Why is spiritual mentoring important

While the word mentor is not used in the pages of Scripture, the concept of a mentor is evident in the life of Christ with His disciples. Then they became mentors to others whom they taught. A spiritual mentoring relationship or discipleship program is not like an apprenticeship where the apprentice learns a skill from the teacher.

Spiritual mentoring is largely about modeling a mature Christian life and being there for the student when questions arise. This does not mean that the teacher is perfect, but that he has more knowledge and experience with the Word of God and is seeking to live a victorious Christian life.

Here are some things that a spiritual mentor does that we see in the Bible. As you consider mentoring someone who is new to the Christian life, use these principles as guidelines in this important relationship. A spiritual mentor is essentially a teacher. This teaching should include the basic doctrines of the Bible: God, Jesus, man, sin, salvation, etc.

The mentor does not have to be an expert on these topics, but he should be able to answer basic questions or know where to find the answers. Our Lord Jesus Christ was the perfect example.

He taught His disciples to follow Him and mimic Him by living with them John , Jesus asked the disciples to put away their current occupations to walk alongside Him and learn from Him Matthew But it would not be wrong either.

Often young people will temporarily move in with another family to observe how they live when no one else is watching. Young preachers may take up residence with a more mature preacher to learn the ins and outs of a particular ministry or mission. But, more practically, we can mentor a young Christian by spending as much time with them as we can. It may be a schoolmate or co-worker that you are discipling.

You already spend several hours a day together. Purposefully use that time to be a godly example. The Apostle Paul said that his followers should look to him as an example in the same way he looked to Christ 1 Corinthians It is simply a principle of spiritual mentorship. The student needs an example to follow and the teacher needs to be the best one he knows how to be 2 Thessalonians Again, this does not mean the teacher will never make a mistake, it simply means that the teacher will strive to be a good example.

Shop All Bibles. Shop All Bible Studies. Shop All Books. Shop All Events. Church Ordering. I am halfway through my life, but I still need others to invest in me.

I want other believers to walk beside me and I think it's a necessity for us all. Sometimes we have the tendency to become "lone ranger Christians" who work too many hours and fight too many battles alone. Frankly, we all need someone who can help point the way and provide some stability in day-to-day spiritual living. A good mentor will teach, counsel, motivate, coach, lead and advise you within the context of a relationship. This relationship should be less like an instanteous upload and more like a slow, gradual osmosis.

It takes time. No matter your age, spiritual maturity or life experience, holy living is hard for everyone—not just because we're errant humans but because life simply never slows down. Sometimes our temptations do too. We all need someone who can hold us accountable to godliness and discipline during all seasons of life.

Pam and I have been married almost 24 years, but I am still figuring out how to be a good husband. In each new season of life, relationships change. For example, I have never walked the path I am on now—our physical needs are different, our long-term goals are becoming more present tense and care for our own parents has become a priority. I need someone who has walked this way before so that I can avoid the pitfalls and trouble spots.

It doesn't matter if you're just getting started in the workforce or if you've been in one industry for 30 years, it's important to have someone—or a group of people—who can guide you through all stages of your employment.

If God allows, I still have many years of employment ahead—but I am recognizing the wisdom of those who, 30 years ago, encouraged me to invest and be patient. Now I want help making the best decisions in the final decades of employment.

Without correct guidance and comprehension from a spiritual mentor, we can come to incorrect understandings. Just as children are dependent on those who are more mature and have more experience, so too believers are dependent on the mature believers around them. The Lord designed the Christian life to be this way. That is why He places us in a body and bestows on people certain gifts specific to growing individuals within the church.

A spiritual mentor can help guide us in the right direction. They have lived the Christian life, and their valuable experience can help our spiritual development. God has chosen to teach them, and through them, God can teach us as well. This can be your pastor, youth pastor, an older friend, or parent. Interested in studying the whole Bible in two years? Get your free information packet from Ethnos Bible Institute founded in as New Tribes Bible Institute by following the button below.