Mentors..

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Concerto -> Mentors.. (6/29/2008 7:14:56 PM)
Hi all: I was wondering what your thoughts are on mentors, or mentoring. Do we think we need mentors? If so, where do you find them? I personally would love to have a mentor, one who knows the Bible inside out, can quote Scripture, and has been blessed with an abundance of Godly wisdom. But, finding a person like this is hard. I do have one mentor, but, the person no longer lives. He was a Puritan who wrote some books which I cherish. He gives Biblically based writings on how to live. Sadly, finding "meaty" type sermons or lessons these days are very very hard indeed. Just wondering what your thoughts are. C

Purposeful_Life -> RE: Mentors.. (6/30/2008 5:05:17 AM)
I think mentors are both great to have [and great to be!]. Where to find one will depend on exactly what sort you are looking for and having read your comments above then I would look around church and see if there is someone there who inspires you. Ideally the person will be 'older' in their experience of God but that does not necessarily mean older in age.

DaveW -> RE: Mentors.. (6/30/2008 7:06:38 AM)
Why do we use the term "mentor" rather than the more biblical "discipler?" Go into all the world and make .... "mentored believers...?" Make disciples. People under discipline/training. If you look around and pray, God will lead you to someone.

BerianAardvark -> RE: Mentors.. (6/30/2008 8:15:44 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Concerto Hi all: I was wondering what your thoughts are on mentors, or mentoring. Do we think we need mentors? If so, where do you find them? I personally would love to have a mentor, one who knows the Bible inside out, can quote Scripture, and has been blessed with an abundance of Godly wisdom. But, finding a person like this is hard. I do have one mentor, but, the person no longer lives. He was a Puritan who wrote some books which I cherish. He gives Biblically based writings on how to live. Sadly, finding "meaty" type sermons or lessons these days are very very hard indeed. Just wondering what your thoughts are. C You find a person who "knows the Bible inside out, quotes scripture and has been blessed with Godly wisdom" by being around people who read their Bibles prayerfully, and love God. If that doesn't describe your church then find a better one (there is even a find a church thread among the forums.) Mentors are people in every day situations, not pastors in the pulpit, their lives are their sermons. That is not to say that a pastor cannot be a mentor, but a pastor doesn't live his life as a series of sermons any more than you do, and the real challenge is not preparing and delivering "meaty sermons", but rather living a life that reflects the precepts expounded by the sermon. Part of being mentored is seeing how Christianity is lived out in the real world by real people, who have real human feelings, failings and foibles. And how they act/react when they have "blown it". Mentors don't float three inches off the ground, have consistently pleasant manners, fresh breath, and a halo. They are people who are more mature in their faith who you can look as an example of how to put your faith into practical application. They are also (ideally) people you enjoy being around in a social setting, because that is where Christian life finds its applied, not in a pew. Tim

earthless -> RE: Mentors.. (6/30/2008 9:05:47 AM)
I have had two mentors in my life - one has passed to be with the Lord and the other is a great influence in my studies and debating aspects. That is not including my father who is an excellent teacher of the Word. [:)]

SonInMe1 -> RE: Mentors.. (6/30/2008 9:30:12 AM)
Instead of wanting a mentor...maybe we should all strive to be one.

FolkSingerBlues -> RE: Mentors.. (6/30/2008 9:47:33 AM)
I can't stand it when people say something like "I have a young man who I am a mentor to." That's so arrogant. If someone described themselves as my mentor that may be the end of that relationship. On the other hand if I refer to someone as my mentor, what a compliment for that person. They haven't appointed themselves as such, I have accepted them as such. I think the self appointed "mentoring" is more for the ego than anything else. Almost like the Pharisees. I'm not against having a "teacher" in my life, I would just never be drawn to someone who felt a need to "shape" others. If I have a mentor it's going to be someone that I see displaying personal habits and spiritual habits in a Christlike manner.

LCannon -> RE: Mentors.. (6/30/2008 12:13:18 PM)
Well, if we(I)desire personal growth we(I)need to be mentored(use another discipline's pattern to grow ever more Christlike)and be a mentor(example of Christ likeness). That's both a privilege and responsibilly; a privilege to be used and a responsibility to be an example to others.

