It is important to have people you can ask for advice, learn from and discuss questions with.
Normally, when you think about listening to someone for advice, it's someone older than you.
And that is true. But if you're only listening to people that are older and wiser than you, you are missing out on some great advice.
I believe we should be listening to 3 people. Each of these 3 people can offer you advice that the other two cannot. Let's see who the 3 people are.
Person 1 - Someone who has been in ministry longer than you have. This person should be older and wiser and have a proven track record. An example of this is found in Scripture with Timothy and Paul. Timothy looked to Paul for advice and insight.
Do you have that person in your life? If not, look for some older, godly men/women in your church that you can ask to be your Paul. They have been down the road farther than you and can help you avoid some of the mistakes they made at your age.
Person 2 - Someone who is at the same stage of ministry and life as you. This person should be about your same age and have ministry experience that is comparative to yours. They are walking through some of the same things you are. You can bounce ideas and questions off this person and find out what they are doing in some of the same situations.
Person 3 - Someone who is younger than you in ministry and age. I guess you could call this reverse mentoring. It's important to stay up-to-date with current trends, worldviews and generational rhythms. Your connection with a person who is younger than you can give you a fresh perspective. Ask them to challenge you and question what you're doing and why.
If you can gather these 3 people into your inner circle, you'll be able to make some great, balanced decisions. You'll have the zeal of youth blended with the wisdom of experience.
These three people could be someone you respect, but don't live near you now. You could connect with them online, but I believe the best scenario is someone you can look in the eyes, meet for lunch, sit down and talk with in person, etc.
Do you have these 3 people in your life? If not, this is a great time to bring them in. Of course, they should be someone you know and trust. And they should be motivated to help you. You don't want to have people you have to drag help out of. They should be enthusiastic about investing in you.
Person 1 (younger in age and ministry) - __________
Person 2 (about the same age and same time serving in ministry) - __________________
Person 3 (older and serving in ministry longer) - _________________
Once you've got your names. Contact them and ask if they would be someone you can look to for advice and insight.
The Bible tells us this in Proverbs 15:22.
"Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success."
When you get your 3 people in place, you'll be set up for success.
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