Attraction We define attraction as the initial establishment of the mentoring relationship. The tone is set by Augustine’s challenge to the mentor, “Attract them by you way of life.” Key components include claming you own story as the mentor; initiation of the relationship primarily by the mentoree with a challenge by the mentors to recognize potential mentorees; covenant making to establish motivation, frequency, location, confidentiality, evaluation and closure; potential relationship to avoid.
Relationship We define relationship as the nurturing hospitable space of trust and intimacy. The life of the mentoree will more effectively be heard when a safe space is created by the mentor. Key components include; the respect of vulnerability and boundaries seeing the mentoring relationship in the progressive stages of friendship of selection, probation, admission and harmony, recognizing the essential functions of holy listening , holy seeing, and wholly listening .
Responsiveness We define responsiveness as the sustaining of a responsive spirit of teachability. In order to grow, the mentoree must submit willingly to the guidance of the mentor. Various prayer movements such as the "seven dwelling places" of Teresa of Avila and the dark night of St. John of the Cross are used to assist in fostering a spirit of responsiveness.
Accountability We define accountability as growth through the exercise of grace facilitated by the mentor. Ignatius sets the pace with spiritual exercises categorized as preparations of the heart, virtues of the heart, habits of the heart and rewards of the heart. Further suggestions include adaptable hospitality, intentionality and discipline, imagination, and discernment. Guyon’s prayer through Scripture; the disciplines of questions; and lectio divina.
Empowerment We define empowerment as the discovery of one’s unique voice for kingdom service that derives from intimacy with God and ultimate identity as a child of God. The mentoree discovers his or her unique voice in God’s salvation story. The foundation is set in Scripture and validated through the classical perspectives.