Liveloved -> RE: Mentors.. (6/30/2008 1:34:57 PM)
quote: I was wondering what your thoughts are on mentors, or mentoring. Do we think we need mentors? If so, where do you find them? I personally would love to have a mentor, one who knows the Bible inside out, can quote Scripture, and has been blessed with an abundance of Godly wisdom. But, finding a person like this is hard. I do have one mentor, but, the person no longer lives. He was a Puritan who wrote some books which I cherish. He gives Biblically based writings on how to live. Sadly, finding "meaty" type sermons or lessons these days are very very hard indeed. Just wondering what your thoughts are. Oh, Concerto, I have the same longing. It is a good and godly longing. But I will tell you, it is not easily satisfied. I have found wonderful mentors among the books I read. Brothers and sisters who have lived the life of Christ and written their stories/struggles or others have recorded for us their story/struggle are some of the best mentors! Real life mentors (as in with skin on who you can touch and talk to) are wonderful but they are few and far between. I was blessed to have godly parents. I was blessed to have a friend's father. I am blessed to have a godly older man (and his wife who has gone on). But I have yearned for an older woman to walk before me. I have not had that. And despite what others have said, I'm not sure you will find them in your church. Most churches are filled with babes and babes cannot lead us to maturity. Only the mature can do that. But the Holy Spirit is a wonderful teacher and He is ever present. So take your learning from books and all of the godly people the Lord puts in your path. And certainly you can pray that the Lord will bring a godly individual along your path to be your mentor. But if His answer is that He is sufficient, then believe Him and trust Him. He is. Bless you. Not many desire what you are desiring. And remember, it is not the knowing the Bible inside out and being able to quote scripture that makes a good mentor. It is the truth lived---that is the definition of wisdom. Certainly God's word and Jesus, The Word, are the path. But it is imparted and applied that makes all the difference.[:)] LL

isaacsmom -> RE: Mentors.. (6/30/2008 2:10:31 PM)
I have mentors. In Bible college, I had an assigned mentor for a ministry project. She was a veteran missionary and an awesome Bible teacher. I enjoyed meeting with her and she taught me a lot. Currently I attend a Bible study especially for young mothers. We are divided into small groups of about 8-10 women each, and each group is led by a mentor, an experienced mother with grown children who is well-versed in the Word as well. This Bible study was set up according to Titus 2. It has been a wonderful blessing and ministry in my life. In fact, my mentor just stopped by my house this morning and I always enjoy her advice and encouragement. I've grown close to her. I also consider my pastor's wife to be a mentor to me. I'm thankful to the Lord for all the godly people around me from whom I learn. Of course, I also have my wonderful and wise parents as mentors as well.

DaveW -> RE: Mentors.. (6/30/2008 3:19:54 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: SonInMe1 Instead of wanting a mentor...maybe we should all strive to be one. Absolutely. But can one be a discipler before being discipled him/herself? Is everyone afraid of the term "discipleship?"

Liveloved -> RE: Mentors.. (6/30/2008 4:28:00 PM)
quote: Is everyone afraid of the term "discipleship?" No fear here.[:)] I used the 'mentor' word because that is what the OP used. My dictionary defines 'mentor' as a wise and faithful counselor, teacher or coach. Jesus could have used this word 'mentor' but perhaps he didn't like the term 'mentee' for one who is a disciple.[sm=purplelaugh.gif]

BerianAardvark -> RE: Mentors.. (6/30/2008 7:52:43 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Liveloved No fear here.[:)] I used the 'mentor' word because that is what the OP used. My dictionary defines 'mentor' as a wise and faithful counselor, teacher or coach. Jesus could have used this word 'mentor' but perhaps he didn't like the term 'mentee' for one who is a disciple.[sm=purplelaugh.gif] I suppose that is because when we think of disciples we think of Matthew, Mark and the rest of the twelve, and don't dare to put ourselves in the same category. We somehow forget that there were at least seventy other disciples of Jesus: Now after this the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them in pairs ahead of Him to every city and place where He Himself was going to come. (Luke 10:1) But since Jesus commanded:(Matthew 28:19-20) "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." It is not sacrilegious to claim to be a disciple, but since disciple is form the Latin, He was much more to call them by either the Greek: mathētēs or the Hebrew Talmudim, they all translate to student, learner, and because to the way such things were done back then, follower. Tim

sunshine4God -> RE: Mentors.. (7/1/2008 12:20:19 AM)
I have a mentor and have grown alot in the Lord just having her as a friend.

