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Leader credibility is tremendously important in organizational contexts. This study explores effective mentoring practices leading to enhanced credibility among church leadership trainees. While research is abundant in relation to credibility in leadership and various aspects of mentoring, few studies directly address the role of mentoring in enhancing credibility within those in pre-leadership phases of development. This study initiates that inquiry by utilizing the Leadership Credibility Theory of Kouzes and Posner (1993,2003) and Kram s (1985) seminal work on mentoring. Credibility of leadership trainees is determined utilizing LPI¸ surveys. A purposeful sample was selected from among trainees meeting prescribed criteria within the context of real-life summer internship opportunities. Credibility-enhancing mentoring practices are explored through personal interviews with the designated trainees. Implications for leadership praxis are presented and

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Dr.Sam Hemby serves as Associate Professor and Director of Internships at Southeastern University in Florida. An ordained minister, his experience includes national and international roles in preaching, teaching, leadership training,and administration. Hemby and his wife Rita, married since 1973, have two sons and two grandchildren.

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