Chaplain’s Column
A product of mentorship
I am a product of a long line of men and women who answered the call to mentor a young boy, teenager, young adult, and adult to become a productive citizen in society. Honestly, had the mentors throughout my life not answered that call to mentor me, my life would have taken some unfortunate turns. I thank God for people who understood the power of mentorship.
Mentors are persons who sense a specific call to mold, educate, lead and live life with an individual for that individual’s well-being and overall development. True mentors have a sense of commitment that is strong for the long haul. They are not eager to get to the finish line before it is necessary.
Allow me to share some aspects of the things that my mentors imparted in my life as a way of encouraging you to do the same in the life of an individual you may feel called to mentor in a military context.
Michael Barren was my first mentor and male teacher. He literally filled in the “Father’s Gap” that existed in my life. He made a significant impact on me as a young teenager. I can remember mimicking the way that he taught math and music because of his enthusiasm and commitment. As a result of his intentional interest in me as a youth and his examples of responsibility and faithfulness, I later became a science teacher and school principal. Mentors demonstrate how to become who they are, in terms of profession, to their mentees.
In a military context, there may be many young people who enter the service for a number of reasons, some come in to escape home, others want to see the world. Whatever the reason, many still need a mentor who is sensitive enough to invest in them and demonstrate commitment in the military profession that they have chosen. Could it be that you are the one they need in their life to show them the ropes?
As you know, I am a preacher. However, my ability to preach and lead in a spiritual context was developed through my mentor Dr. Barbara M. Amos. She taught me the essence of preaching, the mechanics of leadership and the structure of ministry. For her, knowing how to preach and knowing how to lead was not enough. She required that I possessed authentic character and integrity to uphold what I learned intellectually. Mentors not only teach and instruct, they ensure their mentee’s character can carry the weight of their responsibilities.
In our military context, specifically the Navy, we are often reminded even in the Sailor’s Creed to embrace the traits of honor, courage and commitment. Could it be that you are equipped to not only demonstrate these characteristics for those you mentor, but also ensure that they demonstrate those same characteristics?
Once I made the transition back into the Navy from civilian life, four powerful men impacted my life in a significant way. Those men included Chaplain Steven Dundas, Chaplain Vinson Miller, Chaplain Robert Peters and Chaplain Dan Stallard. Each of these men played a role in my ability to understand life from the perspectives of others. Sometimes mentors have to disrupt the perspective of their mentee, so that they can gain a broader perspective in order to effectively reach the people who need them. These gentlemen affirmed me, forced me to mature, caused me to see all of the potential that was lying dormant inside of me. It is because of these men that I am a better chaplain.
Mentors must have the ability to see the potential within the mentee and develop that potential. Is it possible that you are in a position not just to lead in this military context, but also to see the potential that lies dormant in those individuals whom you are called to mentor?
Finally, I entered another phase of learning by earning my Doctorate in Ministry focused on Military Chaplaincy. There were two individuals who mentored me throughout this mammoth undertaking; Dr. Charles Leonard and Dr. Derrick Reaves, both former military chaplains.
In the case of Dr. Charles Leonard, he was my advisor for my doctoral program. He advised me regarding the development of my dissertation; however, he developed some very high standards for me to meet. Dr. Leonard embraced me as a soon-to-be colleague, but at the same time there was no question about the fact that I had not yet achieved the status of colleague. His style of mentorship did not threaten me, nor did it invalidate me as an individual. He understood the art of leading and walking with his mentee all at the same time.
In addition, Dr. Derrick Reaves served as my covering and pastor here in Corpus Christi and also a member on my dissertation defense committee. Dr. Reaves’s style of mentorship is powerful. He leads and mentors in such a way that you, the mentee, simply do not want to disappoint him. Dr. Reaves is gentle, but firm in his leadership. He understands the human needs and personalities of those he mentors. His style of mentorship is contagious. As a result of following him, it makes you want to mentor your mentees the same way he does. Mentors must understand the personality and human needs of their mentee.
In a military context, it is easy to mentor only on the plane of meeting the mission and vision of the unit, however, if the mission and vision are the only factors focused on, the individual’s human needs will fall along the wayside and eventually impact the mission negatively. In contrast, if the mentor balances out both mission’s needs and the mentee’s needs everybody wins.
Hopefully, you were able to see how mentors have personally impacted my life. Allow me to encourage you to find someone that you can easily connect with even in our military context and begin that journey of mentoring. Not only will your mentee’s life change, but your life will change also.