Mentors Help Us Grow

For about 20 years during my full time ministry with churches I was privileged to have summer interns working with us who wanted to be gospel preachers.

These were invaluable opportunities for young men to  learn how to research, outline sermons, produce class material, write articles, develop relationships, partner with the Shepherds, address important issues, solve problems, and grow spiritually.  Years later, we continue to have a good relationship with many of these men who consider me as a mentor.

While we didn’t have very many formal internships when I began preaching, I was blessed growing up in a local church with both pastors and preachers who served as wonderful mentors. Aude McKee first encouraged me as a young man to preach. Through the years I was able to call on him for advice and wise counsel. Both Robert Jackson and Dee Bowman served as positive role models and men on whom I could rely on for advice. Many of my college professors, including Clinton Hamilton, Homer Hailey and Bob Owen served in that capacity and allowed me to profit from their wisdom.

Mentors help us grow. This is true in every field of endeavor. In business. Sports. Commerce. Industry. And in our spiritual growth.

The Bible speaks of the apostle Paul serving as a mentor to both the young evangelists Timothy and Titus. Both were identified as “sons in the faith” (2 Tim. 1:2; Tit. 1:4). They traveled with Paul. Learned from him. And partnered with him in ministry.

All Christians, not just preachers, need a spiritual mentor. To the Corinthians, Paul penned, “Be imitators of me, just as I am also of Christ” (1Cor. 11:1). To the Philippians, he urged them to “join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us” (Phil. 3:17). Also to the Thessalonians, Paul reminded them of his “example.” He said we made “ourselves a model for you to follow” (1 Thess. 3:9).

As indicated in these texts, any human spiritual model we imitate ought to be following Christ. He is our ultimate example. Even without positive role models in our circle of friends, we can read the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John and learn about Jesus’ life. His relationships. His attitude. His actions. His dependance on the Heavenly Father. To this end, the apostle Peter would remind us that Jesus is our “example,” and “that you should follow His steps” (1 Pet. 2:21).

Reading books, blogs and papers published by Christians is also another way for us to learn from those with experience and insight into spiritual matters. Social media may also offer a bit of guidance, if we’re reading posts from people who are spiritually mature. Too often, however, we may we influenced by critics who raise more questions than give answers. Or by skeptics who would undermine our faith. Or even by those who are blatantly teaching things contrary to the doctrine of Christ.

Always, be careful whether directly or indirectly who you allow to influence your thinking and mold your spiritual life. Make sure your mentor is a worthy example who possesses godly wisdom and will lead you closer to Christ.

The wise man was right, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another” (Prov. 17:17). A good mentor will help sharpen and shape you for spiritual growth.

Finally, for those in a position to mentor others, look for opportunities to share your knowledge, wisdom and insight. As life and leadership coach James S. Vuocolo wrote, “Great things happen whenever we stop seeing ourselves as God’s gift to others, and begin seeing others as God’s gift to us.” As you sow seeds for the spiritual growth of others, you will find that they will produce fruit to help you grow as well.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman