The Importance of Mentoring
Introduction
Mentoring is a professional or personal relationship in which a more experienced or knowledgeable person (the mentor) provides guidance, support, and advice to a less experienced individual (the mentee). The goal of mentoring is to help the mentee grow and develop in specific areas, whether it be in their career, skills, or personal life. Mentors share their expertise, offer feedback, and help mentees navigate challenges while fostering their confidence and potential.
Examples
I have had several mentors over the course of my life. Frederick Kendal was my choir director in High School. He recognized my God given talent and went out of his way to train and encourage me. With his help and guidance I achieved an ultimate goal for a High School singer. I was accepted to sing I the New York State All State Choir.
Roy Clark, not the singer, was another mentor. He was the district Boy Scout executive. He became extra involved in my life after my father died when I was a senior in High School. He hired my to be “ business director of our local Camp Gordon. Then when he transfers to another area the next summer he hired me again as Services Director for Camp Tuscarora out side of Binghamton, New York.
During my clergy career The Rev. Canon Philip Weeks ( later Bishop in the ICCEC) was an influential mentor for many years. He took me on trips to the Holy Land and a month long mission trip to the Philippians. He was instrumental in helping me make connections for three of my pastoral positions and provided special weekends for these congregations. I am sure Bishop Weeks was aware of the Biliblical examples of mentoring.
Mentoring in the Bible
Biblical mentoring follows several key principles, drawn from relationships seen throughout the Bible. Here are the main ones:
1. God-Centered Guidance
Biblical mentoring focuses on seeking and following God’s will. A mentor helps guide the mentee in aligning their life and decisions with God’s word, offering spiritual advice rooted in scripture. Examples include Moses mentoring Joshua (Numbers 27:18-23) and Paul mentoring Timothy (1 Timothy 4:12).
2. Modeling Christlike Character
Mentors are called to be examples of Christlike living, modeling humility, integrity, and obedience to God. Jesus’ mentoring of His disciples shows this principle, as He demonstrated servant leadership (John 13:13-17).
3. Commitment and Accountability
Biblical mentors maintain a close relationship with the mentee, fostering accountability and commitment. They hold the mentee responsible for their growth, much like Paul did with Timothy and Titus. Paul wrote letters of encouragement, instruction, and correction to help them grow in faith and leadership (2 Timothy 2:2).
4. Encouragement and Empowerment
Encouraging growth and providing confidence are essential elements of biblical mentoring. Mentors, like Barnabas with Paul (Acts 9:26-27), encourage their mentees to step into their God-given callings, helping them to recognize their gifts and abilities.
5. Shared Wisdom and Experience
Mentors pass down wisdom and insights gained from their own experiences and walk with God. In the Bible, Eli mentored Samuel, helping him discern God’s voice (1 Samuel 3:8-9), and Naomi mentored Ruth in navigating cultural and life decisions (Ruth 3).
6. Multiplication and Discipleship
Biblical mentoring involves discipleship, with the intention of the mentee becoming a mentor to others. This reflects the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), where Jesus instructed His disciples to make more disciples, multiplying the faith.
7. Prayer and Dependence on God
Mentors in the Bible often rely on prayer to support and guide their mentees. Prayer deepens the relationship and ensures that both mentor and mentee are in tune with God’s direction. Paul frequently prayed for Timothy and others (2 Timothy 1:3).
These principles illustrate that biblical mentoring is a dynamic and deeply spiritual relationship aimed at nurturing faith, character, and leadership in others. .
Four Biblical Examples of Mentorship
Moses and Joshua
Moses prepared Joshua to lead the Israelites. He included him in important events, as in the very important receiving of the Law.
The Lord said to Moses, “Come up to me on the mountain and stay here, and I will give you the tablets of stone with the law and commandments I have written for their instruction.”
Then Moses set out with Joshua his aide, and Moses went up on the mountain of God. Exodus 24:13 -14
When it was time for the Israelites to enter the promised land Moses passed the leadership of the people to Joshua.
Then Moses went out and spoke these words to all Israel: 2 “I am now a hundred and twenty years old and I am no longer able to lead you. The Lord has said to me, ‘You shall not cross the Jordan.’ 3 The Lord your God himself will cross over ahead of you. He will destroy these nations before you, and you will take possession of their land. Joshua also will cross over ahead of you, as the Lord said. 4 And the Lord will do to them what he did to Sihon and Og, the kings of the Amorites, whom he destroyed along with their land. 5 The Lord will deliver them to you, and you must do to them all that I have commanded you. 6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
7 Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. 8 The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:1-8
Elijah and Elisha
In the Bible authority is seen when it is given from one leader to another as in the above example of Moses and Joshua. We see it even more concretely demonstrated in the passing of leadership from Elijah to his mentee Elisha.
