Transition, Transformation, and True Community: A Spirituality of Mentoring
Transition, Transformation, and True Community: A Spirituality of Mentoring
Brian KB LAM
This article seeks to investigate a key issue in mentoring, namely, “How can we help others to grow?” by using the practical theology method suggested by Richard R. Osmer. The stories of three persons (William Bridges, James E. Loder, Jr., and Parker J. Palmer) are gathered and told in order to let us understand the process of how people change. Bridges' transition management theory gives us insights into why people resist even good and desirable changes. Loder's logic of transformation and four dimensions of being shed light on the work of the Holy Spirit in human growth. Finally, Palmer's practice of true community teaches us how to create a safe space for others' true selves to show up.
It is the thesis of this paper that questioning is the key tool in mentoring others. Through this interdisciplinary study of Bridges, Loder, and Palmer, we learn specific contents and contexts for questioning.
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Editor's Notes by Ng Kwok Kit In recent years, many Hong Kong people have been plagued by various negative emotions. Internationally, the trade war between China and the United States has brought about a political crisis, the war between Russia and Ukraine has caused inflation, and the COVID-19 epidemic has led to lockdowns. Locally, the anti-extradition bill turmoil has torn apart interpersonal relationships, changes in the political situation have given rise to conflicting emotions, and parting sentiments have emerged amid the wave of immigrants in Hong Kong. All these have directly and indirectly affected the mood of Hong Kong people, and the city seems to be shrouded in a thick haze. A 2023 statistical study pointed out that the happiness index of Hong Kong people ranks last in the Asia-Pacific region; especially young respondents have the lowest happiness index and are generally pessimistic about life. As a church community sent by God to be salt and light on the earth, how should we respond to the times and bring light to a dark world? This issue of "Sandow Journal" is themed "Living Faith in Hope" and hopes to bring enlightenment to modern Christians in difficult situations through scholars' research on the Old Testament, the New Testament and spiritual theology. ...
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