Issue link: http://denverseminary.uberflip.com/i/394033
F FAITH, JUSTICE, AND COMPASSION Courtney Steitz is the mentee of both Patty Pell and James Butler, two wonderfully different examples in multi-cultural ministry. COURTNEY STEITZ IS AN MDIV STUDENT WITH A CONCENTRATION IN JUSTICE AND MISSION, AND SHE SERVES ON THE LEADERSHIP TEAM FOR A MULTI-ETHNIC CHURCH. SHE AND HER HUSBAND INTENTIONALLY LIVE IN A LOW-INCOME APARTMENT COMPLEX WHERE SHE RUNS A RESOURCE CENTER FOR HER REFUGEE AND LOW-INCOME NEIGHBORS. FINDING A MENTOR, OR TWO Patty: Courtney was a student at UNC in Greeley when she began attending my Bible study with a friend. Before long she joined the leadership team of the study, and we've been meeting regularly ever since. It's been over five years now—and only one of those years was in the context of the seminary experience. Courtney: I was already in a mentor relationship with Patty when she introduced me to James through our multi-ethnic, multi-site church plant in Greeley. When I needed a second mentor, James immediately came to mind. While the three of us share similar passions about cross-cultural ministry and social justice, the two of them have very different personalities and leadership styles, and I wanted to broaden my mentoring experience by working with them both. A MENTOR'S MOTIVATION Patty: Building up young leaders has always been a significant part of my calling. Courtney and I continue to meet not only because it is a natural progression for us to do so, but also because we are doing life and ministry together. James: I mentor for two reasons. First, I genuinely believe that making disciples is not optional for Christians. Second, I love and appreciate Courtney and what God is doing in her—her passions and the values Jesus is stirring up in her. I love watching her navigate through social injustice. She doesn't just stand by and watch it happen without trying to do something about it. THE VALUE OF MENTORING Courtney: Patty and I are similar in personality and gifting, and I have benefited greatly with her ahead of me on the journey. She's provided numerous opportunities to get involved and has empowered me to advance my ministry in the process. James challenges the way I think through things and provides so much wisdom and counsel about approaching injustice. He is incredibly thoughtful, often asking me tough questions so I can apply what I'm learning in the classroom. UNEXPECTED BENEFITS OF MENTORSHIP James: We are very different, yet together we wrestle through these challenging issues. She inspires me with her intentional living. She has immersed herself for the sake of the gospel, and though I'm the mentor, she is an example to me. Patty: Courtney gives me a sense of partnership in ministry, which has led to a genuine sense of community. Mentoring her makes me reflect on my own journey with the Lord as we talk through what He is doing in her life. It pushes me to grow. Courtney: We live life together, which takes our relationships beyond the how-is-your-prayer-life conversations, especially with the challenges that come from the cross-cultural work we all care about. ENGAGE 15 MEET MY MENTOR nandyphotos/iStock