Understandably, the idea of mentorship is daunting. It can be hard to figure out where to start. In How to Be a Cupbearer- Your Action Plan, we addressed the idea of outward accountability. Mentorship is a part of that. In this article, we’ll discuss what mentorship is, why it’s important, and how to pursue discipleship with a mentor.
What is Mentorship?
According to Merriam-Webster, the definition of a mentor is a trusted counselor or guide. To give a more biblical definition, a mentor is an older and wiser Christian who helps a younger, less experienced Christian learn how to live purposefully for Jesus. There are several examples of mentorship relationships in the Bible, such as Paul and Timothy, Paul and Titus, and even Jesus and His disciples. In fact, the modern-day mentorship relationship is much like the relationship between a rabbi and his students in Jesus’ time.
So how exactly does a mentorship relationship work? Typically, it involves meeting with an older, wiser Christian, sharing life with them, and often, studying the Bible or another Christian book alongside them. Your mentor can give you advice, share things they are learning about God and the Christian life, and encourage you in your walk with the Lord. However, mentorship relationships are mutually beneficial. As your mentor helps you pursue the Lord, they can also learn things from you.
Why Mentorship is Important
The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 begins with a simple yet daunting command: “Go and make disciples of all nations.” Many simply take this to mean we are to share the gospel with people all over the world. While that is definitely an important part of this command, it is not the end. If we were to simply evangelize and help people come to know the Lord, and not help them pursue spiritual growth, how will the universal church continue to grow? We are to make disciples, not simply converts.
And in order for us to make disciples, someone else needs to disciple us first.
How to Start
First, pray. Ask God who would make a good mentor for you. You can also ask your parents or youth pastor. Try to find someone who is many years ahead of you. Don’t choose someone just because they’re the oldest man or woman in your church, but don’t choose a very young mentor either. You will get the most out of a mentor who is farther ahead of you in life.
Your mentor should be the same gender as you, and they should NOT be your parent. Your parents fulfill a very important role in your life, but having someone other than them who is discipling you will be very beneficial to your spiritual life. Try to find someone who volunteers in similar ministries to you at church and has similar passions as you.
Once you’ve decided on a mentor, shoot them a text (with parental permission, of course) and tell them you’ve been looking for a Christian mentor. Let them know what character traits or passions led you to choose them, and ask them to be your mentor.
Once they’ve said yes, all that’s left is for you to schedule a time to meet. Most likely, your mentor will take the lead from there. They might just want to talk, or they might suggest studying a book of the Bible or another Christian book together.
The Greatest Chain Reaction
Congratulations, you’re now engaging in discipleship! If you’re a teenager, it will probably be years before you’re asked to be a mentor, but you can think of this phase of your life as the beginning of a great chain reaction. You’re being discipled now, and one day, you will disciple others, whether as a parent, mentor, pastor, teacher, or missionary. This is the greatest chain reaction ever, and we’re called to be a part of it.
How are you currently engaging in discipleship and mentorship, and what can you do to be a part of the greatest chain reaction ever?