INTRODUCTION - CLICK HERE

QUESTIONS FOR MENTORS - CLICK HERE

QUESTION FOR LEARNERS - CLICK HERE

INTRODUCTION

You’ve probably been on many spiritual adventures—and you never knew it!

A spiritual adventure is a broad, colorful term we’re using to describe any activity in which people work for the Lord. Spiritual adventures can be grand or miniscule in scope. They can range from bringing the Gospel to foreign lands to visiting the sick, teaching a class to playing an instrument in church.

Wait. Some of those don’t sound very adventurous.

We believe that even the smallest experience can be an adventure if someone is doing it for the first time. Remember the first time you taught a children’s class or seminar? The first time you played your guitar with a congregation of people singing along? The first time you organized a fundraiser or event?

Did you have someone to help you and answer your questions? Or did you have to figure it out on your own?

Spiritual adventures give experienced people (not necessarily older people) the chance to help less-experienced people (not necessarily younger people) get involved with activities that will help them grow spiritually and develop the talents God gave them.

Next time you’re teaching a class, invite someone to be your co-teacher. Next time you go visit a small mission, invite someone to come with you—tell them to bring their singing voice and their testimony.

CTS hopes to accomplish two things:

1.  Get people EXCITED about spiritual adventures. Empower learners to seek out these experiences. Encourage potential mentors to involve others. We want to remove the barriers of shyness that keep us from reaching out to one another.

2.  CONNECT learners with mentors. Looking for a spiritual adventure near you? Check out our listings. Looking for someone to accompany you on your next spiritual adventure? Submit your event for inclusion on our listings page.

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Questions for Mentors

If you’ve invited someone to join you on a spiritual adventure, ask yourself these practical questions:

·         Have you prayed for the person going with you? That the Lord would use you to help them grow spiritually?

·         Have you talked with this person about what the adventure entails and what to expect? Are you encouraging them and allowing them to ask questions?

·         Have you talked with this person about how they can contribute their talents to enrich the adventure?

·         Do you have any plans to follow up with this person afterward?

·         If this person is under 18, have you talked with their parent/guardian and obtained permission? Does your adventure comply with SAPP?

·        Have you thought about any others who might like to join you on a S.A.?

Here are some quick tips that can help you be a more effective mentor to the person accompanying you on this spiritual adventure:

·         Focus on the needs and goals of this person rather than your own.

·         Ask open-ended questions, and listen more than you talk. Listen with your heart to understand what the person really means behind their words.

·         Avoid lectures that begin with “If I were you…”. Give examples rather than instructions.

·         Know when to refer this person elsewhere—to the ministry or to a professional—if they need help that’s beyond you.

·         Be yourself! Be a friend, not a parent.

·         Follow up with the CTS committee representatives, Sis. Carolyn Light or Bro. Tim Scolaro, about your experience including any questions or ideas.

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Questions for Learners

If you’re going to join someone on a spiritual adventure, ask yourself these practical questions:

·         Have you prayed about this spiritual adventure? Have you spoken to the mentor leading it?

·         Have you asked your mentor what to expect when you go? How you should prepare?

·         Have you thought about how you can contribute your talents to this adventure? What do you expect to learn from this experience?

·         How can you thank your mentor afterward?

·         If you are under 18, have your parents/guardians given their permission?

Here are some quick tips that can help you get the most out of your spiritual adventure:

·         BEFORE: Take some time to think about why you want to go on this adventure. What, specifically, are you hoping to learn?

·         DURING: Be helpful to your mentor. Offer to help with travel costs, and pitch in quickly without waiting to be asked.

·         AFTER: Make sure you recap with your mentor. What questions do you have? What did you like or not like about the adventure? What did you learn? Contact CTS committee with any feedback!

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