Mentoring Roles

While reading on various websites recently, I found an article which profiled the book Spiritual Mentoring: A Guide for Seeking and Giving Direction. I personally found the information in the profile very helpful, so thought I would excerpt some of it for you as well. As the profile was quite long, I have split the excerpts into two parts—one for this week and one for next week.

“Augustine believed that ‘no one can walk without a guide.’ Scripture and history prove that this is more than a sentiment; it is truth.

Christian faith is imitative—it is taught by one person to another. Jesus set the pattern when He said to a small band of men, ‘Follow Me.’ Christ spoke often to the multitudes, but the intense forming of lives occurred in daily conversation with His disciples. In that community, these men themselves became disciple-makers and thereby carried on the work of building the kingdom…


Much of mentoring involves the process of listening to and observing the life of others and teaching them to see where God is already at work in and around them. Good listening is a must, as well as the ability to draw out of their hearts whatever is lodged there. As with all ministry, it is important to understand that mentoring does not come in a one-size-fits-all format. Mentoring will be as unique as the persons involved. However, observable patterns can help in understanding the types of mentors and what each brings to the relationship:

Discipler—empowerment to follow Christ

Spiritual guide—accountability for the practice of spiritual disciplines and spiritual growth

Coach—skill development for ministry and motivation to use those skills

Counselor—advice and perspective for viewing life and ministry

Teacher—knowledge and motivation to act on it

Sponsor—career guidance for emerging leaders

Contemporary model—a personal model for life and ministry

Historical model—principles and values from leaders of the past

Divine contact—guidance and/or discernment coinciding with apparent divine intervention

Regardless of what personality the mentoring relationship takes on, three basic questions must be deliberated: Who is God? Who am I? What am I to do with my life? These embody the universal soul-quest of mankind, and the pursuit of the answers will shape a life.”

The women who have asked to be a part of the mentoring ministry are obviously seeking help and encouragement in their lives and relationship with God. They are probably hoping for someone who can “show them the way to do it.” In reality, there is no short cut or easy way through the process of Christ’s “Follow Me.” The apostle Paul was not boasting or proud when he said, “And you should follow my example, just as I follow Christ’s.” –1 Cor. 11:1 (NLT) The best thing we can do as mentors is to be imitators of Christ in order that our lives are transformed into a life that might also be imitated.