Friday, March 15, 2013

Be a mentor

Jesus told us to go and make disciples (Matthew 28:19). Paul told Timothy, “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. (2 Timothy 2:2)”

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:

Diana Aranda-Curtis said...

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.