Should a Christian be involved in mentoring?

Answer

The term “mentor” is defined as “a wise and trusted counselor or teacher.” Although the term “mentoring” is not found in the Bible, Scripture provides numerous instances of mentoring. Moses received guidance from his father-in-law Jethro, first as a son-in-law and later as a leader (Exodus 18). The mentoring bond between Eli and Samuel prepared Samuel for his future responsibilities after Eli’s passing (1 Samuel 1–4). Jesus served as a mentor to His disciples (Luke 9), and both Barnabas and Paul were known for their mentoring roles (Acts 9–15).

Jesus clearly demonstrated His mentoring approach: He led so that others could follow. He stated, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” «Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. », (Matthew 16:24). As He is our leader whom we are to follow, Christian mentoring hinges on submission to Christ. The mentor and mentee do not dictate the relationship. Therefore, the process is best characterized by mutual sharing, trust, and enrichment as both individuals’ lives and work are transformed. The mentor acts as a role model and a reliable listener, relying on the Holy Spirit for insight, life changes, and teaching through modeling.

The Apostle Paul succinctly outlined mentoring as his leadership model. “Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ” «Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. », (1 Corinthians 11:1). “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice” «Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and theGod of peace shall be with you.” (Philippians 4:9a). In essence, he is saying, “Let me mentor you. Let me be your role model.” He reminds the new Christians at Thessalonica to “follow our example” “For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;” (2 Thessalonians 3:7). Example. Teach. Model. These are all facets of mentoring that are essential in developing fully devoted followers of Jesus and in passing on the faith from one generation to the next. It is evident that if mentors expect others to follow their example, they must be wholeheartedly committed to following Christ. Any hint of hypocrisy—“do what I say, not what I do”—will be harmful to both the mentor and his charge.

Not only Jesus and the apostles, but elders in the local church also fulfill their role by mentoring. Peter commands, “Be examples to the flock” “neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.” (1 Peter 5:3), and Paul explains to the elders at Ephesus, “You know how I lived the whole time I was with you” “And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.” (Acts 20:17). In other words, Paul is telling the elders, “I showed you, now you show them.” In all truth, if a Christian leader is not mentoring someone, to that degree he or she is not living up to his or her calling.

Of course, God has filled the body of Christ with many potential mentors besides those who are named as elders or shepherds. The official church leaders cannot personally meet all the mentoring needs of everyone. While it may not be possible for shepherds to personally,Intentionally, hands-on mentor each sheep that needs mentoring, they are to help these needy sheep find godly mentors. To provide for the mentoring needs of their local community of faith, the leaders must be intentional, continually expanding the circle of mentors by “equipping others” to mentor.