The purpose of this study was to describe and explain significant mentor/protege
relationships in professional ministry education. Through an exploratory, naturalistic inquiry,
the mentoring phenomenon was studied inductively, culminating in a descriptive theory that
illuminated the variables and their interrelationships on the ministerial campus.
The multiple case study design accommodated ten mentoring pairs from three graduate
level seminaries in the Portland, Oregon, metropolitan area. Data were collected through
several in-depth interviews and a written questionnaire.
The findings indicated that the relationships were the product of three dimensions in a
dynamic, evolving interaction: interpersonal factors, intrapersonal factors, and contextual
factors. Additionally, each dimension brought a mix of variables which, when present, gave
rise to the formation, development, and outcomes of mentor/protege relationships.
Pre-existing personal factors were mediated by entry conditions, and further influenced
by aspects of the social and institutional setting. The relationships developed through a
uniform progression of five stages, with each stage moving through a transitional characteristic
making possible the formation of the next level of interaction. Common relationship qualities
were evident, as were mentoring functions which enhanced or enabled the achievement of
personal growth or ministerial competence.
Personal motives and selection criteria were significant in the formation and timing of
the relationships. Individual differences were acknowledged, but were tempered by the
commitment to one another and to the relationships.
The influence of significant others, as well as the institutional environment were
described. Benefits for students, faculty, and institutions were identified. / Graduation date: 1994
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ORGSU/oai:ir.library.oregonstate.edu:1957/35685 |
| Date | 22 April 1994 |
| Creators | Wiggins, Robert W. |
| Contributors | Carpenter, Charles E. |
| Source Sets | Oregon State University |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis/Dissertation |
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