The application deadline for the 2019-2020 year has passed. If you are interested in participating in a future iteration of this program, please email us (cle@nccumc.org) and let us know.
Become a Mentor
The role of mentor should be entered prayerfully and with a deep sense of commitment to supporting other women colleagues in ministry. All parameters and frequency of contact between mentor and mentee will be determined mutually, with boundaries established to respect time and individual desires. Each relationship will be a commitment of nine months of regular contact (approximately once every three weeks) through phone calls, texts, emails, and/or in person meetings. Once again, these parameters will be established in a covenant between mentor and mentee.
Each mentor agrees to attend the Nurture, Empower, and Equip retreat at the Trinity Center at Salter Path from October 15-17. Each mentor will receive $300 as a “pay it forward” scholarship towards their own learning or spiritual development in the form of a retreat, class, continuing education, etc. There will be no financial commitment from mentors to participate in the program or the retreat.
We encourage active and retired clergywomen to apply as mentors. Mentors are not necessarily women who are retired or toward the end of career since we may have capacity and availability at various points in life. And, mentors do not need to have all the answers. They do need to have a generosity of spirit and a gift for encouraging others. And, if committing to Bold, should have a sense of accountability and responsibility to maintain regular contact with mentees throughout the program.
Applicants to be mentors will be asked to respond to the following questions:
- Why are you drawn to this opportunity?
- Do you currently have the capacity to listen to, and respond to the needs of others? Why is this a good season for you to commit?
- Do you have the support you will need to buoy another through ministry challenges? If not, what can we do to support you? Of note, we will check in with you at regular intervals to see how the mentoring relationship is going.
- Can you attend the Nurture, Empower, and Equip retreat on October 15-17?
Become a Mentee
The role of mentee is one of openness through asking questions and seeking relationship with the mentor. Though this experience is one of being “filled” by others, mentors are not counselors or coaches. Expect a mentor to listen, to share experiences, to help you see alternatives, and a new perspective on ministry challenges. The focus of the relationship should be centered on building a friendship, finding grace, and getting to know each other’s gifts.
We expect that the mentees will be respectful of mentor boundaries and responsive to the mentors’ emails, texts, or other means of contact. Mentees will make an investment of $95, which contributes toward the cost of the retreat and materials.
Applicants to be mentees will be asked to respond to the following questions:
- Briefly describe your journey in ministry so far. How long have you been commissioned/ordained, and what appointments have you served so far? What makes this point in your ministry a good time to week out a mentor?
- Thinking over your career in ministry to this point, what are some of the specific challenges you have faced, and what do you most hope to achieve from a mentoring relationship?
- Have you ever had (or been) a mentor in the past? If so, what was your experience?
- Can you attend the Nurture, Empower, and Equip retreat on October 15-17?