SonInMe1 -> RE: Mentors.. (7/1/2008 12:37:29 AM)
Being a mentor is part of it. The other part is wanting to be mentored.

Purposeful_Life -> RE: Mentors.. (7/1/2008 1:03:51 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: DaveW Why do we use the term "mentor" rather than the more biblical "discipler?" I would use the word mentor in preference because it has more common usage and needs less explanation.

Purposeful_Life -> RE: Mentors.. (7/1/2008 1:06:28 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: SonInMe1 Instead of wanting a mentor...maybe we should all strive to be one. Instead of an 'either/or' I suggest a 'both/and' Want a mentor and strive to be one

Purposeful_Life -> RE: Mentors.. (7/1/2008 1:08:37 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: FolkSingerBlues I can't stand it when people say something like "I have a young man who I am a mentor to." That's so arrogant. If someone described themselves as my mentor that may be the end of that relationship. On the other hand if I refer to someone as my mentor, what a compliment for that person. They haven't appointed themselves as such, I have accepted them as such. I think the self appointed "mentoring" is more for the ego than anything else. Almost like the Pharisees. I believe the issue is one of definition. I don't see mentors as being able to 'self-appoint' without the acceptance of the person being mentored. However, I do see the initiation of a mentoring relationship as starting from either 'end' - the mentor or the mentee. For me one aspect of the definition of a 'mentor' is an "intentional" relationship.

Liveloved -> RE: Mentors.. (7/1/2008 5:44:36 AM)
quote: For me one aspect of the definition of a 'mentor' is an "intentional" relationship. I read this sentence and my first thought was 'yes'. I like that intentionality aspect. But then I remembered that most of my 'mentors' were not intentional at all---God had just placed these people in my life where I could observe and interact. But 'we' really had done nothing to foster the relationship, KWIM? Perhaps the 'intention' was on God's part but certainly not on ours. Anyway, good thought.

SonInMe1 -> RE: Mentors.. (7/1/2008 9:48:36 AM)
...and mentors are human with human faults as well. Jesus...is our first mentor.

Focusing -> RE: Mentors.. (7/1/2008 12:31:50 PM)
I have a couple mentors. God brought them into my life, and they are huge blessings! Personally, I believe everyone can benefit from having at least one mentor. They help me understand the Bible better, and how to apply the Word to my life ... and when I'm going through a difficult time, they point out verses that are helpful.

FolkSingerBlues -> RE: Mentors.. (7/1/2008 6:20:07 PM)
If "iron sharpens iron" it seems to me that we are to learn from one another. I still resist the use of the word mentor. Perhaps it's simantics.

Purposeful_Life -> RE: Mentors.. (7/4/2008 2:09:39 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Liveloved quote: For me one aspect of the definition of a 'mentor' is an "intentional" relationship. I read this sentence and my first thought was 'yes'. I like that intentionality aspect. But then I remembered that most of my 'mentors' were not intentional at all---God had just placed these people in my life where I could observe and interact. But 'we' really had done nothing to foster the relationship, KWIM? Perhaps the 'intention' was on God's part but certainly not on ours. Anyway, good thought. Again it is a matter of definition. The original root of the word comes from the greek mythological story which would exclude our learning from another through observation and interaction as being 'mentored'. I am not disagreeing with your experience of course, and I have had some of them myself - it is just a broader definition of the word 'mentor'.

Purposeful_Life -> RE: Mentors.. (7/4/2008 2:13:15 AM)
Here is an 'extension' thought: Imagine a standard brick wall - each brick is touched by 6 other bricks [excluding the mortar of course!]. If each of us [picturing ourself as the centre brick of the 7] had the following relationships then I believe life would be healthy: The 2 bricks 'above' us represent 2 mentors who input into our lives. The 2 either side represent good, solid friends who have agreed to be accountable to us and us to them The two 'lower' bricks represent 2 people who we mentor. Thoughts? Comments?

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