Three passages in 2 Timothy mark the importance of Paul commending Timothy to mentor others, as he has received training as a mentee. In their book Mentoring: Biblical, Theological, and Practical Perspectives, Dean K Thompson and Dr. Cameron Murchison write, “Of the three pastoral epistles, the letter that most clearly represents the wisdom of an elder Christian passed … Continue reading Component 4: Paul Releases Timothy to Mentor Others
Mentoring
Component Three: Paul Trains Timothy in an Incremental Way
A wise leader does not entrust his follower with a task he has not first prepared him to receive. He gradually trains and releases over time and with great care. The mentoring approach of Paul to Timothy exemplifies this slow and deliberate process. The art of mentoring is on display when a mature mentor releases … Continue reading Component Three: Paul Trains Timothy in an Incremental Way
Component 2: Paul Shares His Life and Ministry Alongside of Timothy
In his well-known book, The Master Plan of Evangelism, Dr. Robert E. Coleman writes, “Building men and women is not that easy. It requires constant personal attention, much like a father gives to his children…children are not raised by proxy. The example of Jesus would teach us that it can be done only by persons staying close to … Continue reading Component 2: Paul Shares His Life and Ministry Alongside of Timothy
Mentoring Component One: Paul Nurtured a Personal Relationship with Timothy
In these posts regarding mentoring, I will contend that Paul’s mentoring approach to raising Timothy up as a leader includes nurturing a person relationship with him, sharing life alongside of him, training him in an incremental way, and releasing him to multiply into other leaders. I will share the first of these components in this post. … Continue reading Mentoring Component One: Paul Nurtured a Personal Relationship with Timothy
Defining Terms: Spiritual Mentoring and Church Leadership
Relationships are the secret sauce of leadership development. Mentoring is leadership by relationship. It is tricky to define “mentoring”, but there are some features worth emphasizing as we consider several definitions. In this post, I would like to consider at least three helpful definitions as it relates to the ministry mentoring relationships. In the book, Spiritual Mentoring: A Guide for … Continue reading Defining Terms: Spiritual Mentoring and Church Leadership
Biblical Meaning and Significance of Mentoring
Biblically, the word “mentor” is not a word employed by Scripture writers. However, its sense and meaning can be observed throughout Scriptures in several words and relationships. Walter Brueggemann acknowledges this when he writes, “Mentoring as an idea is quite a modern notion. The practice of mentoring, however, is quite old.”[1] In the Old Testament, Hebrew … Continue reading Biblical Meaning and Significance of Mentoring
Origins of Mentor and Mentoring
As I typed this out, my mind wandered to Sméagol (aka Gollum) in the Lord of the Rings. Tolkien writes: “The most inquisitive and curious‑minded of that family was called Sméagol. He was interested in roots and beginnings; he dived into deep pools; he burrowed under trees and growing plants; he tunneled into green mounds; and he … Continue reading Origins of Mentor and Mentoring
The Need for Mentoring
Pastors need personal mentors. According to recent research from the Barna Group, in 2023, only 49% of 523 pastors under the age of 45 felt well-supported by someone close to them.[1] When asked how often they receive personal spiritual support, either from a network of peers or a mentor, only 19% of pastors were able to answer … Continue reading The Need for Mentoring
Valley Shepherds 