Churches today consistently indicate they need more teachers in classrooms or small groups, volunteers for youth events, assistance with church programs, people to minister to the elderly and shut-ins, and leaders to guide new Christians. Finding mature and capable people for these tasks may be challenging, but providing training for new workers may be just as difficult since many churches consider mentoring to be the responsibility of the pastor or his wife. To combat these challenges, churches must work on creating a culture where mature Christians become mentors.
What is a Mentor?
The concept of mentoring stems from the Greek epic, The Odyssey. In the story, Odysseus selected a man named Mentor to train his son physically, spiritually, socially, intellectually, and occupationally while Odysseus was off at war. Mentor could not carry out this important task sufficiently, so the goddess Athena assumed Mentor’s form to give Odysseus’ son the vision, resources, companionship, and encouragement to act and react well in unknown and threatening situations.
As Christians, we immediately relate this ancient myth to the true picture of what Christ does for us. Because we, in our own strength, are unable to lead others into thriving relationships with Christ, God provides the example of His Son and the work of the Holy Spirit to lead, guide, and teach us as we teach others. We are the vessels God uses to strengthen and teach.
A mentor has many roles: teacher, guide, confidant, and encourager. The mentor also must be willing to admonish, coach, and correct when necessary. The mentor is not “the perfect example,” but shares real-life experiences and lessons while allowing the mentee opportunities to grow, develop, and lead. While we do not find the word “mentor” in Scripture, the concept correlates closely with terms such as teach, train, or disciple. God’s Word is filled with examples of people who took intentional steps to lead others to develop wisdom and godly lives.
In Exodus 17:9, Moses instructed Joshua to select men and lead them into battle while Moses watched from the hillside, lifting his hands so they might obtain victory. He gave no list of requirements for the selection, and Moses did not have to approve of the group Joshua chose. Moses recognized Joshua’s God-given ability for leadership and allowed the young man to begin honing his skills.
In verse 14, the Lord instructed Moses to record the details of this event to remind Joshua of his first victory when he faced struggles in the future. Even mature leaders need encouragement, especially when working to lead and train others. Looking back at how God has provided and led us allows mentors to encourage others as they grow in serving.
Along with encouragement, sometimes it is necessary to correct. Moses had to admonish Joshua (Numbers 11:29) when Joshua sought to stop men from prophesying because they had not gathered with the other leaders as instructed. Reproof is part of growing, and correction is often necessary for fellow believers to become more Christlike. As Moses led Israel, Joshua followed and observed how Moses met with God and was instructed by Him.
What is the Goal?
Most people attend church to be fed and to grow spiritually. However, an important part of growing in Christ is learning to serve others. This is the primary goal of mentoring: to work with others as they grow in serving Christ. Believers have many opportunities to serve Christ and just as many opportunities for mentoring.
For example, teaching others to teach can help produce more Sunday School, small group, and Bible study workers. Often this type of mentoring can be done by inviting another person to “assist” in teaching. After observing, assign a specific task related to the class (gathering materials, leading in prayer, teaching a point or section of the lesson). This will build confidence as he or she teaches while you assist.
However, mentoring does not always occur in a classroom setting. It can be done while driving a car full of young people, listening and encouraging them through the everyday struggles of life. Mentoring happens while volunteering to sit with shut-ins, taking food to those hurting, praying with someone in a coffee shop, or studying Scripture with a new believer in your home. Mentoring happens “as you go” through life. It does not have to be in a formal classroom or church setting; it is in the everyday happenings from which God helps us grow.
What is Involved?
Prayer is the first element in creating a culture where believers serve Christ by pouring themselves into developing other believers. Pray for God to lead you to prospective mentors in your church. Pray for the church leadership as they mentor other mentors. Pray for God to mature His children, so they also want to help others follow Him.
Next, develop relationships. I’m sure you have heard the common saying: “A person does not care how much you know until they know how much you care.” Christ loves us even when we do not deserve His love.
A mentoring relationship is one of love that desires to see another become what God intends for that person to be. As the relationship grows, guidance, instruction,
and reproof become more effective.
Relationships require commitment. Mentoring is not accomplished quickly. It takes time, and the rate of growth differs for every individual. Committing to become part of another person’s life includes the obligation to communicate regularly. This does not mean spending hours a day in Bible study with the person, or that you must talk to them daily. Every mentoring situation is different, and needs are based upon the individual and what God is calling that person to do.
Regardless of the frequency of interaction, communication should be consistent — a quick text to check in, an encouraging phone call, a quick get-together. Because mentoring occurs through daily activities, perhaps ask your mentee to ride with you as you run errands, stop by and talk while you are cooking (and maybe stay for dinner), or even join you for exercise. Be creative in finding ways to spend time building this important relationship.
A fourth element of creating a mentoring culture is focus. Determine your goal for mentorship. Are you cultivating new teachers, discipling new Christians, or encouraging older members to grow spiritually (not just numerically)? Setting a clear mentoring goal allows for direction in the relationship and the potential to note and celebrate growth.
Recreating the Culture
Culture shapes the way people relate and work together. This includes everyday interaction and behavior. As Christians imitate Christ, we serve others and allow them to see Christ working in us. A mentoring culture is developed through consistent interaction and relationships moving toward a certain goal.
Christian mentoring is only effective when the leader is following Christ and growing in a personal relationship with Him. Only then can the mentor serve others by developing godly relationships through which the Lord works and molds His people. Teaching, sharing, praying, encouraging, listening, leading, admonishing, and protecting all should become part of the Christian leader’s daily actions.
As leaders promote and model these important behaviors within the church family, a lifestyle of mentoring will develop to provide more people with opportunities to serve Christ effectively.
About the Writer: Dr. Merinda Parrish is adjunct instructor of education and the clinical coordinator of education at Welch College. Learn more: welch.edu/.
