Musings – Who Mentored You? Whom do You Mentor?

Hebraic Musings – Who Mentored You?  Whom do You Mentor?

Who played a significant role in your Spiritual Life and how?  It’s surprisingly easy for Christians to answer that question. We don’t easily forget our mentor(s).  We have a younger generation growing up around us who need mentoring.  The millennials are contributing to a “None Generation” defined as those who claim no religious affiliation.  And churches are trying to figure out how to appeal to that generation? 

What brought about this segment of our society?  They are a product of upbringing, no paddling, broken homes, no Godly examples, electronic entertainment, lack of meaningful relationships and a “privileged” mind set.  How to connect with that group? 

Mentoring requires an investment – time, commitment and purpose.  But as the saying goes – “Somebody did it for you.”  Are there biblical examples of mentoring?  Paul was mentored by Barnabas and in turn Paul teaches us to “be a mentored mentor who mentors mentors”.  In fact, Paul said that to his mentee, Timothy – “You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.  And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.” 2 Tim. 2:1-2   You may have to read that again to realize that Paul is a “mentored mentor who mentors mentors.”  And as a result, the book of Acts portrays powerful examples of explosive growth of the Church.

Jesus gives us a classic example.  He taught thousands; He discipled 70, He mentored 12 and He had an inner mentorship to the three He took to the “Transfiguration”.  Jesus was mentored by His Father in many prayer sessions, and in turn mentored twelve and closely with the three; and they in turn were sent forth to mentor others.

Jesus started his ministry by identifying His mentees.  He chose and committed to mentor them when He saw Peter and Andrew and said “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Matt 4:19.   When they dropped their nets, they were enrolled in Jesus’ school. 

Paul shares teachings with Corinthians and tells them to “pass the teachings on” in 1 Corinth. 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.”

We may teach and we may influence many Christians and non-Christians around us, but who do we make a conscious effort and commitment to take under our wings?   Whom have we or should we be mentoring by meeting regularly with purpose and intentionality to –

  (a) confirm salvation,

  (b) develop a salvation testimony,

  (c) train to pray,

  (d) answer questions,

  (e) develop openness and trust,

  (f) identify whom they in turn will mentor? 

These steps represent an agenda for a worth-while, effective mentoring program.

Points to ponder

If every Christian mentored one person who mentored one person who…
how long would it take for the whole world to be saved?

Whom are you mentoring?  Whom are they going to mentor?

“No one learns as much about a subject as one who is forced to teach it.” ― Peter F. Drucker

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                   April 18, 2017

Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage” “Musings - A Victorious Life”  “Musings - The Torah and New Testament”
Weekly “Hebraic Musings”      www.InsightsByYosef.com

Note – Inspired by Pastor Chris Cooper, Student Minister at Immanuel Baptist Church, Rogers, AR