A Choir of Prayer and Cheers - A Mentor Program Update from Rev. Siobhan Lopez

Before I decided to attend seminary, my husband and I had already been serving in ministry for 10 years. Even with all those years under my belt, I was learning to swim as I was swimming. We were thankful for mentors who helped us navigate our ministry context and even my urge to dismiss my vocation and calling. These mentors lovingly and thoughtfully helped me gain a better sense of who I wanted to be in the world. They helped me envision what ministry could look like if I gave myself the chance to accept my vocation and the tools I needed to be the best minister, leader, and community advocate. I was guided to pursue seminary and was supported by Disciples Seminary Foundation. It was here I was able to journey through seminary fully present and authentically me. It was here that I was given a mentor to help me not only get through the courses but to process what the courses meant for me and for my ministry.

At DSF, I was able to fully embrace my seminary journey. My mentor was an essential part of this experience. They didn't just help me get through the courses; they helped me process what the courses meant for my life and ministry. My DSF mentor helped me undertake my calling, build lasting relationships, and strengthen my relationship with God. They were there when I needed to cry and were a daily reminder that I was not alone. This journey, I learned, wasn't just my own — It was a communal one, surrounded by a choir of prayer and cheers.

For over 65 years, DSF has provided this kind of support, and after a brief pause, we're thrilled to reintroduce our Mentoring Program. Our relaunch began in Fall 2024 and is gaining momentum as we head into the 2025-2026 academic year. DSF is committed to supporting the formation of emerging theological leaders and discovering innovative ways to support the development of those leaders to serve in diverse ministries and communities. Our Mentoring Program intends to provide wholistic, wrap-around support to our students as they live into their callings. We have paired each of our students with DSF alumni who share similar interests and concerns. We believe that their unique knowledge, insights, and experience in ministry equip them to serve as mentor.

Seminary is a transformative journey and having a mentor can make all the difference. This is a period of challenging academics and deep spiritual and personal formation. Having a mentor during this time provides a vital lifeline, a person who can offer guidance, support, and wisdom that courses alone can’t provide. Placing DSF alumni as mentors helps our students to navigate the complexities and uncertainties of diverse ministries, manage academic pressures, imagine new ways of doing ministry, be a great source of encouragement, and develop a healthy rhythm of life and faith.

As we begin this new year, we are filled with gratitude for the relationships made, the lessons learned, and the prayers held. This program has been a success because of the dedication of our mentors, who have generously shared their time, wisdom, and experience. Thank you to all our DSF Mentors!