There is some approved literature about being a sponsor.  I think various people may have various ideas about what role a sponsor should play,,  how experienced in the program a sponsor should be, whether people should have sponsors of the opposite sex or not. I have seen people who were sponsor/sponsee in very codependent relationships,, and I have seen sponsors who sincerely try to pass on their good knowledge of what the program is about,, and what the Steps are to newcomers. I think that a sponsor should definitely be a person who is familiar, more than familiar, who has done and is still doing,,  all 12 Steps, and practicing the principles of the program successfully. This takes honesty on the part of the potential sponsor,,  to admit that s/he is not ready to be a sponsor if s/he is not,,,  and also takes time to get to know potential sponsors,, instead of picking out the friendliest looking person in the room the first time we attend a meeting.  In doing the 12th Step,, carrying the message to others, we share our experience with the program,,  the strengths gained in the program as well as our natural talents, and we share hope,, that if we can be successful then so can they.  Having a sponsor is good for the newcomer in having someone mentor them while they learn the Steps and start to practice them,, and it's good for us,  to stop being totally self centered and share with others. We don't have to be perfect.. that is one of the things learned..  how to make progress, be patient, how to go ahead and take the next best Step.

love in recovery,

amanda