Reverse Mentoring: How Young Leaders Can Transform the Church and Why We Should Let Them

by Earl Creps

Earl Creps is known for his work in connecting the younger generation of postmoderns with their Boomer predecessors. The author of Off-Road Disciplines, Creps, in this new book, takes up the topic of how older church leaders can learn from younger leaders who are more conversant with culture, technology, and social context. In addition to making the benefits of what he calls "reverse mentoring" apparent, he also makes it accessible by offering practical steps to implement this discipline at both personal and organizational levels, particularly in communication, evangelism, and leadership. Creps' new book is a topic of interest both inside and outside the church as older leaders realize that they're not "getting it" when it comes to technologies (iPod, IM, blogging) or cultural issues such as the fact that younger people see the world in an entirely different way. Creps has been personally involved in reverse mentoring for several years and has spoken and written on the subject extensively. He has pastored three churches (one Boomer, one Builder, on X'er) and is currently a church planter in Berkeley, California. He has also served as a consultant and and a seminary professor and administrator, holding a PhD in Communication Studies and a D.Min. from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary.

Genres: Church

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Sándor Szabó · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought it based on some free excerpts I found on the internet. I was interested in the topic as being in the transitional age when I started to qualify to be 'old' in the eyes of the teenagers and young adults. There were some good insights in the book but some parts I felt a little bit empty, reading the full version didn't give so much more than I had expected. However, the original idea is very good and useful and this book should be read by each leader.

[Nathan Pullman · Rating 3 out of 5]

At times it was a bit hard to follow in terms of the key points, but it's a great book on exploring the need for leaders to reach out to those younger than them or in cultures they're trying to reach or understand and to be humble and willing enough to listen and learn from them in a reverse mentoring relationship.

[writer...]

*Reverse Mentoring* from Earl Creps' *How Young Leaders Can Transform the Church and Why We Should Let Them* positive impact in marketing arenas could be encouragement for churches to take the leap into implementation.

from Network of Executive Women regarding http://www.newonline.org/news/42483/R... Reverse mentoring:

*Among the key points the industry executives have learned in their relationships with younger employees: Members of Gen Y and Gen X rank work/life balance more important than their Baby Boomer colleagues and use technology as an enabler to help them get their work done.
"Boomers tend to look at technology like Blackberries as status symbols of rank versus tools to get the job done more efficiently and effectively,” Freitas noted.
Added Richardson: "At Clorox we focus on communicating clear expectations and goals and then we get out of the way, so our employees can accomplish the work in the best way they see fit.”*

certainly this is advice from which church leadership, amongst others, would benefit.

*The panel discussion closed with advice for employees of all generations who want to get along better with the colleagues: Become a better listener, be flexible and carefully communicate across the generations in a manner that resonates with them. While Boomers may like a formal thank you note on stationary, a Gen X or Gen Y is happy to receive a Tweet.
"We all know diverse work teams consistently outperform non-diverse teams,” Toth said. "A reverse mentoring program encourages multiple opportunities for idea sharing, is low cost and can involve anyone in your organization. Just remember, no one is too old to stop learning or too young to start teaching!” *

[Jay Winters · Rating 3 out of 5]

As someone who naturally works with younger Christian leaders (I'm a (college) campus minister), this book wasn't all that surprising. The basic premise is that older leaders should allow themselves to be in relationships with younger people. This premise is predicated on the ideas that a.) older leaders have things to learn from younger people - like how to use facebook, and b.) that the exchange is a win-win for everyone in the relationship.

If you already believe that these things are true, then you're probably not going to be blown away by the book. Still, there are a few helpful ideas when it comes to understanding the "Millenial" psychological disposition.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really great concept to approaching one's organization and mentoring relationship. It's a give and take approach, rather than a give or take approach.