<h3>Welcome to Re:new Mentor Training Part 1</h3><p>Re:new is designed to help individuals discover why they are stuck in life by uncovering lies they believe about themselves, others, and God. They will develop an understanding of who they are in Christ. By understanding their identity in Christ, they will learn to live in freedom—freedom to experience the Christian life as God intended. As Romans 12:2 reminds us, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." This module will guide you through the foundational principles of mentoring within the Re:new framework. Watch the video below for a welcome from the Re:new staff and then answer the questions to begin your journey.</p>

Welcome to Re:new!

What gifts and skills do you believe God has given you that will help you be effective?

<h4>Understanding the Re:new Program</h4><p>Re:new pairs an individual with a trained mentor for weekly mentoring sessions covering ten topics over four to six months. Volunteer mentors are spiritually and emotionally healthy Christians who have been pursuing a growing relationship with Jesus for at least five years. This structured approach ensures that both mentors and mentees are well-prepared for the journey ahead, fostering a supportive and transformative experience.</p><p>Watch the video below to hear more about some of the "nuts and bolts" of being a Re:new mentor. This will provide you with a practical overview of what to expect and how the program functions on a day-to-day basis, giving you confidence as you embark on this significant role.</p>

Intro to Re:new— The Nuts & Bolts of Mentoring

<h4>The Power of Comfort and Encouragement</h4><p>Chances are many of you went through something in your lives that was painful, and you were either comforted by others or weren't comforted and wish you had been. Now you have the profound opportunity to walk with someone else who is struggling and offer them the same comfort and encouragement you received, or perhaps the comfort you wish you had received during your own challenging times.</p><p>This ministry is rooted in shared humanity and the transformative power of empathy, creating a space where healing and growth can truly flourish. It's about paying forward the grace and support that have shaped your own journey.</p>

A Call to Compassion

<blockquote><p>2 Corinthians 1:3—5: All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us. (The Message)</p></blockquote><p>This scripture beautifully encapsulates the essence of the Re:new ministry, highlighting the cyclical nature of comfort and the divine purpose in our struggles. It underscores that our own experiences of hardship can equip us to minister to others with authentic understanding and empathy.</p>

<h4>Identity in Christ and Freedom</h4><p>Re:new can bring you freedom if you are struggling with something specific. It can also refresh you even if you are not currently struggling with something but simply desire a deeper understanding of your identity in Christ. This journey is about uncovering foundational truths that lead to a life of abundance, as God intended.</p><p>Understanding who you are in Christ is not just a theological concept; it's a practical pathway to living a life free from the lies and patterns that hold people back. This module is designed to help you, as a mentor, guide others toward this liberating truth, empowering them to walk in their true identity.</p>

<h3>Overview of Re:new Material</h3><p>We'd like to give you a brief overview of the Re:new material, which provides the framework for the mentoring sessions. You can follow along by looking at the Table of Contents on page 3 of your Re:new workbook. Understanding these core components will help you guide your mentee through their personal journey effectively, ensuring a comprehensive and transformative experience.</p><ul><li><h4>HISTORY:</h4><p>We begin the Re:new process by taking an extensive inventory of your past. We believe that in order to move forward, sometimes you have to look back. The way we interpret the events, circumstances, or people from our pasts has helped shape the lies we believe, how we look at the world, how we view God, and how we view ourselves.</p></li><li><h4>NEEDS:</h4><p>After taking your history, we discover how you get your needs met. God created us with needs—the need to feel secure, to be satisfied, to feel significant. What matters is how you go about meeting those needs. Do you depend on God to meet your needs or do you look to things like relationships or accomplishments to meet them?</p></li><li><h4>FALSE BELIEFS:</h4><p>You'll identify the lies you believe about yourself. In Re:new, we call them false beliefs. These false beliefs drive negative or damaging behaviors or emotions like anger, depression, anxiety, people-pleasing, or perfectionism. You learn that you can't simply put aside false beliefs; you have to actively replace them with new beliefs that align with God's truth.</p></li><li><h4>FLESH:</h4><p>Flesh is how you get your needs met apart from Christ. It's your own variety of sin. You'll map out your flesh on what we call the "flesh diagram." Flesh looks pretty ugly, but we'll help you discover that it's NOT who you are but how you function when you are not depending on Jesus and his resources. This distinction is crucial for understanding behavioral patterns.</p></li><li><h4>TRUTH:</h4><p>We begin applying truth by using scripture to counter each false belief you have with the truth of God's Word. This is a critical piece of the process as you begin to internalize the truth about what God's Word says about you. This is where you really begin the process of renewing your mind, transforming your perspective from the inside out.</p></li><li><h4>FREEDOM:</h4><p>You'll talk more about the freedom that comes from understanding who you are in Christ and living out of your new identity. This section focuses on the practical application of spiritual truths, enabling a life of liberation and purpose.</p></li><li><h4>IDENTITY:</h4><p>Re:new is designed to help believers become more aware of their rich identity in Christ. What God says about us is true, regardless of whether we believe it's true. This foundational truth empowers individuals to live authentically and confidently in their God-given identity.</p></li><li><h4>BROKENNESS:</h4><p>You will learn the difference between brokenness and suffering. Brokenness is a position of surrender where your dependency shifts from worldly things or other people to becoming more dependent on Christ. It's only when we understand how deeply dependent we are that we can begin to experience abundant life. This distinction offers a profound shift in perspective.</p></li><li><h4>FORGIVENESS:</h4><p>We'll discuss forgiveness and why we are asked to forgive, as well as common myths about forgiveness. This section unpacks the liberating power of forgiveness, both giving and receiving, which is essential for emotional and spiritual healing.</p></li><li><h4>ABIDING:</h4><p>The Christian life is not meant to be one of struggle. Abiding is learning to yield ourselves moment by moment to Jesus as our source of life. This concept teaches continuous reliance on God, leading to peace and strength amidst life's challenges. So, are you eager to get started and guide someone through this transformative journey?</p></li></ul>

