Mentors

Last time I shared one venture I have embarked on: leading a local walking group. This time I shall introduce another, which is mentoring at a local school.

The word “mentoring” is now being increasingly heard in certain Christian circles. It can involve someone, possibly older and with more experience of life, meeting with a younger Christian to give support and encouragement on his or her journey.

In the school context, mentoring is rather different. It may involve a child who is not fitting in to school life. Maybe self-esteem is low or social skills are lacking. The need is for the child to grow in a sense of self-worth and readiness to overcome challenges. That way the experience of school life will be more positive and successful.

Mentors do not go in as advocates for Christian faith as such. However, the school is aware that they are trained by a local organisation that links churches to schools, so there is a Christian ethos in the background. If the child happens to raise issues of faith, these can be discussed.

A prime inspiration for Christian mentors is the apostle Paul. Paul mentored a younger man, Timothy. He was preparing him to take on something of his mantle as an overseer of church life.

… I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Saviour Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher,  which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me. Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you (2 Timothy 1:6-14 ESV)

Join me in suffering … join me in not being ashamed. This guidance that Paul gives to Timothy is real mentoring. He is not just giving him advice – though there is plenty of that in this letter. He is actually inviting Timothy to imitate him. Paul, nearing the end of his life and ready to suffer the ultimate penalty for his faith, is consciously passing on the baton of leadership to Timothy.

Paul treats the younger man as a true colleague and not a junior that who has to be lectured from a great height. They are fighting together, side by side, contending for the gospel. That is the respectful way in which Paul treats those who are around him. It is important to any mentor that he takes the same attitude.

I was once on the receiving end of a mentoring exercise. It was an experimental process called "accompanied self-appraisal". The mentor was supposed to accompany me in achieving a particular goal for that year of my ministry. Unfortunately it didn't work out. The man became sidetracked into censuring me for various attitudes which I held that he didn't agree with. As a result the whole process became a waste of time and the mentoring relationship came to an end.

Even though mentoring a child is a different matter, I hope I will learn from Paul to be a respectful person, accompanying the youngster on the journey as a supportive encourager. There are many in desperate need of a boost to their self-esteem in this day and age when other students can so easily put them down by a cutting remark. The Lord Jesus typically sought to build up rather than tear down. May I be like my Master, who has always been my best mentor.