Life at the Corner: The Joy of Mentorship
By Pastor Nate Shurden, Cornerstone Pres in Franklin TN
Episode 11 on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
Hello, friends! Welcome to my blog, Life at the Corner. I'm Pastor Nate Shurden, delighted to share with you some reflections from our recent podcast episode. We're currently in the Advent season, though it's January as you read this. I'm writing from the vibrant Middle Tennessee, reminiscing about our lively discussion at Studio 1A in Rockefeller Plaza – a dream come true for me!
Today, I want to share a bit about the joy and responsibility of pastoral mentorship, drawing from a wonderful session I had with our esteemed interns at Cornerstone – Mr. Ethan Vroom, our pastoral assistant, and Mr. Tucker Alexander, our official pastoral intern.
The Joy of Mentorship
Our church has been blessed with interns right from its inception. We've seen many young men and women grow in their faith and calling. Recently, I've had the joy of nurturing Ethan and Tucker in their pastoral journeys. It's fascinating to see how God works in the lives of these young men, guiding them in their understanding and practice of ministry.
Learning from Paul David Tripp
A significant part of our mentoring process involves delving into insightful literature. We've been exploring Paul David Tripp's book, "Instrument in the Redeemer's Hands." This book is not just about learning counseling techniques; it’s about heart transformation. It helps us understand our role as Christ's ambassadors, where we represent Him in every sphere of life. This perspective is vital for pastoral ministry and everyday Christian living.
Love, Know, Speak, and Do
Tripp's framework of "Love, Know, Speak, and Do" resonates deeply with our approach to discipleship and pastoral care. To effectively minister, we must first love those we serve. This love comes from Christ and is reflected in our earnest desire to understand and empathize with others. Knowing them allows us to speak aptly into their lives, guided by the truth of God’s Word. Finally, our actions – what we do – must align with our speech, demonstrating the love and truth of Christ in practical ways.
The Heart of Discipleship
At Cornerstone, we aim to be disciples who make disciples. This involves moving beyond seeing people as projects to treating them as individuals created in God’s image. It means nurturing them not just with instruction but with genuine love and concern.
A Call to the Congregation
As I share these insights, I hope they resonate with you, wherever you are in your spiritual journey. Whether you are leading a Bible study, mentoring someone, or simply interacting with family and friends, remember you are an ambassador for Christ. Let your love, knowledge, speech, and actions reflect His grace and truth.
Conclusion
I'm grateful for the privilege to serve alongside Ethan, Tucker, and many others at Cornerstone. Their passion and dedication are a testament to the fruitfulness of faithful mentorship. And to you, dear reader, may you find encouragement and inspiration in your role as a disciple of Christ.
Thanks for joining me on Life at the Corner. If you have any questions or topics you'd like us to explore, feel free to reach out. And don’t forget to subscribe for more updates!
Till next time,
Pastor Nate Shurden
