Discipleship
Mentoring
Scripture
Proverbs 27:17 - Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.
1 Peter 5:1-5 - So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
Proverbs 22:6 - Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Psalm 145:4 - One generation shall commend your works to another and shall declare your mighty acts.
2 Timothy 2:2 - And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
1 Corinthians 11:1 - Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.
Acts 8:27-31 - And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.” So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.
Matthew 28:19-20 - Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Ecclesiastes 4:9 - Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.
2 Thessalonians 3:9 - It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate.
Philippians 2:4 - Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Hebrews 10:24-25 - And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
2 Timothy 2:24-26 - And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.
Ecclesiastes 4:10 - For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!
Romans 15:14 - I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another.
2 Kings 2:2-9 - And Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the Lord has sent me as far as Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. And the sons of the prophets who were in Bethel came out to Elisha and said to him, “Do you know that today the Lord will take away your master from over you?” And he said, “Yes, I know it; keep quiet.” Elijah said to him, “Elisha, please stay here, for the Lord has sent me to Jericho.” But he said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they came to Jericho. The sons of the prophets who were at Jericho drew near to Elisha and said to him, “Do you know that today the Lord will take away your master from over you?” And he answered, “Yes, I know it; keep quiet.” Then Elijah said to him, “Please stay here, for the Lord has sent me to the Jordan.” But he said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So, the two of them went on. ...
Proverbs 11:14 - Where there is no guidance, a people fall, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.
Ecclesiastes 4:12 - And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Observation
Mentor – a trusted counselor or guide
Mentorship – a relationship in which a more experienced or more knowledgeable person helps to guide a less experienced or less knowledgeable person
It is a learning and development partnership between someone with vast experience and someone who wants to learn ~ Farren Ph.D., Caela. "Eight Types of Mentor: Which Ones Do You Need?"
Is a process that always involves communication and is relationship-based, but its precise definition is elusive ~ Dawson, Phillip (2014). "Beyond a Definition: Toward a Framework for Designing and Specifying Mentoring Models". Educational Researcher. 43 (3): 137–145
Synonyms – coach, counsel, guide, lead, pilot, shepherd, show, tutor
We are a by-product of those who have invested their time in us – teaching lessons, showing us the ropes, and providing guidance when lost or struggling. Whether it is a teacher or counselor in school, a friend’s parent, a supervisor/manager at your job, even your uncle, one person can make a difference in another’s life.
Like a coach who shows us proper technique and teaches us fundamentals, a tutor developing our learning skills, a counselor showing us how to navigate around difficult challenges, a friend to motivate us, a mentor can help us get to the next level – physically, mentally, financially, professionally and, most importantly, spiritually.
What our children, the next generation, need more than ever are men willing to step up and fill a void that is being dominated by technology – Google, Facebook, Instagram, Snap, Tik Tok, and whatever comes after that. Whether on mobile or social, both are intertwined and are pulling our kids in the wrong direction. Not that, in of itself, these platforms are dangerous; it is the amount of time spent looking, hoping, wishing, or becoming something other than what is healthy. On top of this, they are a poor substitute for real human interaction that can provide support and life-enhancing skills.
Of the entire adult population, statistically only 0.9% of men become involved in mentorship. Not that women are any higher, neither am I here to admonish adult males for failing to step up. I’m primarily concerned that we are losing our kids in this electronic age and that we are not focusing on the value that mentors bring to the lives of those they take interest in and provide meaningful interactions.
The one question you might be asking yourselves is why become a mentor?
1. Young Adults Who Were At-Risk for Falling Off Track but Had a Mentor Are: https://www.mentoring.org/why-mentoring/mentoring-impact/#1442263051104-6ca77555-c66a1be4-a01f
Education
52% less likely to skip school, 37% class
55% more likely to enroll in college
Maintained better attitudes in school
Daily Life
46% less likely to try drugs, 27% alcohol
81% more likely to participate in sports or extra-curricular activities
Strongest benefit is a reduction in depressive symptoms
Promotes positive social attitudes & relationships; trust parents more & communicate better with them
Life
Healthier lifestyle choices
Enhanced self-esteem and self-confidence
Improved interpersonal skills
2. Mentors also benefit from helping others:
https://youth.gov/youth-topics/mentoring/benefits-mentoring-young-people
A. Increased self-esteem
B. A sense of accomplishment
C. Greater insight into childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood
D. Increase patience and improved supervisory skills
Application
Where do you start and how?
In Church
A. Discover Your Purpose - Sign up for Growing Deep, Growing Strong / DESIGN
B. Choose to Volunteer – Connect with NHHK’s Church Leadership Team
C. Find a Group – Connect with Ministry Team Leaders or Members
D. Learning – see how you can be of value to the respective team you are joining
E. Devotions – Continue growing in your walk and relationship with Jesus
F. Join a Small Group – to help you grow together and deepen relationships with each other
G. Attend LifeChange – if you want Freedom, Healing, Wholeness, & to Build Spiritual Maturity
Outside of Church
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Boys & Girls Club
Your Workplace
Schools & Universities
Look for Opportunities
While I continue to support Big Brothers Big Sisters as a volunteer, what I try to do in-between is help those around me at my office. Workplace ministry can begin by simply being a mentor to someone who’s new, struggling, or wanting to get to the next level in their career. Whether they ask or you volunteer to, don’t overlook the very place where you are at for most of the day outside your home.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you that we have Jesus and your Holy Spirit in our lives – our Teacher, Constant Companion, Counselor, revealing truths, providing wisdom, allowing us to make better decisions and how we can lift and support each other. Thank you for the men, even women, you’ve placed in my life to help me get to where I am today. I cannot, nor do I want to, do life without your in my life. Please rule in, over, and through it and do with my life as you see fit. We love you Lord, may I make myself available for you to use it to help those in need. In your might and precious name Jesus we pray. Amen!