How Mentorship Works in Voices of Christ

Scribes were trained in organized School of the Scribe. This wasn’t necessarily a physical building or a school system like what we see today, but a strategy in which an apprentice would be chosen and the mentor would devote time to teach that student. As you learn more about who you are, I encourage you to review websites of modern day "Jewish Scribes" who still practice the customs as they did during the times of Moses and Christ.

Mentoring is always carried out in the scriptures through love, time, nurturing, fellowship, demonstration, teaching and impartation. For clarity, study the relationship of Moses and Joshua or Christ and the disciples. Look at the relationship Paul had with Peter, James and John. Check out Paul's relationship with Onesimus, Titus and Timothy. The bible sets an exciting precedent for these holy alliances. The picture we see today in the commercialized church really doesn't paint an accurate picture of God's heart for his people in this area.

Mentoring in the KINGDOM of Heaven is an intimate experience with God, the mentee and the mentor; and has many levels of understanding.

The point here is this: True mentorship comes with a level of relationship and accountability far deeper than paying a monthly fee, licensing someone in ministry, and popping a free CD in the mail. These things could be a part of that mentorship, but they do not equal true relationship. Really consider this for a moment. Relationship, in the Kingdom, is so important to our Father.

You see, our Father is man of FAMILY. He meets us individually in natural and in the spirit. He even did it with Adam in the Garden of Eden remember? True mentoring, in sonship, requires more than casual teaching and impartation. It is an investment IN THE PUPIL, in which the mentor gives their all at the leading of the Lord, whether it's for a season or a duration. For some, mentoring can even reach beyond "mentorship" and into a deeper level of HEALTHY covenant as Holy Spirit leads. We see this healthy relationship between Paul and Timothy, Naomi and Ruth, Mordecai and Esther, Moses and Joshua, etc.

The very foundation of who we are as Kingdom people is all about intimacy -- with Father and with one another. This is not about control, staking claims or placing unjust demands on God's people. YOU BELONG TO HIM. It is, however, about coming along side you as the Lord leads -- to assist you along the way. It must be understood, however, that mentorship is not always a long term endeavor. We have learned that those seeking mentorship within Voices of Christ generally fall in one of these areas:

• VOC Directors, Spiritual Sons/Daughters. Following the example that Jesus Christ set with His disciples, Voices of Christ pours into the VOC directors in a greater way as they believe they are led, just as He did with Peter, James and John. We assist you the aspects of your spiritual development that the Lord allows as a literary or worship arts minister. As you need it, we assist you with (1) training in scribal ministry, teaching, speaking & presentation; (2) organizational development (developing your own ministry and ministry vision); (3) leading, guiding and managing others with the wisdom of God; (4) launching your ministry & community initiatives through prayer, (5) developing business plans and marketing strategies through prayer, (6) book publishing and development through prayer, (7) ministry training, ordination and licensing through VOC for the work of the ministry,  (8) spiritual prayer covering for your literary or worship arts ministry or businesses, and any other areas as the Lord directs. I want to be CLEAR about spiritual prayer covering. We are simply stating that we pray for you, counsel you through prayer and join with you (in person, by phone, in our home and in our own gatherings) through intercession to watch and pray for you by the leading of Holy Spirit.
  
  In addition, directors also have a high level of accountability and responsibility within VOC and their states or regions. These areas, requirements and responsibilities are only covered with those who are in this intimate place of leadership within VOC -- their primary role, however, is mentorship and intercession for their regions. (Spiritual sons and daughters receive mentoring in these areas as well if they request it or if there is an obvious need. The only difference is that they do not hold a directorial leadership position within VOC; HOWEVER, this does not limit their ability to walk fully and in complete fellowship with VOC.)
   
• VOC General Membership (Paid Members). Following the example of Jesus Christ and the Apostles, VOC mentors those who have made a commitment to walk with us as they grow as scribes and worship arts ministers.
  
  We request a membership donation. That membership donation is a seed into this ministry AND your own ministry. We KNOW that what a member receives from us far exceeds the small financial investment requested. VOC members are responsible for contacting Voices of Christ when they need help or advice with any aspect of their scribal walk with the Lord – whether it’s publishing, getting past a hurdle or challenge, or launching a ministry. The key here is this: It is up to the MEMBER to reach out and stay connected to us. We do our best to stay in touch by offering opportunities for fellowship; but there is nothing like knowing what you need from us in the Lord first hand. We are here to serve you first. Your donation simply helps us maintain our websites, phone lines, purchase ministry materials, contribute to missions and help other members when possible. The donation request is minimal, and in truth, you will have received your return after taking just one class or attending  an Immersion Mentoring Session.
  
  Mentorship is available through the Immersion Mentoring Calls, onsite and online classes and workshops, retreats, special sessions, etc. and whenever there is a need. Generally, the directors in your region are equipped to assist you. There is no obligation, accountability or commitment to VOC at all through membership -- accept what Father leads you to do. It is solely up to you to decide how much or how little you would like to be accountable to or pushed into your destiny by VOC. Many, however, choose to take full advantage of the resources available and truly walk in a place of intimacy with the ministry ultimately serving with us as teachers at our conferences, workshops and retreats. Either way, there is no pressure or push from VOC for involvement. We leave this work to Holy Spirit and to you.
   
• Personal One-on-One Mentorship. There will be times when people come into our lives just for a season or moment in time to receive an impartation from the Lord. As a result, mentoring takes place at specific times in which there is one-on-prayer, prophetic insight, teaching or guidance as Holy Spirit directs. The relationship the Apostle Paul had with Timothy, Titus and Onesimus are examples of this. Goals are generally set and a time frame is established to meet those goals/tasks. We do not encourage none-goal oriented mentoring. Every director serves as a mentor to scribes in their regions or states in this capacity as needed. Depending on your need and geographical location, you may be assigned to a director in your area.