19 So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth pair. Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak around him. 20 Elisha then left his oxen and ran after Elijah. “Let me kiss my father and mother goodbye,” he said, “and then I will come with you.”
“Go back,” Elijah replied. “What have I done to you?”
21 So Elisha left him and went back. He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his servant. 1 Kings 19:19-21,
Here we see the proverbial mantel (a cloak) of leadership passed directly.
9 When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?”
“Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied.
10 “You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah said, “yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours—otherwise, it will not.”
11 As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. 12 Elisha saw this and cried out, “My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!” And Elisha saw him no more. Then he took hold of his garment and tore it in two.
13 Elisha then picked up Elijah’s cloak that had fallen from him and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. 14 He took the cloak that had fallen from Elijah and struck the water with it. “Where now is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” he asked. When he struck the water, it divided to the right and to the left, and he crossed over.
15 The company of the prophets from Jericho, who were watching, said, “The spirit of Elijah is resting on Elisha.” And they went to meet him and bowed to the ground. 2 Kings 2:9-15)
Paul and Timothy
The example of Paul and Timothy has been passed on to the Promise Keepers movement. They teach that “Each man should have a Paul and a Timothy.” That is to stress the benefits of someone to help them and be a mentor to others.
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,
2 To Timothy my true son in the faith:
Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
3 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer 4 or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work—which is by faith. 5 The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 1 Timothy 1:1-3
Here is Paul giving Timothy advice.
2 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 3 Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this. 2 Timothy 2:2
Jesus and the Disciples
Jesus instructs his disciples to be mentors. It has been said that one is not really a disciple until they have brought another person to also be a disciple.
19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”Matthew 28:19-20
In the Gospel of John we see Jesus passing on a different kind of cloth, a towel of servant leadership.
12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. John 13:15).
Benefits for the Mentee
Spiritual Growth
Mentorship helps in spiritual development, providing guidance and wisdom. This is another favorite passage for Promise Keepers.
As iron sharpens iron,
so one person sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17
I have found this to be true in my participation with Kairos prison ministry. Volunteers gradually move from one position or responsibility to another? They learn from the person who has had that position in the past. With continual training many rise to the position of Leader for a weekend.
Character Development
Learning from a mentor’s experiences helps shape character.
Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ. I praise you for remembering me in everything and for holding to the traditions just as I passed them on to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1-2
Accountability
A mentor offers support and accountability, which is essential for personal growth.
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 2not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25
Benefits for the Mentor
Fulfillment and Joy
The joy of seeing someone grow and succeed in their spiritual journey.
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. 3 John 1:4
Sometimes it can take years to receive this reward. This actually has made it sweeter for me. Back in the 80s I helped lead Happening Weekends in Massachusetts. This is a teenage spin off of the Cursillo movement. Any years later I received a Facebook message from one of the young men I had mentored. It was a message of gratitude and appreciation. A welcome message and a Joy!
Continued Learning
Mentoring others often leads to deeper understanding and personal growth for the mentor. It is a truism that one of the best ways to learn something g is to teach it.
Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still;
teach the righteous and they will add to their learning. Proverbs 9:9
Leaving a Legacy
Mentorship allows the mentor to pass on their values, faith, and wisdom to the next generation
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 people who will also be qualified to teach others 2 Timothy 2:1-2
Mutual Benefits in Mentoring Relationships
Strengthening the Community
Mentoring builds stronger, more connected communities within the church.
From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
Ephesians 4:16
Encouragement and Support
Both the mentor and mentee can find encouragement and support in their relationship
I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. Romans 1:11-12
Reflecting Christ’s Love
The mentoring relationship mirrors the love and discipleship Christ exemplified
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35
Practical Steps to Engage in Mentoring
Seek God’s Guidance
Prayer is always a positive first step. Pray for wisdom in finding or becoming a mentor. Pray regarding any advice and for discernment when listening.
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5
Be Open and Committed
Both mentors and mentees should approach the relationship with openness and commitment.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves Philippians 2:3-4
Invest Time and Effort
Recognize that mentorship requires time, patience, and effort from both parties.
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9
Conclusion
Mentoring is a very important relationship in all of life. It is especially important from a Biblical perspective. Consider these scriptures seriously as you seek to be both a mentor and mentee. It will enrich your life, your relationships and your community.
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