Mentoring is a relational process in which a more experienced Christian provides wisdom, guidance, and support to a less experienced believer to help them grow in their faith and calling. The Bible provides many examples of mentoring relationships and encourages mature believers to invest in the lives of younger believers. Here is a biblical perspective on Christian mentoring:
1. Jesus modeled mentoring
Jesus invested deeply in the lives of his twelve disciples. He called them to follow him, taught them through his words and example, gave them hands-on ministry opportunities, and patiently corrected them when needed. After his resurrection, Jesus continued mentoring them and prepared them for future ministry after his ascension (Matthew 28:16-20). Jesus demonstrated that mentoring relationships are an important part of discipleship and spiritual growth.
2. Paul mentored Timothy and others
The apostle Paul had several mentoring relationships. His letters to Timothy provide insight into how he invested in Timothy’s life and ministry. Paul exhorted Timothy to fan into flame his spiritual gift (2 Timothy 1:6), watch his doctrine closely (1 Timothy 4:16), set an example for believers (1 Timothy 4:12), and fulfill his calling with courage (2 Timothy 1:7-8). Paul walked with Timothy through the joys and trials of ministry, providing guidance, feedback, and encouragement.
Paul also mentions other coworkers like Titus, Luke, Priscilla, and Aquila who assisted him in ministry and whom he likely mentored (Romans 16:3-16). Paul shows how spiritual mentoring helps equip the next generation of leaders.
3. Barnabas mentored Paul and John Mark
When Paul first became a believer, he tried joining the Jerusalem church but they were wary of his reputation as a persecutor (Acts 9:26). Barnabas came alongside Paul, affirmed his conversion, and brought him to the apostles to share his testimony (Acts 9:27). This mentoring relationship opened doors for Paul’s future ministry.
Later, when Paul did not want to bring John Mark on a ministry trip due to his previous departure, Barnabas advocated for John Mark and mentored him on the subsequent journey (Acts 15:36-39). Barnabas demonstrated acceptance, encouragement, and believing the best in others.
4. Older women taught younger women
Titus 2 instructs mature women to teach and mentor younger women to love their husbands, children, and homes. This shows the value of woman-to-woman mentoring within the early church. Seasoned women were called to share their life experiences to guide less experienced women towards maturity in their faith and relationships.
5. Moses mentored Joshua
As the Israelites were nearing the Promised Land, God instructed Moses to commission Joshua as his successor (Numbers 27:18-19). Over the next several years, Moses prepared Joshua to lead through firsthand training and encouragement (Deuteronomy 3:28). This purposeful mentoring relationship equipped Joshua to guide Israel after Moses’ death.
6. Eli mentored Samuel
The priest Eli helped guide Samuel in his early years of ministry. As a young boy, Samuel lived and served with Eli in the tabernacle. When God first called Samuel, Eli instructed him how to respond and is described as being like a father to him (1 Samuel 3:1-18). Samuel grew up to become a mighty prophet and judge under Eli’s mentoring.
7. Jethro mentored Moses
When Moses was overwhelmed with leading Israel, his father-in-law Jethro gave him wise counsel. He told Moses to appoint leaders to help judge smaller matters so he could focus on bigger issues (Exodus 18). Jethro’s advice helped Moses establish an early model of delegation and administrative leadership, saving him needless stress.
8. Jesus said to make disciples
Before ascending to heaven, Jesus commissioned his followers to make disciples of all nations. This includes baptizing them and “teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). The word “disciple” means student or learner. Discipling new believers requires a mentoring relationship to help them grow.
9. Wisdom should be passed on
The Bible frequently discusses imparting spiritual wisdom to others. Younger men are encouraged to learn from the wise (Titus 2:6) and parents are called to teach God’s commands to their children (Deuteronomy 6:7). This wisdom helps others apply faith to everyday situations. Mentoring enables believers to share knowledge and experiences.
10. Use spiritual gifts to serve others
Scripture encourages believers to use their spiritual gifts to strengthen the church. Some are gifted as teachers, leaders, or in encouragement/helps (Romans 12:6-8). Mentoring allows mature Christians to use their gifts to invest in younger believers. It is a means of good stewardship.
11. Mutual accountability
The Bible often speak of “one another” commands like praying for each other, stirring each other to love, encouraging each other, and bearing one another’s burdens (Hebrews 10:24-25, Galatians 6:2). Mentoring provides a framework for mutual accountability as both mentor and mentee seek to help the other follow Jesus.
12. Jesus spent time with disciples
Jesus called his disciples to be with him, showing that mentoring requires quality time together (Mark 3:14). Sharing life experiences, modeling good practices, and explaining spiritual truths often happens most powerfully through informal day-to-day interactions, not just formal teaching settings.
Potential benefits of mentoring
In addition to being biblically supported, Christian mentoring provides many benefits including:
- Accelerating the spiritual growth and leadership skills of younger Christians
- Providing wisdom and experience to help navigate challenges
- Building meaningful relationships between generations
- Creating support and accountability to help reach goals
- Enhancing understanding of God’s calling and gifting
- Increasing ministry effectiveness and impact
- Cultivating future Christian leaders
Overall, Scripture highlights mentoring relationships as part of discipleship and maturing in the faith. When done with wisdom, patience, and care, mentoring allows mature believers to spiritually invest in younger Christians in a meaningful way.
Cautions regarding mentoring
While Scripture supports mentoring, some cautions should also guide the process:
- Avoid abusing authority or controlling your mentee
- Aim to raise up independent thinkers, not dependent followers
- Build trust and transparency; don’t foster secrecy or preferential treatment
- Uphold confidentiality and proper boundaries
- Beware of mentoring primarily for personal gain or recognition
- Be cautious of opposite gender mentoring to avoid impropriety
- Have a humble spirit open to learning from your mentee also
- Encourage openness to God’s leading, not just your opinions
With wisdom and care, mentoring can powerfully shape young believers without enabling abuse or wrong practices.
Keys to effective Christian mentoring
If you want to be involved in successful mentoring, here are some principles to keep in mind:
- Pray – Invite God’s wisdom and guidance continually
- Active listening – Ask good questions and listen more than speak
- Customize to needs – Tailor mentoring to mentee’s growth areas
- Use Scripture wisely – Apply God’s Word, don’t just quote verses
- Share experiences – Tell stories and experiences that illustrate lessons
- Model integrity – Live out what you teach with transparency
- Give feedback graciously – Mix encouragement and accountability
- Expect growth – Challenge mentee while being patient with failure
- Respect uniqueness – Help mentee discover their specific calling and gifts
- Start small – Tackle bite-sized goals and habits first
As you can see, effective Christian mentoring requires major investments of time, energy, and vulnerability from both mentors and mentees. But embracing these sacrifices allows for deep spiritual growth and preparation for future ministry. When done well, mentoring leaves a powerful legacy for generations to come.
