Discipleship Mentoring: A Spiritual Road Trip
Imagine taking a road trip with a spiritual GPS, where companions support each other as they grow closer to God. That's the essence of discipleship. It's not just about sharing stories or giving advice; it's about investing time, care, and love to help someone navigate their faith journey. Whether you're considering becoming a mentor or seeking guidance on how to do it right, understanding what discipleship is all about is key.
The Paul-Timothy Relationship: Heroes Needed
The Paul-Timothy relationship is vital for this generation of students. Research shows that Gen Z desperately wants and needs heroes, not zeroes. But what is a hero? As my friend and former mentor, the late Dave Busby, remarked, "Live a life worthy of imitation."
The Apostle Paul also said, "Imitate me just as I imitate Christ" (1 Corinthians 11:1). It's about being real, loving, and authentic, but also honestly, confessionally imperfect. Today's students can spot inauthenticity a mile away. As a mentor, you can be yourself if you are growing in Christ, prayerful, and care about investing in others' lives.
The Power of Three: Paul, Barnabas, and Timothy
At a National Network of Youth Ministries conference in Colorado, I heard Howard Hendricks share a simple but memorable line: "Everyone needs a Paul, a Barnabas, and a Timothy." Everyone needs a mentor-a spiritual GPS, a guide, someone to pour into our lives honestly.
We need an encourager to walk with us when we're doing great, and when we're not, loving us anyway. We need a Timothy in which to invest our lives because those who have a mentor will likely not only remain and grow in their faith but also become a mentor to someone else.
Identifying that group of three or more significant others in our lives is a vital part of our spiritual journey. Remember, to model the importance of mentoring, mentors need a mentor too.
Christian Mentoring: More Than Skill Improvement
In the world of mentoring, the Christian style stands out. While regular mentoring might focus on career goals or skill improvement, discipleship puts spiritual growth front and center. It's all about helping folks become more like Jesus. Picture deep conversations about faith, praying together, digging into the Bible, and cheering each other on as lives change for the better.
Being a Christian mentor isn't about ticking off qualifications; it's about having the right heart. Think of qualities like love, joy, kindness, and self-control. These aren't just checkboxes; they're signs of a life lived with the power of the Holy Spirit. And that's the secret sauce for effective discipleship.
The Holy Spirit: The Ultimate Mentor's Helper
Let's talk about the Holy Spirit - the ultimate mentor's helper. With the Spirit guiding the way, mentors have all they need to pass on God's wisdom and love. It's like having an inside scoop on how to best support and encourage someone on their spiritual journey.
Good discipleship is like growing a garden - it needs time, attention, and a bit of vulnerability. It's about sharing everyday moments, being honest, and holding each other accountable. Mentors and mentees make a pact to meet regularly, study the Bible, pray, and keep their mentoring mojo fresh.
Jesus: The Original Mentor Extraordinaire
Take a page from Jesus' playbook - He was the original mentor extraordinaire. He didn't just teach His disciples; He walked with them through thick and thin, empowering them to carry on His mission. Other biblical figures like Barnabas and Paul followed suit, passing on their wisdom to the next generation of believers.
Today, discipleship is alive and kicking, making waves on college campuses and local hangouts. It's all about being willing to learn, grow, and spread God's love wherever you go.
Getting Started: Mentoring Resources
Ready to start? Thankfully, there are resources galore to help you on your discipleship journey. Check out this page of mentoring resources from CRU. From discipleship kits to online articles, there's no shortage of practical tips and tricks. So, whether you're a seasoned mentor or just dipping your toes in the discipleship pool, there's something out there for you.
The Call to Disciple
In the end, discipleship isn't just a journey; it's a calling. It's about coming together to deepen your faith and share God's love with others. With a sprinkle of humility, a dash of prayer, and a whole lot of Holy Spirit power, you can embark on a discipleship adventure that leaves a lasting impact for generations to come.
So, as the film "Sandlot" reminds us, you can't turn this down! I triple-dog dare you!
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Rick Eubanks is co-founder of See You At the Pole and Texas State Coordinator for NNYM. He is passionate about mentoring students and training leaders to act as mentors for the next generation.