Spiritual Mentoring Guidelines

 

Spiritual Mentoring Guidelines

Spiritual mentoring describes the actions of a seasoned individual who takes a less  experienced member of the church community under her wings.  Mentoring of this kind shows  an individual the way  and encourages others to take part in a ministry or mission.  We are reminded in (1 Peter 5:4) Be examples to the flock.  Mentoring provides spiritual training, growth, and development for both the mentor and mentee.  The example of spiritual mentoring was apparent in Jesus’ role as teacher and the disciples’ role as student learners.

 A primary component of spiritual mentoring guidelines is demonstrated through positive behaviors, which show actions of the Christian way.  Proverbs: 13:20 states, He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.  Mentors and mentees share knowledge, wisdom, and support for each other. Mentoring is the practical application of assisting someone to feel confident in his or her abilities to serve.  The words found in Ecclesiastes 4: 9 – 10 state: Two are better than one, because they have 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!

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  It is easy for most people to identify what's right or wrong and say the right thing.  However, it is more challenging to do what is right.  The mentee or student learns by observing behaviors, actions, words, and deeds.  The Apostle Paul described his leadership style in 1 Corinthian 11:1 by saying, Follow my example as I followed the example of Christ.  A basic definition of mentoring and a description of characteristics pertinent to spiritual mentoring guidelines have been discussed on this website: http://www.iamsignificant.ca/christian-life-coaching/what-is-a-spiritual-mentor/ . 

Spiritual mentoring guidelines include an emphasis on forming respectful relationships based on honesty, compassion, and confidentiality.  The mentor should act in a trustworthy, kind, and collegial manner toward his mentee. A Biblical connection for spiritual mentoring guidelines is found in 2 Timothy 2:2 and reads as follows: And the things which thou has heard from me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

Another important aspect of spiritual mentoring guidelines is to include opportunities for the development of mentoring relationships across various ages, gender, and groups.  According to  encouraging words found in Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpens iron: so a man sharpened the countenance of a friend. A Christian mentor provides guidance and committed leadership for active members and potential participants in church activities.    The Apostle Paul wrote to his protégé Timothy, and expressed the importance of generational bonds by saying, do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him. This example of  spiritual mentoring guidelines emphasizes generational bonds and builds ties among members of the church community.

 Developing ties across the ages strengthens connections within the church community at large. Initiating and maintaining ties with the old and the young creates respectful loving relationships.  Spiritual mentoring guidelines are woven throughout the Bible.  A reminder of the significance of spiritual mentoring guidelines is summarized in Philippians 4:9, whatever you have learned, received, or heard from me, or seen in me --- put it into practice.  The effective spiritual mentor must always lead by example.