This year the Pastor Partners mentoring program is celebrating its 15th anniversary. All of this year’s seniors requested a mentor for the beginning of their full-time ministries. The Pastor Partners mentoring program is for three years. Mentor Peter Zaferos explains the friendship aspect of the program. 

Pastor Peter Zaferos shares about his experience as a mentor, “What makes the Pastor Partners Mentor Program so special, is that each WLS graduate knows his mentor has made the commitment to spend time with him. Not because he has to, but because he wants to. That reality gives the young pastor permission to ask one more question at the end of an hour long meal, or to reach out when things are particularly hard. In that kind of environment, after 3 years a friendship grows too.

David [Ticks] and I had a very informal relationship; I took the path of friendship and permission. Over meals he would tell me how the last month had gone and ask me questions. I’d listen and answer his questions as best I could. From there I’d do whatever I could to encourage him, and would pray for him at the end. It was a privilege to serve as a mentor.”