THE HOPE OF DISCOVERY:
A MENTORING STORY
By Debra Anderson
REFLECTIONS
WHEN THE TRAINING AND MENTORING PROGRAM BEGAN IN 1996
AT DENVER SEMINARY, CHARLENE CANADY HEARD ABOUT IT AND
THOUGHT, IT'S ABOUT TIME!
Her husband, Dan, had been enrolled at Denver Seminary for a few years in the 1980s while they
simultaneously pastored and led worship. Though years of pastoring, homeschooling their five
children, and prison ministry still lay ahead of them, they were already acquainted with the paradox
of both fulfillment and longing in the ministry life. They felt that it would have been helpful if
mentoring could have been a part of the seminary experience.
Charlene's brothers took piano lessons from Ann Grounds, wife of Denver Seminary's former
president Dr. Vernon Grounds, in their childhood. Years later, she watched Dan grow fond of
informally visiting with Dr. Grounds. He gleaned helpful insights from Dr. Grounds' warm, relatable
tutelage. His mentorship was so valuable to Dan. Looking back, a regular and intentional mentor for
all seminary students could have added heart knowledge to head knowledge.
ENGAGE 7
Maritsa Smith/Photo
