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We are such busy people these days, but busyness does not always equal getting things done.
Sometimes we are simply busy trying to keep our heads above water, but what we really need is another person to come alongside and offer support and encouragement. This is where a mentor comes in.
I cannot say I've ever had a person with the title "mentor" in my life, but, thankfully, I have had many different people at different seasons to pour into me and teach me things about God, about myself, about life in general, which helped me grow as a person.
The Bible talks about mentoring. Actually, there are many examples of mentoring within its pages: Naomi and Ruth; Mordecai and Esther; Eli and Samuel; Paul and Timothy; Jesus and His disciples, etc.
Paul gets more specific about mentoring in his letter to Titus in Chapter 2. Here he lays out the foundation for a mentoring relationship between the older and younger women within the church.
"Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God (Titus 2:3-5)."
What Faith-Based Mentoring Can Do
You may be thinking, "Well, what can mentoring do for me? Do I really need it?" It's great you asked!
Mentoring can help you work through those questions and thoughts you have about life, about God, about various life-happenings, by looking at biblical principles and seeing how they can be applied.
A good mentor will listen then help you think through different angles of a situation; help discover areas needing more spiritual attention; hold you accountable in problem zones; and encourage you through prayer, friendship, and communication.
How Do I Find a Mentor?
There are many ways to find a good faith-based mentor. First, begin with prayer. Ask God to bring the right person into your life. Talk with your pastor or women's ministry leader to find mature, godly women in the church who might want to take on this role.
Another option is my new program. I have started an online, faith-based mentoring program right here! Since I've been mentoring women for nearly 25 years; have my MDiv and BA in Biblical Studies; and have written extensively on mentoring and other topics related, I have decided to start my own faith-based program.
Be sure to hop on over to my mentoring page to see all the details here.
Conclusion
Mentoring can be a beautiful thing. Think life-coaching but with a biblical foundation. It does not have to last forever. Typically it is just a season in life when you need a little extra encouragement. Now as I look back, I see those moments God brought someone in to help me were the most rewarding moments and when I grew exponentially.
So, let me know what you think! Have you had a mentor? How did that person help you? I'd love to hear your feedback.
Blessings,
Kristi