Customer Reviews

Transforming Together: Authentic Spiritual Mentoring

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I couldn't put this book down! It is full of TRUTH. The author shares her life experiences in an honest and helpful way, not in a self glorifying manner. Ele Parrott encourages women to seek out a relationship with Jesus above all. She states that through that solid relationship with Jesus a woman can then strengthen her relationship with her family and seek out a spiritual mentor/mentee relationship. This is not a "how to" book or a book full of steps and measurements. Instead it is full of insights gained from a woman who has surrendered to Jesus and now is led by the Holy Spirit in what He is doing in the lives of women He brings her way. Ele focuses on partnering with what the Holy Spirit is doing in the lives of others. I don't want to give too much of it away, but believe me, you will be challenged and encouraged by the words in this book. I already know that I will be reading it again! But most importantly, I know that it challenged me to be in God's word more, and encouraged me to seek authentic relationship with Jesus. As a result of reading this book, I have begun to pray for a spiritual mentor in my life! I know there are women out there who are qualified to be spiritual mentors, and I also know firsthand, that there are women who desire to be mentored. I expect that through the biblical truths found in "Transforming Together" both of these types of women will seek out these types of relationships and be better prepared for their journey together. Thank you Ele.

As a woman who is currently growing with a mentor and as a woman growing into the role of mentor, I was able to pull pieces appropriate to my life and apply them. This book is one that can not be put down and I found it captivating and a smooth read! The real-life experiences of the author's personal journey, show her transparency, growth and honesty and the real-life examples of women "living life" help to build a picture of what a healthy mentor/mentee relationship is. Whether you are a follower of Jesus, someone seeking more information or simply a woman going through life, you will benefit from taking time to read this book! Thank you, Ele, for sharing your heart, life and most importantly, TRUTH, from which we can all base our daily lives on.

This book was a wonderful blend between personal,life experiences and practical steps on how to be an authentic spiritual mentor. Ele describes in a captivating way how her own life was transformed by Christ. I was encouraged by her vulnerability and honesty. Seeing how she authentically lived out her walk with Jesus and then sought to "come alongside" and mentor other women inspired and challenged me to do the same. I highly recommend this book!!

Wow. With all the trendy stuff out there on mentoring, coaching and counseling--it's easy to be confused and do nothing. Ele Parrott has a simple--but profound--question she asks women who come to her for help or mentoring. "Do you want a quick fix, or do you desire to be transformed by Jesus?"

If the women on your team (and in your church) are tired of activity-driven programs, fill-in-the-blanks "Bible" studies and "8 Steps & 8 Weeks for Becoming a Spiritual Giant," you'll like this book. Actually...you'll have a personal gut check first. Then you'll buy copies for friends. Serious-minded friends. It's written for women--but it touched me.

The author's transparency sets the tone. After her missionary husband, Don, got his dream job volunteer assignment (the pastor's inner circle) at their home church in Argentina, Ele proudly presented her substantial ministry credentials to the pastor. His response, "Los banos de la iglesia estan sucios." Translation: "The church bathrooms are dirty." That's where she started--scrubbing toilets for Jesus in South America. And that's when she seriously listened to God and her mentoring journey began.

Her definition of mentoring will stop you in your tracks. "Spiritual mentoring is coming alongside of and partnering with who the Holy Spirit is being in the life of another person and infusing truth into that person's reality." Read it again and think what "infusing truth" could look like if you have the heart and calling to be a mentor.

Ele Parrott shares God-honoring principles and memorable real-life mentoring stories. Our activity-driven programs that don't ignite transformation (we've all done them and led them) quickly pale when contrasted with the richness and potential of authentic spiritual mentoring.

This book is a keeper. It's wisdom layered upon wisdom. It's not a formula book on mentoring, yet it's very practical and highly motivating. The chapter on learning to be an active listener by not inserting my story into the conversation--and thus devaluing the mentee--was a big, big wake-up call for me.

Imagine what could happen in your church or Christian organization (and your own life) if you set the bar high and focused on spiritual transformation, not spiritual activity.

By the way, the author notes that Jesus was full of grace and truth (John 1:14). Then she asks, "What are you full of?" She suggests you ask your family members and close friends to suggest two or three words that describe what you are full of!

I enjoyed reading Transforming Together! I read it on a day traveling from the East coast to the South West. Even though I was sitting in uncomfortable plane or airport seats, I felt like I was sitting at Starbucks talking to Ele! Ele Parrott happens to be my mentor. The book is an easy read that made me laugh, cry, ponder, and be amazed at how God works in each of our lives. It is so awesome how God's words come alive to each individual for each of their specific issue! God's word never returns void... I highly recommend this book to every person who is in some kind of leadership position, ministering to others.

This book is very well written, easy to follow, and very direct in its message. Ele's use of engaging stories from real women in her mentoring experience truly shows the benefits that can be had from spiritual mentoring. Her passion for Jesus and the Word of God are unavoidable; her message about how to make spritual mentoring successful is very cear. If you are looking for the TRUTH of Jesus, and how to apply that Truth to your life with the guidance of another woman, mature in Scripture, this is definitely the book for you!

Excellent ideas for mentoring (I especially like the fact that the program is based less on the formality of an organized ministry than it is on Spirit-led involvement). The author's examples of mentoring experiences came across as somewhat elitist to this reader, however. When presenting examples of "composite" mentees she has mentored, she largely excludes single women, motherless women, and low-income and culturally diverse populations of women. Her program, however (if one can get past the absence of mentees who don't fit into the white, married, Starbucks-drinking lifestyle) is excellent. It will work for women of all backgrounds and in all circumstances as long as the mentor is willing to fulfill her role and the mentee is willing to go through the hard work of knowing Jesus more intimately.

Each time I re-read this book it is as if I am being mentored by Ele. Some books communicate information and concepts. Ele's book communicates heart and passion along with the delightful experience of feeling like you are sitting at a table, drinking coffee and being mentored by a godly woman. Thank you Ele for the gift you have given of yourself, your heart, your experiences and you wisdom!

What woman wouldn't love to have another one by her side understanding her, encouraging her, holding her hand at times and squeezing it at other's? Ele Parrott actually takes a leap of faith and shares how Jesus defines women to be there for women. It is so apparent that Ele's close bond with Jesus prepared her for this task of not only sharing Him with others but beautifully teaching others how to share and transform together. This book flows from one word, to one page, to each chapter, right into your core and mind. It truly is a spiritual journey in itself while encouraging one to take alongside another...together. Its pure truth and depth of the lives of the author and women who share in it pour into you and leave you wanting to pour into someone else. Its comforting and inspiring and a book I long for all those I love to experience!!!

Wonderful and encouraging words filled with Jesus, sprinkled with bits of humor and tears! Ele provides a heartfelt account of her own walk with Jesus as He uses Ele to minister to others. Ele is the head mentor mom in my MOPS group and it is an honor and priviledge to know her. Her written words are just as Ele speaks and I feel like I am at Starbucks talking with Ele as I read her book. Learning about the mentor/mentee relationship is essential for me as I do not have my mother in my life. I gained new insight into what it means to have a mentor, what a mentee's role is, and that I am also in a stage where I can be a mentor to others. A huge bonus was having biblical accounts and verses explained in a new light that applied directly to my own life. I learned more about Jesus and His heart for others. May you be transformed as you walk along the mentor/mentee path.