PDF AN EXAMINATION OF MENTORING PROGRAMS

AN EXAMINATION OF MENTORING PROGRAMS FOR SERVING THE NEEDS OF THE POSTMODERN CHRISTIAN WOMAN

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A Dissertation Presented to the Faculty of Dallas Theological Seminary

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In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree

Doctor of Ministry

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by Barbara Ann Neumann

May 2011

Accepted by the Faculty of the Dallas Theological Seminary in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree Doctor of Ministry

Examining Committee _________________________ _________________________

ABSTRACT

AN EXAMINATION OF MENTORING PROGRAMS FOR SERVING THE NEEDS OF THE POSTMODERN CHRISTIAN WOMAN

Barbara A. Neumann

Readers: Sue G. Edwards, Lynn Etta Manning

The Christian church has historically valued mentoring relationships and the part they play in developing the faith of the next generation. Christian women in particular have understood mentoring functions to be inherent in the mandate of Titus 2:3-5. As a result, formal mentoring programs have been organized to teach and train young women. Many of these traditional mentoring programs, though effective in the past, no longer meet the needs of postmodern women. This qualitative research project focused on selected postmodern women and addressed the manner in which their unique worldview has shaped their mentoring preferences. Thus the problem this study seeks to address is how to provide mentoring opportunities that meet the needs of young women.

As part of the research report, current literature on the postmodern worldview is reviewed and related to the practice of mentoring. The case study research design is also detailed and three case study sites described. The cases chosen represent a traditional approach to mentoring, a postmodern approach to mentoring, and a hybrid approach to mentoring. The data collected from in-depth, one-on-one focused interviews is presented and evaluated according to three hypotheses: postmodern women prefer to choose their own mentor, postmodern women prefer an organic schedule, and postmodern women prefer a mentoring relationship where life experiences are mutually shared and processed. Though these elements are not the only ones necessary in a mentoring relationship, they are established as foundational to the process.

The report concludes with suggestions for mentoring opportunities that meet the needs of postmodern women and proposals for further research.

CONTENTS

ABBREVIATIONS .......................................................................................................... vii

DEDICATION................................................................................................................. viii

Chapter

1. INTRODUCTION .........................................................................................................1

Importance of the Study Rationale for the Study Research Question and Hypotheses

Development of the Research Question Research Question Hypotheses Potential Benefits of This Study Definition of Terms Modern Modern Christian Woman Postmodern Postmodern Christian Woman Mentoring Mentor Traditional Mentoring Program Limitations Limitations of Qualitative Research Personal Limitations Preview of Remaining Chapters

2. PREVIOUS RESEARCH AND LITERATURE REVIEW ........................................15

Introduction to the Literature Review Brief Overview of Postmodernism

A Reaction to Modernism Characteristics of Modernism Modern Influence on the Practice of Christianity Postmodern Characteristics

Who is Postmodern? General Characteristics Christian Response to the Postmodern Shift Preserve Historical Methods Abandon Modern Methods Design a Culturally Relevant Historic Approach Unwilling to Face the Challenge Conclusion The Case for Mentoring the Next Generation Effective Elements of a Mentoring Program for Postmodern Women

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