Mentoring as a tool for promoting volunteer leaders

Volunteer leaders are important building blocks in the work of congregations and churches. They invest, motivate and lead. Unfortunately, however, they often lack what commercial enterprises have long recognised as one of the most important means of support: personal guidance and encouragement through mentoring. How can a culture of mentoring be developed in regional church communities so that leaders are less likely to burn out? Which topics are important? Which tools are effective? How could a programme be designed that appeals to volunteers?