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Mentoring
Overview |
Although the word “mentoring” does not appear in the Bible, the concept is firmly rooted in Scripture and examples of mentoring relationships abound. A mentor is one who establishes a relationship with another and helps him or her learn by sharing experiences, knowledge, wisdom, and God-given resources. Mentoring is very simply “learning from one another,” such as when those who are less mature in faith or in experience are taught by those who are more mature or experienced. Mentoring happens whenever someone comes along side and walks with another, for the purpose of giving instruction, support, and encouragement.
“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, who shall be able to teach others also.” (2 Timothy 2:1-2)
Jesus spent much of His earthly ministry in mentoring His disciples. He taught them how to pray, helped them grow spiritually, and instructed them in the way of salvation. Another example of a mentoring relationship is contained in the biblical account of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch. The Spirit said to Philip, “Go near, and join thyself to this chariot” (Acts 8:29). Philip helped him understand the gospel message of salvation through faith in Jesus.
Mentoring relationships allow individuals or couples the opportunity to mutually encourage one another and to receive support, guidance, wisdom, and help. The desired result is that all parties will grow closer to Christ in their daily walk and closer to the fellowship of believers making up the Body of Christ.
“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” (Proverbs 27:17)
Some of the purposes and goals of mentoring are giving encouragement and providing support, guidance, wisdom, and help, helping others attain spiritual growth, and modeling leadership.
Mentoring is learning how to grow spiritually from people whom God brings into our lives. The vast majority of people who benefit from mentoring have a desire to grow and learn. As long as God gives us life and breath, we need to continue to grow, to be used as servants, and to help others with the gifts God has given us.
Mentor Training Program
The Mentor Training Program was developed by Apostolic Christian Counseling and Family Services (ACCFS) in response to requests from elders through meetings and forums. It is intended to be a resource tool for elders to expand their counseling efforts by equipping selected members to become effective and godly mentors, who will work under their elder’s supervision. The program focuses on teaching brothers, sisters, and married couples the skills that make for effective mentoring.The primary purpose and goals of the Mentor Training Program are to instruct course members how to mentor others in order to help them grow spiritually and personally, enhance relationships, deal with spiritual struggles, deal with life issues (such as singleness, marriage, or parenting), and deal with sin issues (such as alcohol, pornography, or sexual struggles). This training is accomplished by attending a one-day session that includes instruction on a wide variety of mentor-related issues, such as:
- Definition and biblical foundation for mentoring.
- Purpose of the Mentoring Program.
- Mentors – types, characteristics, qualifications, and skills.
- Important elements – confidentiality and privacy, mandated reporting laws, appropriate boundaries for mentoring sessions, and the roles of elder/clinical counsel/mentor.
Managing concerns – need for elder involvement, warning signs of depression and anxiety, and referral to a professional.
- Mentor work – establish a mentoring relationship, communicate mentee’s role and expectations, assess spiritual well-being, and evaluate mentee’s progress.
- Mentee work – prayer and Scripture study and memorization.
- Accountability – areas and methods.
- Closure – planned termination of mentoring sessions and recommendations upon termination.
Mentoring is learning how to grow spiritually from people whom God brings into our lives. The vast majority of people who benefit from mentoring have a desire to grow and learn. As long as God gives us life and breath, we need to continue to grow, to be used as servants, and to help others with the gifts God has given us.
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