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�����������Make the Connection

Peer to Peer Mentorship Program

Mentor

Handbook

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Table of Contents

Introduction to the Program Page 3

Purpose of the Program Page 4

Mentor Role Overview Page 5

Key Responsibilities of Mentor Page 6– 7

What Mentorship is Not Page 8

Tools and Resources for Mentors Page 9

Relationship Building Tips Page 10

When to Aske for help Page 11

Final Encouragement Page 12

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Make the Connection Peer-to-Peer Mentorship Program

  • Exists to foster a community of support among seminarians. Students are paired together in mentor-mentee relationships to nurture academic excellence, ministerial formation, and holistic well-being.

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  • Scriptural basis:

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor; if either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

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  • Focus:

Personal Development

Academic Support

Networking

Professional Development

Building Relationships

Navigating Seminary and Life

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Purpose of the Peer-to-Peer Mentorship Program�

  • Academic Support: Strengthen community by pairing experienced students with newer peers.
  • Leadership Development: Mentors model ministry-minded leadership and interpersonal care.
  • Retention & Success: Help mentees feel connected and supported in their seminary journey.

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�Mentor Role Overview�

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  • A guide through seminary life
  • A listener and encourager
  • A resource for academic, and personal growth
  • A bridge to community life and seminary culture

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Key Responsibilities of Mentor

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1. Initiate Contact

  • Reach out to your mentee(s) within the first week.
  • Set regular check-ins (at least monthly).

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2. Provide Support

  • Offer guidance on navigating classes, seminary policies, time management, etc.
  • Pray with and for your mentee.
  • Encourage engagement in chapel, community life, and study groups.

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Key Responsibilities

3. Maintain Confidentiality & Boundaries

  • Build trust while respecting personal space.
  • Know when to refer mentees to faculty, counselors, or student support services.

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4. Reflect & Report

  • Submit brief monthly reflections or check-ins to the Student Services Specialist
  • Share successes, challenges, and needs for support.

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�What Mentorship Is Not�

  • Counseling or therapy
  • Academic tutoring (though you may suggest study habits)
  • Being available 24/7
  • Solving all problems

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Tools and Resources for Mentors

  • Mentor Handbook
  • Orientation
  • Campus resources: Library,

Student Services,

Chapel, Counseling Services

  • Monthly mentor meetups

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�Relationship-Building Tips�

• Share your own seminary journey.

• Be present, not perfect.

• Use open-ended questions:

“What’s been most surprising about

seminary so far?”�

“How can I support you this week?”�

• Be available, but respect your limits.

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�When to Ask for Help�

• If your mentee is in crisis or shows signs of distress

• If you’re unsure how to support a particular need

• If the relationship is not progressing, contact Rev. Dr. Maxine Thomas, student Services Specialist via email at:

mlthomas@memphisseminary.edu

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Final Encouragement

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You don’t need to have all the answers—just a willing heart and a listening ear. Your presence can be transformative.

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“Encourage one another and build each other up…”�

—1 Thessalonians 5:11

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