Which topic(s) are you most excited to learn more about? Which topic(s) may create tension for you?

Feedback from a Re:new Care Receiver

<p>"There is not enough that I can say about my mentor! I came to her at a very vulnerable and confused time with a thirst to have the relationship [with God] that I heard was possible. She was the absolute best listener and I give her so much credit for where I am in my relationship with the Lord and understanding my identity in him. She was exactly what I needed and met me right where I was every time we got together and didn't give up telling me who I was. God gave me the greatest blessing with her!"</p><p>This heartfelt testimony underscores the profound impact a dedicated mentor can have, highlighting the importance of presence, understanding, and consistent encouragement in another's spiritual journey.</p>

Welcome and Introduction

This module is designed to help individuals discover why they are stuck in life by uncovering lies they believe about themselves, others, and God. By understanding their identity in Christ, they will learn to live in freedom—freedom to experience the Christian life as God intended.

<h3>Essential Mentoring Skills</h3><p>We believe effective Re:new mentors need four key skills that are fundamental to fostering a transformative relationship. Developing these skills is essential to gaining influence as a mentor and truly serving your mentee's journey towards freedom. These skills are not merely techniques, but dispositions that enable authentic connection and impactful guidance.</p><ol><li><p><strong>Listen well.</strong></p></li><li><p><strong>Ask good questions.</strong></p></li><li><p><strong>Be authentic.</strong></p></li><li><p><strong>Empathize.</strong></p></li></ol><p>Each of these skills will be explored in detail in the following sections, providing you with practical insights and opportunities for self-reflection and growth. By mastering them, you'll become a more effective and compassionate guide for your mentee.</p>

Who is the best listener in your life and what makes them a good listener?

<h4>Skill 1: Listen Well</h4><p>Perhaps the most important need your mentee will have when they start meeting with you is the need to have someone who will genuinely listen to them. By just showing up for them and being a really good listener, you are going to give them something they may not have had in a long time. This act of presence and genuine attention is a profound gift. Listening is not merely the absence of talking; it is an active engagement of the heart and mind, creating a safe space for your mentee to share their story without judgment or interruption. This skill lays the groundwork for trust and deep connection.</p>

<h4>Characteristics of a Good Listener</h4><p>There are several critical characteristics we must possess to be truly effective and good listeners:</p><ol><li><p><strong>Desire:</strong> You have to genuinely want to listen to your mentee. This desire comes from a place of compassion and spiritual calling. You can pray and ask God to give you a deep desire to listen to your mentee, ensuring your motivation is pure and persistent.</p></li><li><p><strong>Commitment:</strong> Mentoring requires commitment. There will be times when listening feels challenging—especially after a long, hard day at work or an argument with your spouse or friend. Your consistency and unwavering commitment to meeting with your mentee and being present is incredibly important for building and maintaining trust.</p></li><li><p><strong>Patience:</strong> We need a lot of patience to listen well. In mentoring, we often use the 80/20 rule: you will be listening 80 percent of the time and talking 20 percent. This is particularly crucial in the first few sessions when you are getting to know your mentee and hearing their story. This means you should be talking hardly at all! You are going to give them the floor. While you can ask clarifying questions, and as the mentoring continues and you earn their trust, the 80/20 balance may shift slightly, the emphasis remains on deep listening.</p></li></ol>

Do you consider yourself a good listener?
Which characteristic of a good listener is the easiest for you?
Which is the most difficult for you?

