Don’t Skip! Reading is FUNdamental
The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. -Proverbs 4:7 NIV
As part of the mentorship process, the mentees are required to read two additional books on top of the mentorship guide. These books focus on an untamed faith in Jesus and practical evangelism - two important topics to the Christian minister and greatly valuable to ministry in the motorcycle community.
Let’s be honest—not everyone loves reading. Some people devour books, while others struggle to get through a single chapter. But here’s the thing: skipping the book readings in mentorship just to move faster is actually doing a disservice—not just to the mentee, but to the ministry as a whole.
Why Reading Matters in the Mentorship Process
Books aren’t just busywork. They’re carefully chosen to equip, challenge, and inspire mentees in ways that casual conversation alone can’t. When mentees commit to reading:
📖 They gain wisdom – Books provide insight, history, and practical tools that help mentees grow.
📖 They develop discipline – Reading requires focus, and that discipline carries over into other areas of life.
📖 They engage in deeper discussions – A well-read mentee brings stronger reflections and richer dialogue to the mentorship.
Skipping the readings might seem like a time-saver, but in reality, it robs mentees of the full experience—leaving gaps in their development that could’ve been filled with powerful lessons.
But What If I/THEY Don’t Like Reading?
Not everyone is a natural book lover, and that’s okay! Here are some practical tips for those who struggle with reading:
🔹 Find the ‘One Big Thing’ – Instead of stressing over every detail, focus on one major takeaway from each chapter and apply it to your journey.
🔹 Use audiobooks – Listening to a book while driving, walking, or doing chores can make it more engaging.
🔹 Read in bite-sized chunks – You don’t have to finish a book in one sitting. 10 minutes a day adds up!
🔹 Discuss with others – Talking about what you read can help reinforce ideas and make the material more meaningful. HINT: CMs should be having those discussions with mentees.
Unlocking Growth Through the Process
One of the surprising benefits of mentorship is that it helps mentees push past personal barriers—and reading is often one of them. Many who once struggled with books find themselves more confident, more curious, and more eager to learn as they go through the mentorship journey.
So don’t rush the process. The books are there for a reason. Give them the attention they deserve, and watch how they shape one not just as a mentee, but as a potential leader in the making.
PRO TIP: In addition to the strategies above, use a couple resources found in the Resource Links section of the CM Hub:
1. Additional Readings Suggested Reading Calendar - This resource breaks down the reading into appropriate chunks based on the lessons and time between mentorship meetings.
2. Additional Readings Summaries and Discussion Questions - This document provides ‘cliff notes’ for key findings and ideas in the book as well as some discussion questions to generate reflection with your mentee(s) WARNING- just because you are provided cliff notes doesn’t mean you should skip the readings. Don’t rob yourself and therefore your mentee(s) of what God might reveal through these resources and learning together.
📚 Which book are you diving into next, CM? Don’t skip it—embrace it!
