we do with the person who is appointed to be our trainer (often in the case to become a pastor in a local church)? Here's an overview of the different statuses, to give you an idea of the differences in posture, and perhaps help you choose the one you need most.
The terms coach, mentor and trainer all refer to coaching or teaching roles, but they differ in their objectives, methods and contexts of application. Here is an overview of the differences between these three roles:
COACHING
Purpose: Coaching aims to improve an individual's performance or personal development through the identification and achievement of their own goals. A coach often helps to unlock potential to maximise performance.
Method: The coach uses questions, challenges and exercises to help the coachee explore and develop their personal and professional capabilities. Coaching generally focuses on developing specific skills or achieving specific goals.
Context: Coaching can be used in a variety of fields, including sport, business and personal development. It is often short-term and focused on specific objectives. In ministry, there are pastors and church leaders who are also coaches. Some are trained, others... not always, but that doesn't mean they don't have the right posture.
MENTORING
Purpose: Mentoring is a process where a more experienced or wiser person offers support, knowledge and advice to a less experienced person. The mentor helps the mentee navigate complex situations and progress in their career or personal life. In the context of ministry, mentors are often chosen for their relationship with God, their wisdom, the witness they have left and the fruit they have borne. So, even if the context and society change, the mentor is not expected to provide ready-made answers, but to help develop discernment and wisdom in the light of the Scriptures.
Method: The mentor shares his personal experience and even his failures. They offer their insights and recommendations, and act as role models and advisers. Mentoring is often more informal and based on long-term development.
Context: Mentoring is common in professional, academic and personal environments where experience and wisdom play a key role. In the church context, let's be honest, it's very difficult to find mentors. Not because there isn't a shortage of wise and experienced people, or because they don't want to devote time to mentoring, but rather because their busy schedules don't allow them to. Besides, if you've spotted a pastor who's inspiring you, he must be relevant, and therefore... busy! Mentors don't get paid for this. It's a relationship and a transmission.
TRAINER
Purpose: Training aims to improve the specific skills of individuals or groups through structured instruction. Trainers provide knowledge or skills that are often required to perform specific tasks or to comply with standards.
Method: Training is generally more structured and directive. It involves teaching sessions where the trainer presents information in a systematic way, often using aids such as presentations, workshops or manuals. In a local church, training is often "hands-on". You learn by serving.
Context: Training is common in educational and professional contexts where the acquisition of specific skills is required. It can be delivered face-to-face or online. In church settings, young pastors are often trained by "pastor trainers". A young pastor may have one or several training pastors over several years. If we're talking about a young pastor, in almost 100% of cases he will be trained in this way first, with parallel theological training in a Bible or theological school (academic training is not always the case everywhere).
TO SUM UP
the coach focuses on the potential to improve performance and targets specific areas,
the mentor share their experience to provide guidance and support over the long term,
the trainer passes on skills and knowledge within a structured framework, especially at the beginning of the ministry, and to acquire specific skills later on.
However, for all 3 types of support, a framework needs to be clearly defined, and this is the subject of a second article.
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