<p>"My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." <em>James 1:19</em></p><p>This verse offers a profound spiritual principle for effective communication and emotional regulation, underscoring the value of active listening in all relationships, especially in mentoring.</p>

<h4>Active Listening in Practice</h4><p>Watch this short video about how to be a great listener. It provides valuable insights and practical techniques that you can immediately apply in your mentoring sessions. Active listening is a foundational skill that enhances understanding, builds rapport, and fosters a safe environment for your mentee to share openly.</p>

Active Listening: How to be a great listener

<h4>The Five Steps to Active Listening</h4><p>To master active listening and genuinely connect with your mentee, follow these five essential steps:</p><ol><li><p><strong>Stay focused:</strong> Keep natural eye contact, avoid distractions, don't judge, and be patient. Your full presence communicates respect and attentiveness.</p></li><li><p><strong>Don't think about your similar experiences or about what you should say next:</strong> Resist the urge to plan your response or interject with your own stories. Focus entirely on understanding the speaker's perspective.</p></li><li><p><strong>Allow for periods of silence:</strong> Embrace pauses. Silence can be powerful, giving the speaker space to gather their thoughts and ensuring they don't feel rushed.</p></li><li><p><strong>Paraphrase the person's words back to them:</strong> Briefly restate what you've heard in your own words. This confirms your understanding and gives the speaker a chance to correct any misunderstandings.</p></li><li><p><strong>Understand the emotions behind the words and express the feelings:</strong> Listen for the underlying emotions. Reflecting these feelings back ("It sounds like you felt frustrated by that situation") validates their experience and builds deeper empathy.</p></li></ol>

Now we are going to practice active listening! Be intentional and pick a time to practice this skill with a family member or friend.

Ask them to tell you about a time when they were either very happy, very sad, or very angry. Listen for five to ten minutes as they describe this time. Use the skills you learned in the video: staying focused, keeping eye contact, being patient, reflecting feelings, etc.

What was this experience like for you?
Which part was easiest for you?
Which part was most difficult for you?

Feedback from Re:new Care Receivers

<p>"Jeanne was a perfect match for me. She listened to me and made it clear to me that she understood the depth of my story. We got to know one another fairly quickly, which made the process that much easier. She was wonderful to me and for me."</p><p>"Don was great! He was really good at listening, asking questions, and pulling from other resources, such as devotionals and Scripture, to aid in the discussion."</p><p>These testimonials highlight the tangible impact of good listening and insightful questioning, affirming the skills you are learning in this module as truly transformative.</p>

<h4>Skill 2: Ask Good Questions</h4><p>Asking good, meaningful questions is an essential skill in building an effective mentoring relationship. Questions help mentors better understand the mentee's needs and where to direct the conversation, moving beyond superficial discussion to uncover deeper insights. They empower the mentee to explore their own thoughts and feelings, fostering self-discovery rather than simply providing answers. Watch the video below on asking good questions and answer the following questions to refine your questioning techniques.</p>

Asking Good Questions

Review the level 1, 2, and 3 questions described in the video. Which are the easiest for you to ask? Which are the hardest? Why?

<h4>Skill 3: Be Authentic</h4><p>Share stories about your life and experiences that are appropriately transparent and vulnerable. Your mentee needs to know you haven't "gotten it all right." This will give them hope as they experience difficulties in their own life, realizing they are not alone in their struggles. Authenticity paves the way for harder discussions when you might need to challenge them, as your genuineness will have built a foundation of trust.</p><p>A couple of important points to remember about sharing your own experiences:</p><ol><li><p><strong>Make sure your stories are helpful, relevant, and appropriate.</strong> Your experiences should serve the mentee's growth, not merely be anecdotes. Consider how your story directly relates to their current situation and offers encouragement or perspective.</p></li><li><p><strong>Be mindful of how long you talk.</strong> Your mentee will enjoy listening to engaging stories, but it's crucial to make your point concisely and then let them share. The 80/20 rule of listening still applies here; your role is primarily to facilitate their journey, not to dominate the conversation.</p></li></ol>

What is one thing you hope to leverage from your story? Why?

