The Examples of Mentor and Mentoring in the Scriptures of the Bible

The word “mentor” is defined as “a wise and trusted counselor or teacher.” Mentoring”, the word itself, doesn’t appear in the Bible, Scripture does give us several examples of mentoring. Moses was mentored by his father-in-law Jethro, first as son-in-law and then as a leader. The mentoring connection between Eli and Samuel equipped Samuel for the jobs and tasks that were his after Eli’s passing. Even Jesus mentored His disciples, and both Barnabas and Paul shined in mentoring.

Jesus made it clear about his view and style of mentoring others. He led in such a way that we can follow Him through our everyday lives. Jesus said in Matthew 16:24-26, “If anyone will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me”. Since He is our leader, we are to follow Him as Christians. Mentoring others is part of the Christian faith and is a cycle dependent upon submission to Jesus Christ. The mentor and mentored do not control the friendship, but act upon the friendship based on the way Jesus disciple others. The process of mentoring others is best described by a mutual friendship with trust, care, and sharing that enriches the life of everyone involved when it comes to work, relationships, and life in general. Through this model, the mentor leans on the Holy Spirit for guidance when it comes to teaching, providing insight, and changing each other’s lives.

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Paul the Apostle brought a different view on mentoring through his leadership model in a genuine yet simple manner. In 1 Corinthians 11:1, Paul says “Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ”. Then he goes on to say, in Philippians 4:9, “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice”. Basically, he is saying, “Let me mentor you. Let me be your role model.” Throughout the course of the New Testament, Paul keeps reminding Christians to follow the mentorship, especially to the new Christians in Thessalonica. In 2 Thessalonians 3:7 Paul says “For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example”. Live by example, teach others, and model what it is to be a Christian.

These are some of the aspects of mentoring which are vital in emerging completely fervent followers of Jesus Christ and in spreading the conviction from one generation to the next. With the model in mind, it goes without saying that if mentors expect others to listen and follow what they say, then they should do what they say as well. Although the saying “do what I say, not what I do”, is very popular and common it goes against the Christian view of mentorship and could completely destroy the mentor and any advice previously given.

Jesus and the apostles weren’t the only mentors during the Biblical times. The heads of the church also mentored others. As it is said in 1 Peter 5:3, “Be examples to the flock”. Paul explained in Acts 20 what mentorship should be by telling the elders in Ephesus “You know how I lived the whole time I was with you. ” By watching the example set by Jesus and further shown through Paul, it becomes clear that any Christian who claims to be a leader and is not mentoring someone, then they are not living out their life up to the calling of The Lord.

The Lord filled the church with many people of all ages, gifts, and experiences. The church leaders simply cannot mentor everyone they meet. For this reason, there are many other people within the church who can disciple and mentor others. While it is not possible for everyone to individually and purposefully, mentor others through hands-on activities, everyone can help out by seeking out and finding godly mentors. With the rising rates of born-again Christians, it becomes necessary that churches start equipping their members with the knowledge and tools necessary to mentor others.

Most Christians agree with the insight and benefits of mentoring. Throughout Titus, Paul encourages the church to mentor other generations. This can be seen most clearly in Titus 2:3-5/’Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. ” Through this example, we can see that Paul wished that the older more wise women would explain and be an example for godliness in the church.

Many people desire a mentor, both young woman and young men. The difference is that men find it harder to admit they need or want help. Older women, statistically, have a hard time with mentoring because they generally feel unqualified, disconcerted and afraid of over committing. The qualities of a good mentor are not absurdly hard, but simply a love for God and a love for people. Here are a few qualities of an effective and beneficial mentoring relationship.

Be accessible

You do not have to be a Biblical scholar or a pastor, but you should love The Lord and desire to follow and abide by His Holy Word, the Bible. There are no special degrees that will qualify you to be a disciple. Younger generations need the experience, endurance, and example from the older generations. Timely and godly advice can make the difference for any believer at any given level. Discipleship is best done by breaking up the genders. Men cannot be mothers, daughters or wives and women cannot be fathers, sons, or husbands. Women need women and men need men for mentorships. When it comes to deciding if you are ready for a multitude of decision, the best way, can sometimes be praying about the upcoming decision. However, mentorship is a command and as said by Norma Becker, member of the board of directions of Campus Crusade for Christ, Canada, “We don’t pray about commands.” Praying can help when pursuing discernment over how often and how long to mentor someone.

Be persistent

Understand what the mentored is seeking and desiring. Do they simply want a relationship built on Jesus or do they wish to better understand the Bible? After answering this question, decide what to focus on during the course of the mentorship. Not all mentorships have to be Bible studies. Maybe they simply want a prayer partner, an accountability partner, or someone to learn from.

Be inspired

Some activities are better suited for each group for mentorship. Maybe you both enjoy walking or hiking. Christian mentorship isn’t about the time, place, or intense spirituality, but more about the growing and building of relationships. Going out for a bite to eat, working out together, and meeting for coffee in the middle of a hectic week could be all that is desire.

Be a listener

It has been said, The Lord gave you two ears and one mouth for a reason. Listen twice as much as you speak. When you meet this new friend try listening and allowing them to truly open up to you. However, don’t be the typically parenting figure offering advice for every single topic and making a bigger deal out of everything said. Wait until they request your views and opinions before offering them. Be dependable. Be trustworthy.

Be authentic

Honesty truly does make you vulnerable and more accessibly. We have all sinned and have been saved by grace, yet we still continue to sin. Transforming into the image of Jesus Christ is a desire and should be a goal, but no one is perfect and we should not act as such. Be genuine and show your weaknesses. Sometimes our weakness will let others know they aren’t alone in their struggle.

Be a model

Mentors must show that they are truly trustworthy and love God as they say they do. The common saying “Do as I say, not as I do,” is treacherous when it comes to mentorship. Let’s be like Paul, who cheered on the Corinthian church to do as he did in 1 Corinthians 11:1-2 “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. I praise you for remembering me in everything and for holding to the teachings, just as I passed them on to you. ”

Finish well

Mentoring should not be the same as a governmental position that lasts a lifetime. Commit to a certain period of time then reevaluate at that time. Is something not working? Is the goal complete? The friendship will and can last a lifetime but the regular meetings do not have to.

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