The first two chapters discuss the importance of spiritual mentoring and broadly define what it is. J. Robert Clinton's mentoring types are laid out and given more detail in Appendix One and his five dynamics of spiritual mentoring form the basis of the next five chapters of the book. Clinton is the author of "Leadership Emergence Theory" (1989) and "The Mentor Handbook: Detailed Guidelines and Helps for Christian Mentors and Mentorees" (1991). Appendix Four, Developing a Personal Time Line, is adapted from his earlier book. The five dynamics of spiritual mentoring are: Attraction, Relationship, Responsiveness, Accountability, and Empowerment.
Seven classic Christian authors are used in conjunction with contemporary ones to "provide a historically informed vision for the contemporary work of spiritual mentoring." Appendix Three provides the historical time line for the classic authors. Augustine (354 - 430) is introduced in Chapter 3 and challenges the mentor to "attract them by your way of life." In Chapter 4, Aelred of Rievaulx (1110 - 1167) provides insights into developing trust and intimacy in the mentoring relationship through "Spiritual Friendship". Spanish mystics Teresa of Avila (1515 - 1582) and John of the Cross (1542 - 1591) help us to cultivate a responsive humility in Chapter 5. Teresa's book "Interior Castle" helps the mentor to guide the apprentice through the various stages of prayer which produce greater responsiveness to the Holy Spirit. John's insights into the purifying "dark night of the soul" as it relates to self-denial are also discussed. The authors note that "spiritual responsiveness requires the step of purgation or purification" (pg. 105) and "when we focus on God we recognize our serious need for a purified heart" (pg. 107). In Chapter 6, we learn the importance of accountability through Ignatius of Loyola's (1491 - 1556) "Spiritual Exercises" and Chapter 7 leads us to the goal of spiritual mentoring: empowerment. We are introduced to Julian of Norwich (1342 - 1416) and Jeanne Guyon (1648 - 1717) and learn from them that there is joyous empowerment through intimacy with God, identity as the beloved of God, and the discovery of our unique voice for kingdom service. The five appendices are useful. Appendix Two gives us contemporary definitions of spiritual mentoring from Thomas Merton, Richard Foster, Eugene Peterson, and others. Appendix Five provides a nice recommended bibliography for spiritual mentoring.
Throughout this book I was reminded that the mentor, by his or her example, encourages the apprentice to follow, imitate, and learn from Master Jesus through both the Scriptures and the mentorship of the Holy Spirit. The mentor provides a visible point of reference in assisting the apprentice in cultivating his or her faith relationship with the invisible God who is always near.