<h4>Skill 4: Empathize</h4><p>Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. It's a cornerstone of effective mentoring, allowing you to connect deeply with your mentee's experience. Here are key practices for cultivating empathy:</p><ol><li><p><strong>Create a Safe, Confidential Environment:</strong> Make the mentoring sessions safe, confidential environments where the mentee can feel comfortable sharing their challenges without feeling judged. This foundation of trust is paramount for authentic communication.</p></li><li><p><strong>Open Your Heart to Their Challenges:</strong> Listen to their challenges to the point where you are able to feel and reflect what they are feeling. Ask yourself: Is there a similar challenge in your own life that could help you relate to the emotions they are feeling? This personal connection deepens your capacity for understanding.</p></li><li><p><strong>Understand Their Perspective:</strong> Take the time to understand their perspective to the point where you are able to see what they are seeing. Ask yourself what it would be like to be in their situation, experiencing what they are experiencing. This involves actively imagining yourself in their shoes.</p></li><li><p><strong>Resist the Urge to Fix:</strong> Resist the urge to focus on fixing the problem. Instead, try to provide insight and guide your mentee through the process of exploring the problem and potential solutions themselves. Your role is to empower, not to solve everything for them.</p></li></ol>

<h4>Brené Brown on Empathy</h4><p>In the following video, acclaimed researcher Brené Brown illustrates how to build empathy through connection. Her insights offer a compelling visual and conceptual understanding of what empathy truly is, distinguishing it from sympathy and highlighting its active nature. This short animation is a powerful tool to solidify your understanding and application of this vital mentoring skill.</p>

Brené Brown on Empathy

Put yourself in the shoes of your mentee as they meet you for the first time. What might they be concerned about? How can you alleviate those concerns?

Mentoring Skills

<h3>Understanding Your Mentee's Story</h3><p>Your mentee's story is immensely important to the Re:new process. You will spend the first few meetings hearing their story and doing what we call in Re:new "taking the mentee's history." This foundational step is crucial for understanding the influences, experiences, and beliefs that have shaped who they are today.</p><p>A thorough history helps you identify the roots of false beliefs and provide tailored guidance. Please watch the video below to learn more about the significance and methodology of taking a mentee's history, preparing you to engage deeply and empathetically with their past.</p>

How to Understand Someone's Story

Why do we need to look back at the past during mentoring? Pick one.

What is the goal of the first mentoring session?

How much of your own story should you share with your mentee?

What are some healthy boundaries you can set with your mentee?

What are some things you should pay attention to about the physical mentoring environment?

Taking a Mentee's History

<h3>Best Practices for Re:new Mentors</h3><p>As you begin your journey as a Re:new mentor, keeping these best practices in mind will equip you for impactful and healthy mentoring relationships. These guidelines are designed to ensure both your well-being and the effectiveness of your support for your mentee.</p><ol><li><p><strong>Sessions:</strong> You should meet with your mentee weekly. Each session should last sixty to ninety minutes. The sessions should be at a neutral location: the church, a restaurant, or a coffee shop. The key to the location is that it's safe for sensitive conversations. <strong>Note: Avoid meeting in either the mentor or the care receiver's home</strong> to maintain professional boundaries and ensure comfort.</p></li><li><p><strong>Engage in active listening:</strong> Patience and commitment are required to listen 80% of the time. Attend to non-verbals, ask open-ended questions, and reflect back content, feelings, and concerns. This validates your mentee's experience and deepens trust.</p></li><li><p><strong>Encourage counseling when needed:</strong> There may be times when a mentee needs more support than a volunteer mentor can provide. Let Amy Doerman know of any red flags, and she will provide next steps for seeking professional counseling. Examples of when we would recommend professional counseling include: Active addiction (substance abuse, eating disorder, etc.); Childhood abuse or trauma that has not been processed with a professional counselor; Debilitating depression, anxiety, or other persistent mental health conditions.</p></li><li><p><strong>Provide closure and next steps:</strong> The ultimate goal of going through the Re:new process is to equip your mentee to apply the truths they have learned through the process of abiding in Christ. Next steps after completing the workbook might include joining a small group, attending Celebrate Recovery, pursuing further counseling, or engaging with a specific spiritual growth resource. This ensures their continued growth beyond your mentoring relationship.</p></li></ol>

