Mentoring: The Power of Being Seen

"Leadership development through relationship is discipleship."

Where it all Began

Once a mentor, now dear friends - Larry & Shelley Galbraith

When I was 21, an experienced leader at my church singled me out and asked if I’d like him to mentor me.

Of course, I said yes.

The very act of being chosen from among the other young adults was incredibly impactful.

Not long before, I had taken a bold step. I approached the worship pastor and asked if I could join the vocal team for Sunday night services. That one step felt massive. I had never sung in front of anyone before!

It was all so new and exciting—serving in ministry, using my gifts, growing in faith, and discovering what it meant to be part of God’s mission.

So when this leader invited me into a mentoring relationship, it felt like confirmation that I was exactly where God wanted me to be. Looking back, that was the most pivotal moment in my spiritual journey—and the beginning of my leadership development.

More Than Lessons: The Power of Relationship

We’d meet regularly in cafés, where he would talk to me about ministry and leadership.

And honestly? I can't remember a single word he said.

But I do remember how I felt: empowered.

He’d draw leadership diagrams on napkins, explain concepts with passion, and invest his time and energy into me. I didn’t retain the content—but I absorbed the confidence.

Eventually, I started connecting with his family. I’d chat with his wife, hang with his kids, and even spent Christmas lunch with them one year. I felt cared for, included, and significant.

“I can’t remember what he taught me—only how he made me feel: Important.”

What I now realise is that I wasn’t just being mentored—I was being discipled. Leadership development through relationship is discipleship. And without relationship, leadership development falls flat.

In fact, research from MentorLink indicates that individuals with mentors are five times more likely to be promoted than those without one. Why? Because relationship is the environment where belief, growth, and transformation can take place.

What Mentoring Gave Me

What did that mentoring relationship actually give me?

A sense of significance.

It wasn’t about the information—it was about the invitation. Someone chose to spend time with me. Someone believed I was worth investing in. Someone saw something in me and wanted to call it out.

That feeling of significance—that I mattered to someone, to God, and to the church—became foundational.

Even now, 25 years later, I carry a deep, unwavering belief that who I am—my gifts, my personality, my leadership—have a significant role to play in building God’s church.

And it all started with one leader who took the time to say, “I see you".

A Second Mentor, A Similar Impact

Years later, I entered a formal 12-month mentoring program. This time, I sought it out myself.

But the result was the same: significance.

My mentor saw my potential and called it forward. Every session, they reminded me that I was appointed for a reason. That I was chosen for such a time as this. Not someone else, me. They encouraged me to keep going, keep loving, keep growing.

They spoke to my strengths and helped me stay connected to my why.

“They reminded me I was appointed for a reason.”

Now I Mentor Others

Today, I have the joy of mentoring emerging leaders—and my favourite thing to do is remind them of their unique significance in the Kingdom of God.

In a world that constantly pushes us to compare, conform, or compete, I love helping leaders see just how valuable their vision, their voice, and their God-given uniqueness really is.

When leaders walk confidently in who they were created to be, it’s powerful. It changes them—and it changes the church.

💬 Your Turn

Have you ever had a mentor who made you feel significant? 

Are you investing in someone else’s journey right now?

I’d love to hear your thoughts—or help you explore what mentoring could look like in your context.

📩 Drop a comment, message me, or reach out if you’d like to chat more about mentoring, leadership, or discipleship.

You were appointed for a reason