Think about the people who influenced your life most. Why did they do it? What did they do? How did they go about it? Answer these questions and you will be hooked on mentoring for the rest of your life. In As Iron Sharpens Iron, respected authors Howard and Bill Hendricks show that the most dramatic spiritual and personal growth often happens through the influence of a mentor. Rooted in biblical principles, this book is both a profound and practical guide to mentoring relationships for men. You'll learn how to identify the kind of mentor you need, maximize your mentoring relationship, model your relationship after biblical examples, grow through the shared wisdom of another believer, and influence others as you replicate the mentoring process. Whether you are looking for a mentor or wish to mentor someone else, this book provides specific steps to begin the relationship and make the most of it.
For more than 35 years I have known, loved, and admired Howie Hendricks. I am not alone. He has left his mark on thousands of lives. In a real sense, only he knows the mentoring secrets that have marked men for a lifetime. I'm grateful he has decided to put into print his mentoring guidelines and techniques. They are threads drawn from the fabric of God's timeless tapestry. As Iron Sharpens Iron will be the classic on mentoring. I commend Howie and his son Bill for this contribution to our lives.
-Chuck Swindoll, President, Dallas Theological Seminary, Radio Bible Teacher, Insight for Living
Howard and Bill Hendricks have produced a book much-needed in America today. As Iron Sharpens Iron is a classic Hendricks approach to life. Insightful, inspiring, and encouraging. No one will put the book down unchanged. Great information.
-Zig Ziglar, Author and Speaker
Howard Hendricks is always worth listening to. Having benefitted in a life-changing way from being mentored by a man thirty years my senior, I can recommend mentoring enthusiastically. As Iron Sharpens Iron gives you a valuable "e;how to"e; guide to the process.
-Bob Buford, Author of Halftime: Changing Your Game Plan from Success to Significance
Mentoring, as my good friend Howard and his son Bill suggest, is one of the most powerful yet under-utilized disciplines for men today. My life would not have taken the course it did without the input of a few key men along the way. As a coach, I saw firsthand the difference between players who had trusted mentors, and those who unfortunately did not. This straightforward book will inspire and motivate you in a profound way. I highly recommend it.
-Tom Landry, NFL Hall of Fame, Dallas Cowboys
Dr. Howard Hendricks is one of my favorite people. He combines a great wit and keen intellect in his teaching. Both Howard and Bill have provided a much-needed message for Christians today: We all need mentors along life's path. Their book also helps us to understand that we need to mentor others. I highly recommend it.
-Larry Burkett, Founder and President, Christian Financial Concepts
This book is a balanced combination of solid biblical principles and fascinating personal experiences. It grips you, instructs you, and excites you about doing what God wants you to do. It makes mentoring an adventure that leads to maturity and service.
-Warren W. Wiersbe, Author and Conference Speaker
I have admired, respected, and loved Howard Hendricks for more than forty years. As a speaker and writer on leadership and mentoring, he is without equal. Mentoring and being mentored are among the most important but often missed relationships in life. Howard Hendricks' wisdom and insights are a treasure, and I recommend this book with enthusiasm. This book can change your life--and that of another.
-Bill Bright, Campus Crusade for Christ International
I can think of no one in the Christian world better qualified to speak on mentoring than Howie Hendricks. I am a product of his mentoring and can honestly say that few have shaped my life as he has. In this book, Howard and Bill do a phenomenal job of challenging those who need to be mentored, as well as those who need to mentor: This is a significant book.
-Ronald W. Blue, Founder and Managing Partner, Ronald Blue and Co.
An outstandingly helpful book on the powerful concept of mentoring--something every Christian needs to be involved in. A great resource.
-Lorne C. Sanny, The Navigators
Howard and Bill Hendricks' book could not come at a more important time in the history of the church and our nation. There is such a need, especially in the urban communities, for mentors--people who can encourage and challenge our youth and be personal examples of how to live. I strongly recommend this book.
-John Perkins, Publisher, Urban Family Magazine
The process of mentoring means duplicating and even multiplying. Howie and Bill Hendricks present great insight into the entire process of mentoring. It is a book worth reading, and then doing.
-Norm Sonju, COO and General Manager, The Dallas Mavericks
Anytime I can sit at Howie Hendricks' feet to learn, I'll do it. Reading this book is no exception! I cannot think of an individual more qualified by the experience and insight to address effective spirtiual mentoring than Howard. Here's a graphic manual, eminently practical and applicable, by one who speaks out of his experience in the fine art of mentoring. Don't miss his insights!
-Ted W. Engstrom, President Emeritus, World Vision
There's a long line of men in front of me with whom I share one thing in common: Howard Hendricks is our spiritual mentor. Every Timothy has a Paul. Dr. Hendricks is a Paul to us. His iron has sharpened our ax. Lay yours upon the grinder and watch the sparks fly!
-Joe White, President, Kanakuk-Kanakomo Kamps, Inc.
Bravo! Howard and Bill offer refreshing, straight talk about men's needs, our tendency to avoid them, and some down-to-earth help. I felt invited to break out of some bad habits and ruts and to form some partnerships with other men of faith. Thank you!
-Pete Hammond, Director, Marketplace-InterVarsity Christian Fellowship
Mentoring is not an option, it is a necessity. Dr. Hendricks and Bill give profound yet practical insight on the priority, process, and practice of this vital need in every man's life.
-Tony Evans, Author, Speaker, Senior Pastor
Howard Hendricks addresses a critical issue in today's issue in today's world with a clarity and directness that reaches both the mind and the heart.
-Jerry Bridges, The Navigators
Howard Hendricks is a mentor of mentors! Christian leaders around the world have been marked by this man. As teacher, coach, guide, and patriarch, he has mentored thousands in a ministry of multiplication. May his tribe increase! Together with his son Bill, they have captured these transferable secrets.
-John Van Diest, President, Vision House Publishing
This book challenges us to build into the life of another person as well as be responsive to having our life enhanced by another. It effectively convinces us that our physical, mental, and spiritual journeys of life urgently need a "e;Paul,"e; a "e;Barnabas,"e; and a "e;Timothy"e; relationship. You will find this book encouraging, inspiring, convicting, and enjoyable. We need it!
-Jack A. Turpin, Founder and Chairman, Hall-Mark Electronic Co.
As you read this book, you will learn more about the importance of relationships in the process of becoming what God wants you to be. Howard and Bill help us to understand the importance of others in the process of becoming.
-C. William Pollard, Chairman, The ServiceMaster Co.
Part 1
For Men Who Want to Be Mentored
1. Becoming a Marked Man / 13
2. “I Believe in You.” / 21
3. Know What You Need / 35
4. What Mentors Look For / 47
5. The Marks of a Mentor / 59
6. How to Find a Mentor / 73
7. First Steps / 85
8. Strategies for Growth / 97
9. Caution: Men at Work! / 109
10. Taking Responsibility / 119
Part 2
For Men Willing to Serve as Mentors
11. A Call for Mentors /129
12. Why Be a Mentor? / 143
13. What a Mentor Does / 155
14. How to Spot a Protégé / 167
15. You Can Do it! / 179
16. Learning & Growing Together / 193
17. Problems and Pitfalls to Avoid / 211
18. Leaving a Legacy that Lasts / 221
Appendix / 231
A Mentoring Plan Action / 237