Mentor Certification: Knowledge, Skills, Attitudes

Last weekend, I completed my second mentor certification class (1st re-certification) by The University of the South – School of Theology, Education for Ministry (EfM) program.  It was an honor and pleasure to work with an inspired, generous, and talented group.  I value this structured and carefully managed program – not the least because I have the opportunity to improve through specific feedback and advice from other experienced mentors.

About EfM:

EfM is a unique certificate program of experiential theological education for laity under the direction of The School of Theology – University of the South. Since its founding in 1975, this international program has assisted more than 30,000 students in discovering how to respond to the call of Christian service. EfM helps students encounter the breadth and depth of the Christian tradition and bring it into conversation with their experiences of the world as they study, worship, and engage in theological reflection together.

EfM mentor certification requires 18 hours of training and observed interactions every 18 months.  EfM groups can meet either in-person (as does our group at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Saratoga, California) or on-line. Here is an excerpt from the “Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes Expected of Mentors” document which guides the training and evaluation of EfM mentors:

Mentoring is an art.  The following list of competencies are like “paints and brushes” that allow the art to flourish.  These basic competencies help mentors and trainers to discern and evaluate mentor effectiveness.

Each mentor is rated by the mentor trainer in each competency as “not observed” or “needs improvement” or “proficient”.

Knowledge:

• familiarity with the variety of voices within the Christian tradition
• know the purpose of EfM and the components of an EfM seminar
• know the theories and model of theological reflection in EfM:
  • four sources (action, tradition, culture, position)
  • four “movements” (identify, explore, connect, apply)
  • perspective questions (creation, sin, judgment, repentance, redemption)
• know how to recruit, register, start, and maintain a group

Skills:

• framing questions
• facilitating reflection
• sharing leadership
• planning and managing the seminar
• managing energy
• listening
• communicating clearly

Attitudes:

• openness to growth
• invitation
  • empowerment
  • valuing participation
• encouragement
• respect for human and theological differences
• comfort with ambiguity
• willingness to receive and give feedback
• willingness to transmit EfM

Images Copyright 2013 by Katy Dickinson