As a pre-teen I never wanted anyone to tell me, show me, teach me, coach me, challenge me, or praise me. I had it. I could do it. I’d figure it out, or simply figure a way around it. As a young adult I suffered the consequences of my earlier decisions. I found my self alone, disconnected, resentful, and bitter.
One loving phone call changed all that. It was my Dad. For years I had ignored, challenged, laughed, and even purposefully done the opposite of what he would tell me. I don’t know what was different this time. Was it my utter despair or simple curiosity? Whatever the reason, I answered the phone.
What came next sent me in a direction so unexpected that it stopped me in my tracks. My Dad wanted to grab lunch and catch up. There was something peculiar, familiar, even innocence about my response. “I would love to. I miss you Dad”
After that lunch, my love and appreciation for my Dad began to grow exponentially. I recognized how much he did for me in those formative years. I was amazed by how much He handled behind the sense while I thought I was taking care of everything.
“I learned that my strength and independence came from a Father that cultivated an environment that afforded me that freedom.”
My Father not only cared for me he mentored me. I am a better husband, father, and friend because of his example. Most importantly, he showed me how to be a better follower of Christ.
Five short years later I would lose my Father to a battle with cancer. Over those few years, God was able to beautifully reframe a lifetime of childhood memories that encourage me still.
“I never wanted a mentor, but always had one.”
Our cities, communities, and churches are full of people just like me. They have never wanted a mentor. The question is. Do they have one in you?
Within the context of the Christian faith, mentorship is simply giving spiritual leaders permission to laugh, cry, encourage, guide, and invite others on a journey of discovering what it means to be God’s.
What role does mentoring play in making disciples in the church?
In the book of Colossians 3:12-17 ESVwe find encouragement to live in such a way that God be glorified in all we do. Let’s look at this excerpt to be reminded of how life in Christ gives us opportunity to journey with others as we discover God.
The Standard of Mentorship
Put on Love
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”
Disciples put on God’s love. Love is His standard. His love is best understood when it fully clothes a believer. Whatever is in your heart is what you are encouraging others to express.
Are there areas in your life where God’s love doesn’t fit right?
What ever you put on is what others will be influenced to put on. You are mentoring others to be Christlike or like you.
The Message of Mentorship
Let The Peace of Christ Rule Your Hearts
“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”
Disciples no longer rule their lives. God’s rule brings peace. His message is perfect. There is nothing that we can do that betters God’s rule. He’s out of our league.
Are there areas in your life that Christ’s peace takes second chair?
If Christ’s peace rules your heart you will long to see others find that peace. Your life will be captivating message of God’s love. Others will be drawn to Christ through you.
The Harvest of Mentorship
Give Thanks Because All The Things You Do Can Be Done Through Christ
“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
When we daily embrace the power of the gospel we realize there is nothing that escapes its power. In good days, bad days, days we don’t want to get out of bed, or days that fly by Jesus reigns, forgives, restores, heals, and redeems. He is the harvest maker.
Are you willing to allow God to control whatever you do to express his glory and invite people to deeply know God?
Imagine your life daily shaped by the power of Jesus. Imagine the impact that would have on others. Dream of a day that you live in the peace of Christ and see that peace drawing others to His peace. Imagine having a relationship with God that affords you the blessing of being a spiritual mentor to others.
This is what my Father did for me…what can we do for others?
For more information church mentorship and how to be a mentor within your church feel free to contact Chad Spriggs at chad@chadspriggs.com
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