Mentoring is an intentional friendship
where a more experienced person guides a less experienced one so that
BOTH grow and learn. It is used in the corporate world to maximize
the effectiveness of young executives. It has been used informally
in the United States Armed Forces to develop non-commissioned
officers. In the church we use it as part of the discipleship
process.
Biblical examples of mentors include
Barnabas who mentored Paul and John Mark. Paul, in turn, mentored
Timothy and Titus. Moses, who was mentored by Jethro, mentored
Joshua. I these cases leaders are both mentored and mentor others.
Who mentored you? Who taught you the
ropes and spoke words of truth and encouragement into your life?
Whom have you mentored? Are you helping
another reach their potential in Christ?
Mentoring is a process that requires
relationship building. It includes not only words but actions as you
model behavior that you want to see replicated in the person you are
discipling. It requires patience. Be ever mindful of the Holy
Spirit's role in spiritual formation.
If you are a Christian leader (at any
level) you are already a role model. Be a mentor, too. Look for
someone you can invest time in; someone you can encourage and
challenge. Imagine the impact on your ministry if you do this often
enough to create a leadership chain reaction.
1 comment:
I thank the Lord that my oldest children had great mentors at Baptist Temple when they were in Sunday school, children's choir and when they were in the youth department. The teachers, youth minister and music directions and their peers were very much a part of my children's upbringing.
I know how important mentoring to others can be not only to the recipient but also to the person who is mentoring. God bless Baptist Temple church for caring for others with physical, emotional and spiritual needs.
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