Mentoring

Mature faculty wives have much to share and can be especially helpful to younger faculty wives. The younger wife may be trying to acclimate herself to a new setting. She may be experiencing an entirely new responsibility as the spouse of a faculty member. In Titus 2:3-5, the Lord places upon the older women, who are mature in their faith and consistent in their conduct, the responsibility of teaching and training the younger women to be godly in all areas of life. This can apply to the university setting as well as many other areas in life.

Being a mentor provides an opportunity for "older" women to use the skills and knowledge they have gained through life experiences. An important part of this relationship is to support, encourage and listen to a "younger woman" as a friend might do. She helps her work through the tough times and celebrates with her in the joyful times.{1}

If you are interested in this concept, some places you may look for a woman to mentor or to be mentored by are: receptions for incoming faculty, a university women's club, a Christian faculty-staff potluck social, church, or Bible studies in the community.

Suggested Guidelines:

• Make a one-year commitment to the relationship.
• Contact each other once a week and meet at least once a month.
• Share prayer requests and pray for each other.
• Do things together, whether it is going to lunch, shopping, doing a craft together, or learning a new skill. The point is that you spend time together.

This is primarily a ministry of encouragement. It promotes friendship for support, counsel, and guidance. Faculty spouses have unique needs that can only be met by women that have gone through similar situations.

Proverbs 27:17 says, "Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." The vulnerability and effort necessary for the mentoring relationship yield tremendous benefits in our personal growth.

Endnotes

{1}The concept is taken from Vickie Kraft, The Influential Woman, WORD Publishing, 1993.

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