by Linzy Slayden
Mentoring has withstood the test of time. Mentoring was, and continues to be, one of the most effective ways to pass on skills, knowledge, and wisdom, and to train the next generation. If you ask ten different people to define mentoring, you will get ten different answers. In the medical field they use the phrase, “Watch one, do one, and teach one.”
Although there are dozens of more complex definitions, our thinking always takes us to ministry. We know mentoring is taught in the Word of God. Paul told Timothy to pour his life into faithful men who in turn could teach others (2 Timothy 2:2). Just as Paul poured himself into Timothy, Timothy was to pour himself into others. What Paul had been to Timothy, Timothy was to be to others.
This is the Holy Spirit’s formula for church growth. Paul used no clever tricks. He used the same method the Lord Jesus used. Our Lord poured Himself into a dozen men, who, when filled with the Holy Spirit, turned the world upside down. Mentoring relationships can be informal and unstructured, more complex and procedure-based, or somewhere in between. We all thrive when we learn in the presence and with the help of others who have gone before us. Through the very act of mentoring, we help others acquire vital knowledge and skills more quickly, and often more effectively. I am thankful for the few who have been mentors to me. I have found their personal touch an invaluable asset for effective ministry. In light of the pressures of today’s fast-changing ministry climate, it is more important than ever for pastors to work to improve their skills.
A good way to think about our interactions with others is to think of them in terms of filling a bucket and pouring its contents onto others. With this in mind, consider two factors. What’s in your bucket? Jesus pointed out a number of things we can choose from — wisdom, material possessions, love, money, mercy, and knowledge. The second factor to consider is the size of the bucket. Jesus says that by our standard of measure, it will be measured back to us. One day the books will be opened and we will all be held accountable for what we have done with our gifts, opportunities, and responsibilities.
Our churches will benefit and our Fellowship will benefit when we get involved in mentoring. We have a great opportunity before us to reach the next generation of pastors. Let’s reach out to motivate our younger pastors and those who would be future leaders in our Fellowship to not only grow personally but also take an interest in and to understand the importance of our Fellowship. Let’s embrace this new day. Let’s encourage fellow pastors to attend the May Fellowship and the state meetings. Let’s introduce younger pastors to the flavor of the BBFI. We have the best thing going and I am glad to be a part of this great work of world evangelism.