<h3>Re:new Materials &amp; Resources</h3><p>To support you in your mentoring role, Re:new provides comprehensive materials:</p><ul><li><p><strong>Re:new Workbook:</strong> This is the same workbook your mentee receives, ensuring you both follow the same curriculum and stay aligned in your journey.</p></li><li><p><strong>Re:new Leader Guide:</strong> This is the detailed guide you'll follow for each mentoring session. It provides structure, prompts, and insights to help you facilitate discussions effectively.</p></ul><p>Click the link below to download the Re:new Leader Guide and use it to facilitate your weekly sessions with your mentee. This resource is indispensable for preparing each meeting and guiding your discussions.</p><p><a href="https://faircreek.org/mt-content/uploads/2024/09/renew-weekly-mentor-guide.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Download Re:new Leader Guide</a></p>

<h3>FAQs for Mentors</h3><p>Here are some frequently asked questions to provide further clarity as you embark on your mentoring journey:</p><h4>Where can you meet with your mentee?</h4><p>When you introduce yourself to your mentee, discuss meeting options and let them decide which location would be preferable. You want to meet your mentee where they're going to feel comfortable. While you may decide together to vary your meeting sites, the location does need to be neutral. Do not meet at your home or your mentee's.</p><h4>Are we able to reserve rooms at the church?</h4><p>Contact Amy Doerman regarding available space for meeting. She can assist with scheduling and securing a suitable private space.</p><h4>How do we get a workbook for our mentee?</h4><p>Amy Doerman will make sure your mentee has a workbook when she meets with them for their initial intake meeting. This ensures they are equipped from the very start of the program.</p><h4>What do we talk about during our first meeting?</h4><p>Use the Re:New Leader Guide to help facilitate your discussion. It provides a structured outline and prompts to ensure a productive and comfortable initial meeting.</p><h4>Can I use the Re:New Leader Guide in front of my mentee?</h4><p>Yes. Explain to your mentee that you will be using the Leader Guide to help walk them through the material. At times, you will read straight from it, ensuring transparency and clarity about the session's structure.</p><h4>Do we have to complete each section of the workbook in order?</h4><p>It is recommended that you go through the workbook as it's arranged. Generally speaking, the mentee will not be ready to apply the latter sections of the workbook until they have worked through the process of identifying false beliefs and learning the truth of God's Word. The sequence is designed for optimal spiritual and emotional growth.</p><h4>What if my mentee needs professional help?</h4><p>If you feel that your mentee needs a higher level of care than mentoring can provide, contact Amy Doerman to discuss it. She can guide you on appropriate steps and referrals for specialized support.</p><h4>Does my mentee have to attend Faircreek to participate in Re:new?</h4><p>Yes. Re:new is available to regular attendees at Faircreek. This ensures a shared community context and support system.</p><h4>Is there an age requirement to go through Re:new?</h4><p>Participants must be 18 years of age or older. This ensures maturity and readiness for the deep personal work involved in the program.</p><h4>Can couples participate in Re:new?</h4><p>Re:new is an individual mentoring program. It is designed for one-on-one personal spiritual growth and discovery.</p><h4>How am I matched with a mentee?</h4><p>A variety of factors are used to determine the best match, including location, availability, age, and life experiences. The goal is to create a connection that fosters trust and mutual understanding.</p><h4>How much does a workbook cost?</h4><p>There is no cost for Re:new. The workbooks are provided for each participant, removing financial barriers to engagement.</p><h4>Is the information shared by my mentee confidential?</h4><p>All communication between you and your mentee is confidential. However, Ohio state law requires the mentor to report any suspected sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, or serious threat of physical harm to self or others. If the need to report arises, please contact Amy Doerman immediately.</p><h4>What is the difference between mentoring and counseling?</h4><p>Re:new mentoring focuses on the spiritual growth of the participant to help them discover how to live life as God intended. Mentors are trained volunteers. Counselors, conversely, have advanced degrees and licensing. In addition to encouraging spiritual growth, counselors can provide help in areas not covered in Re:new. For example, they specialize in helping clients with relationships, mental health (anxiety and depression), trauma, active addiction, abuse, and career support. For a personalized counseling referral, contact Amy Doerman. Understanding this distinction ensures your mentee receives the most appropriate support for their needs.</p>

<h3>Your Journey as a Re:new Mentor</h3><p>As we wrap up this first digital training module, we want to share a few baptism stories of Re:new mentees. These stories are powerful testimonies to the transformative work God does through this ministry. The journey you are embarking on today to become a Re:new mentor is profoundly important. You will make a tangible difference in people's lives by coming alongside them and sharing the hope and freedom that are found in Jesus.</p><p>We are incredibly excited for you as you begin this journey and witness firsthand the renewal and liberation that your dedication will bring to others. These stories serve as a beautiful reminder of the ultimate purpose behind your commitment.</p>