We all have heard many definitions of what it means to mentor or be mentored.
Many times, we have a fantasy version of what mentoring is from TV and movies or what we have seen from people in our workplaces. Webster definition of mentoring is “a trusted counselor or guide,” and it is a concept that has stood the test of time. More importantly, this relationship is portrayed as a practice done by many great leaders, which can leave us feeling intimidated by the practice. However, mentoring is not merely for the screen or only “spiritual elite.” Instead, we can all benefit from this deeply personal practice.
Jesus, in His ministry, demonstrated the perfect mentor as He lived life with His disciples. We are also given instructions to mentor throughout scripture: Be shepherds of God’s flock (1 Peter 5:2-3), train and teach (Titus 5), iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 17:27), and commend your works to another (Psalm 145:4). In many ways, mentoring is an invitation to be a part of the life and work of Jesus rather than it just being something that is unreachable or something to put on our resume.
We can also look at Jesus’s own ministry as an example for us to follow. His ministry was full of relationships. He spent much of His life gathering with His disciples- walking, eating, sharing life with one another, and imparting wisdom so that others might know the Father.
In order to mentor and be mentored, one must bring three things to the relationship:
Dependence on God,
Committed - Ready to put in the work,
And vulnerability.
A mentor is someone who cares about you and wants the best for you. They also encourage you to invest in the relationship. As a result, you can grow spiritually and become mature in your faith and your calling. It’s easy to confuse mentoring and friendship.
Friendships are essential connections and allow us a sense of well-being. Times with friends bring laughter, listening ears, and encouragement. Friendly advice may be given, but rarely are friends intentional about moving us toward the purpose and growth that we were born to have. A mentor will challenge and push you in areas that you may feel you aren't ready for.
Mentoring is a relationship with a purpose. Without purpose the relationship can become nothing more than friends “hanging out.” Mentoring is more than friendship or giving advice. A great mentor listens with a Purpose and allows the mentee to discover what’s already on the inside of them.
Mentors facilitates quality conversations. As you listen with purpose, you guide the conversation beyond what happened and who did what. Asking good questions brings out what is going on inside of the person.
So, if you are a mentor or being mentored you have a part to play. When you ask someone to mentor you or sign up for a mentoring program, don’t forget that you have to be ready to put in the work. Amazing things will happen as you discover through the mentoring process what steps you need in order to walk fully in what God has purposed and destined for you to do.
If you are interested in scheduling a mentoring session make sure to visit drrebeccamurray.com/service/
Comments