Mentoring & Coaching
Activate your calling, through Mentoring & Coaching @ EV.
At Epsom Vineyard, we believe that no one should grow in faith, life, or leadership alone.
Mentoring and coaching are simple, relational ways we help people grow as followers of Jesus and develop as healthy, confident leaders in everyday life, church, work, and relationships.
These relationships are built around listening, encouragement, prayer, and honest conversation. They are not about having all the answers, but about walking alongside someone as they grow.
This guide explains what mentoring and coaching are, how they are different, and how to get started.
Mentoring and Coaching – What’s the difference?
Mentoring
Mentoring is a relational, life-shaping conversation that supports someone in their life, faith, and general growth.
A mentor:
- Listens, encourages, and supports
- Shares their life experience appropriately
- Prays with and for the person
- Helps them think about life, faith, relationships, and discipleship
- Walks alongside them over time
Mentoring is often broader and more organic.
Typical focus:
- Following Jesus in everyday life
- Identity, relationships, and habits
- Faith questions and spiritual growth
- General life direction and wellbeing
Coaching
Coaching is a more focused, goal-orientated conversation that helps someone grow in a specific area of leadership, responsibility, or development.
A coach:
- Helps someone reflect and think clearly
- Asks good questions rather than giving answers
- Helps identify next steps and actions
- Supports development in leadership or specific life challenges
- Works in a more structured, time-bound way
Typical focus:
- Leading a small group or team
- Building leadership confidence
- Handling challenges in ministry, life or work
- Developing specific personal skills or habits
- Working through a clear focus area over a season
In summary:
Mentoring = broader life and faith development
Coaching = specific development focus
What is it for?
Mentoring and coaching exist to help people:
- Grow in their relationship with Jesus
- Become healthy, confident followers of Jesus
- Develop as leaders in church, work, and life
- Navigate life decisions, challenges, and transitions
- Build habits that support spiritual and emotional health
- Feel supported rather than isolated in leadership or faith
At the heart of it is discipleship:
Be with Jesus. Become like Jesus. Do what Jesus did.
Who is it for?
Mentoring and coaching is available to people who want to grow:
- New or growing Christians
- Students and young adults
- People stepping into leadership for the first time
- Small group or team leaders
- Anyone navigating a new season of life or faith
What does it look like in practice?
- Usually meetings happen approximately monthly
- 60 – 90 minute sessions
- Café, walk, or relaxed setting
- Commitment of 3–12 months
Conversation may include:
- Life updates
- Faith and prayer
- Relationships and habits
- Leadership reflection
- Prayer together
How are relationships set up?
1. Mentee expresses an interest through the Form available on ChurchSuite
2. The Ministry lead proposes a match with a suitable mentor/coach
3. First meeting (“contracting”) is organized collaboratively
4. Agreement on expectations and duration
5. Future/ongoing meetings are organized by Mentee.
Boundaries and safety:
- Safeguarding checks required
- Same-sex pairing usually
- Agreed safe meeting places
- Financial boundaries (no gifting or paying regularly)
- Conversations are confidential unless safeguarding concerns are raised
Getting started:
1. Complete request form [LINK to Churchsuite]
2. Speak with coordinator if needed
3. Get matched
4. Meet and agree a plan
5. Begin journey
Final encouragement:
Mentoring and coaching are about walking with people as they grow in Jesus and as healthy individuals. We’re not fixing people, simply aiming to help you grow.