Wednesday, 22 September 2010

Mentoring & Discipleship

In the seventh session of "Biblical Principles for Leading with Love", the issues of mentoring and discipleship were discussed.  Mentoring is part of the fabric of life.  It is not limited to the Christian circle as there are many ideas which can be found in, and also widely used by the secular side.  However, as Christians, the Swallow and her coursemates looked at and discussed mentoring from the Christian context.

For the Christian, mentoring and discipleship can be said as having two sides of a coin.  They go hand in hand.  When mentoring is actively practiced, strong disciples are made.  When it is passively practiced, disciples are still made but these may be weak.  The ratio for mentor and disciple is also not fixed, as there are often times when one person may be under the guidance of several mentors.

For a vibrant Christian mentor-disciple relationship, the following components are needed
  • dynamic - it has to be an active and growing relationship where both parties are flexible and stimulates each other so that it empowers not only the disciple but the mentor as well
  • intentional - there must be purpose and direction to the process of mentoring ie it has to be done in an orderly manner and not when one feels like it
  • relationship - it is a relationship, where the mentor and the disciple become partners and spiritual mates for a brief period of time, anything from 3 months to 3 years (in some cases, even longer)
  • trust - this is the key and the basis of the relationship where the disciple relies on, and puts his confidence in his mentor and vice versa
  • enables - when done correctly, the process of mentoring enables the disciple to move on, and make possible a vibrant relationship with the Lord God
  • maximise - this is where the disciple's skills and gifts are made the most of, for the glory of God
  • grace of God - without this, one can do nothing.
Ecclesiastes 4 : 9 - 12 (NIV)
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: if one falls down, his friend can help him up, but pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Although the above verses are often used in messages presented at Christian weddings, the verses are also relevant to the mentor-disciple relationship.  A Christ-centred mentor-disciple relationship will thrive, and both parties will emerge stronger in their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

In essence, the process of mentoring in the Christian context is actually under-mentoring.  As Paul said in 1 Corinthians 11 : 1 (NKJV), "Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ."

It is true.  The Lord Jesus was and is the prime model of mentoring. While He was on earth, He was the perfect example for the twelve chosen disciples and the many others who also followed Him.  He was involved with people.  He was always available.  There were times, recorded in the Bible, when He went away to be alone yet when people sought Him out, He never rejected them.  His character was blameless and pure.

In His teaching, the Lord Jesus spoke with authority, and He spoke plainly. Imagine, children and fishermen counted as His followers! His words brought life and hope to all who heard Him.  He was patient with His disciples when they could not understand Him.  However, He also spoke with truth.  He never compromised the truth. There were many occasions recorded in the Bible where the Jewish leaders and temple authorities were offended by Him.  Also, when the disciples spoke or did wrongly, He corrected them gently but firmly.

The Lord Jesus had compassion on those who followed Him. He fed them when they were hungry, with spiritual food as well as physical. He caused them to think and wonder about His deeds and the miracles He performed.

The Lord Jesus committed His ways, in prayer, to His heavenly Father.  He stayed focused at all times, even when the cross and death was before Him.  He forgave, and also asked His heavenly Father to forgive, those who put Him on the cross.  He died for these as well.  He changed the course of history.

Mentoring should not be a life-long process.  The ultimate goal for the mentor is to help his disciple grow in his relationship with the one true God, and taking responsibility for himself.

We all blossom in the presence of one who sees the good in us and who can coax the best out of us. -- Rev Desmond Tutu

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