SpiriseBible
"Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ." - 1 Corinthians 11:1 (KJV)
Paul's bold statement—"follow me"—might sound arrogant in our individualistic age. Yet he understood a crucial spiritual principle: we need human examples to show us how to follow Christ. Throughout Scripture, God uses mentoring relationships to shape His servants. Moses had Jethro, Joshua had Moses, Elisha had Elijah, Timothy had Paul. The question isn't whether you need a mentor, but how to find the right one.
Why We Need Spiritual Mentors
God designed spiritual growth to happen in relationship:
For wisdom transfer: "Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men" (2 Timothy 2:1-2). Wisdom passes from generation to generation.
For practical example: "Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do" (Philippians 4:9). We need to see faith lived out, not just taught.
For personal growth: "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend" (Proverbs 27:17). Mentors challenge us beyond our comfort zones.
For avoiding pitfalls: "Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety" (Proverbs 11:14). Learn from others' mistakes and successes.
For accountability: "Two are better than one... For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). Mentors help us stay on track.
Biblical Examples of Mentoring
Scripture provides powerful mentoring models:
Jesus and the Twelve: The ultimate mentoring relationship. "And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him" (Mark 3:14). Notice: being "with Him" came before being sent out.
Paul and Timothy: "But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel" (Philippians 2:22). Paul invested deeply in Timothy's development.
Elijah and Elisha: "And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me" (2 Kings 2:9). Elisha sought not just knowledge but spiritual impartation.
Naomi and Ruth: "Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee" (Ruth 1:16). Mentoring can cross generational and cultural lines.
Barnabas and John Mark: After Paul rejected Mark, "Barnabas took Mark" (Acts 15:39). Good mentors believe in people's potential.
Qualities to Look for in a Mentor
Not everyone qualifies as a spiritual mentor:
- Spiritual maturity: "Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation" (Hebrews 13:7)
- Proven character: Look for fruit of the Spirit evident over time
- Wisdom: "Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom" (James 3:13)
- Availability: Mentoring requires time investment
- Humility: "Be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud" (1 Peter 5:5)
- Biblical knowledge: "Study to shew thyself approved unto God" (2 Timothy 2:15)
- Life experience: Someone who's walked where you're going
- Listening skills: Good mentors ask questions, not just give answers
Where to Find Spiritual Mentors
Look in these places for potential mentors:
Your local church: "Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls" (Hebrews 13:17). Start with pastors, elders, or mature members.
Small groups: Intimate settings reveal character and create natural mentoring opportunities.
Ministry involvement: Serving alongside someone reveals their heart and creates relationship.
Christian organizations: Parachurch ministries often have mentoring programs.
Online communities: While not replacing face-to-face relationships, platforms like SpiriseBible connect believers for encouragement.
Books and biographies: Past saints can mentor through their writings. "Being dead yet speaketh" (Hebrews 11:4).
How to Approach a Potential Mentor
Finding a mentor requires wisdom and initiative:
- Pray first: Ask God to guide you to the right person
- Start small: Request a one-time meeting before asking for ongoing mentorship
- Be specific: Share what you hope to learn and why you chose them
- Respect their time: Propose a limited commitment (monthly meetings for six months)
- Come prepared: Have questions ready; don't waste their time
- Be teachable: "Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction" (Proverbs 13:18)
- Honor boundaries: Accept if they say no; God may have someone else
Being a Good Mentee
Maximize the mentoring relationship:
Be humble: "Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder" (1 Peter 5:5). Pride blocks learning.
Be committed: Show up consistently and follow through on commitments.
Be honest: Share struggles openly; mentors can't help what they don't know.
Be responsive: Apply what you learn and report back on progress.
Be grateful: Express appreciation regularly; mentoring is a gift.
Be respectful: Honor their wisdom while maintaining your own relationship with God.
Different Types of Mentoring
Mentoring takes various forms:
- Life-on-life: Regular meetings for comprehensive discipleship
- Skill-specific: Learning particular ministries or spiritual disciplines
- Crisis mentoring: Short-term guidance through specific challenges
- Group mentoring: One mentor with multiple mentees
- Peer mentoring: Mutual encouragement between equals
- Distance mentoring: Using technology when geography separates
When Mentoring Relationships End
Not all mentoring relationships last forever:
- Celebrate what you've learned
- Thank your mentor genuinely
- Stay connected if appropriate
- Apply lessons learned
- Consider mentoring others
- Seek new mentors for new seasons
Becoming a Mentor Yourself
The mentoring cycle continues: "And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also" (2 Timothy 2:2). As you grow, look for opportunities to mentor younger believers.
The Ultimate Mentor
Remember, human mentors point us to the perfect Mentor: "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart" (Matthew 11:29). Jesus remains our primary teacher through His Word and Spirit.
Reflection Questions
- Who has mentored you spiritually in the past? What impact did they have on your faith?
- What areas of your spiritual life would benefit most from mentoring right now?
- Who might God be calling you to approach as a mentor, or to mentor yourself?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for not leaving us to figure out faith alone. Thank You for the examples in Scripture and the mentors You've provided throughout history. I acknowledge my need for spiritual guidance from those who've walked this path before me. Lead me to the right mentor for this season of my life—someone who will point me to Christ and help me grow. Give me humility to receive correction, wisdom to apply truth, and gratitude for their investment. Help me also to recognize when You're calling me to mentor others. May the chain of discipleship continue through me. In Jesus' name, our perfect Mentor, Amen.
Today's Challenge
Take three steps toward finding or strengthening mentoring relationships: 1) List three areas where you need spiritual growth and guidance. 2) Identify 2-3 potential mentors who demonstrate maturity in these areas—pray about approaching one of them this week. 3) If you already have a mentor, send them a note of appreciation today. If you're mature in faith, ask God to show you someone younger whom you could encourage and guide. Remember, we all need both mentors and mentees in our spiritual journey.
