Christian Mentoring
What is meant by the word mentor?
How can mentoring help in a congregation?
If you are searching for a way to develop more leaders in your congregation or strengthen ministries within your church, perhaps the concept of mentoring could be a blessing. The word mentoring is not a biblical term but it can be described as a process taking place in the church between an experienced teacher and a disciple; the results are an increase in knowledge and wisdom for both. It is a teaching style that is very personal and distinctive to the individual, resembling that of a pupil or follower of any teacher or school or an apprentice working alongside a craftsman.
Mentoring can take a variety of forms involving the head and the heart. In a Christian congregation mentoring is a special way to develop leaders for ministries within the church. It is an excellent way to strengthen faith and show Christian love. Just as Moses was mentored by Jethro, and later Moses mentored Joshua, mentoring is a tool for helping encourage and assist future leaders prepare to serve and share the Good News of Jesus Christ.
One form mentoring can take is helping a new Sunday school teacher. Someone may love children and be willing to teach but just not know how to approach the task.
Mentoring can be a valuable tool to help equip persons to teach and use God-given gifts. Future leaders can be trained to serve and at the same time not feel threatened. More experienced members can make a difference.
Have you ever looked around in your congregation and tried to share with someone your experience, skills and understanding? If there ever was a time in our congregations for mentoring, for equipping Christians for spreading the faith and sharing the Gospel, it is now. One-on-one mentoring to share the love of Jesus Christ and His great sacrifice definitely needs to reach our thirsty culture.
Mentoring offers a teaching-learning tool for use to the glory of God and the good of our neighbor. Guided by the Holy Spirit, mentoring results in an increase of wisdom and better leadership for both the mentor and the mentee. Our Saviour was the perfect mentor. When we follow in His footsteps, we are blessed. At the same time we encourage one another in Christ. Praise God that His Son loved us with an everlasting love. He showed each one of us how to love.
Jean M. Wagner
