by Andrea Belonga: Part 3

The Marvelous Ministry of Mentoring - Shirley Windham
2014 Women’s Leadership Training Conference - Atlanta

“But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.” (1 Thessalonians 2:7-8)

People learn about God from God’s Word, but they also learn about God through seeing God working in other people. Mentoring is a way to demonstrate Christ by sharing our lives with others. Mentoring should include careful stewardship of the gospel. We are approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so use it, and intentionally live out the gospel in front of others. Expect that believers will mature in God’s timing. Our goal is to bring glory to God and to draw others to Him; our goal should not be about “me” or about making a “mini-me”.

Nuggets of wisdom to consider when mentoring:

• A common temptation when being involved in mentoring is to seek praise or recognition, but remember that the glory belongs to God.
• Don’t flatter, because that ingratiates the “flattered” to the “flatterer”.
• Don’t say what people want to hear; say what they need to hear. Mentoring is not about increasing the self-esteem of anyone, but instead is about pointing others to Christ.
• Be careful to not have an over-aggressive desire to see fruit from mentoring, but be content to plant seeds. Think of an oak tree - growth is slow and steady and takes time. Remember the picture of a nursing mother and be gentle and patient. God works in His own timing!
• The greatest need is to share the gospel, so speak the truth of the gospel for the sake of the gospel.
• When mentoring, think of this: “follow me as I follow Christ”. Since we have a Savior who paid the ultimate sacrifice, be willing to be a little uncomfortable or to go into unfamiliar territory for the benefit of the saints.
• Remember that God equips His people for this job; people never feel ready for it.
• Consider that Jesus is the Wonderful Counselor, not us! A mentor can not fix other people’s lives, but can love them and point them to Jesus.
• Remember that people are not projects but are people made in the image of God. One way to start a relationship with someone is to find out what they love and do something together such as cooking, baking, sewing, exercising, taking care of children, discussing books. One way to enter a young mom’s world is to go into the nursery and love her babies first.

Ask questions before beginning mentoring, such as: How long can we meet and how often? Where will we meet? What will we do? What are the expectations? What if it doesn’t work out? It’s fine to start small - you can always sign up for more! Be sure to understand expectations and needs before you begin. Also, consider having other women on hand who are interested in mentoring who might be a better fit. It’s important to be flexible!