We need more mentorship in church.
Before I really dive in, I think it’s important to address a gap in the church. I often see a generational gap in churches between middle school to late twenties, unless the church is close to, works with, or specifically works to serve a college. When an individual begins to drive, there is typically a great deal of autonomy and sometimes responsibility that comes with that privilege. I don’t know how many times I’ve heard a teen or young adult say they have to work during the times of church service. They aren’t lying; they just moved the goal of making money up as a priority in their lives for one of two reasons: 1) they have access to it due to their new legal ability to drive, or 2) they are expected to bring in money to help at home. Both of these can hinder their connection at church and with other believers.
God intends us to live in community, to build each other up (1 Thessalonians 5:11), to mold and influence each other (Proverbs 27:17), to struggle together (Galatians 6:2), and to hold each other accountable (Matthew 18:15-17). However, if an individual goes through a time of their life without accountability or guidance, they will likely create an unbiblical worldview stemming from cultural standards. The culture of the world and God’s will, do not cohabitate; they can’t (John 17:14). I know that’s a lot of scripture to throw at you, but I think it proves the point.
We even have Paul, the greatest apostle and exceedingly humble, to show us what mentorship is. We could take all the examples of Paul mentoring Timothy through the New Testament, but for the sake of the blog, we’ll focus on 1 Corinthians 4:17:
For this reason I am sending you Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord; he will remind you of my ways in Christ Jesus, just as I teach them everywhere in every church.
‘This reason’ he speaks of regards imploring the Corinthian church to imitate him in following Christ. For Timothy, Paul quite clearly shows him much care and affection. He loves his mentee. There is a relationship between them. I know too many people who choose not to get involved with the children, or youth, or young adults at church because they get annoyed, or get nervous, or whatever reason they have. This can’t be the case. As we continue through the verse, Paul calls Timothy his faithful son. This relationship is a two way street. They have a bond and a trust that Paul boldly proclaims to others. And finally, Paul has taught him on a personal level; he knows without a doubt that Timothy will teach what is right and True because he has spent time investing in him, teaching him, and loving him. That is what mentorship should look like.
Now, I speak from experience in this matter, and in this case, I’m calling current me to action as well. WE in the capital ‘C’ Church, the body of Christ, have to mentor our youth better. I know it’s difficult and often awkward to ask questions and to break the barrier past phones and other obstacles – I’ve been on both sides. But I simply can’t believe that we’re doing our best to build up grounded Christian men and women.
Because here’s the deal, these young men and women are often living different lives at school and in their social circles than what it seems at church, yet I don’t believe that that is always the case or even intentional when it does happen. If there is even one child, youth, or young adult in your church, take a second to ask yourself, What have I done to invest, guide, know that young person outside of the church building? If you don’t know them outside of the church, they likely don’t know you outside of church either. How can we expect our youth to be Christ-like outside the church building if they only see Christ-like people, conversations, and behaviors inside the church building?
Many might be wondering why I’m calling all this “mentorship” instead of “discipleship.” Perhaps this is a stretch, but as I’m studying and trying to understand this all better myself, I see mentorship as a process of discipleship. We share the good news and then we invest in the individuals we shared with. Don’t get me wrong, if you’re a teacher, preacher, choir director, secretary, janitor, etc. those are all wonderful! I just don’t think we can stop there as mentors and role models. Building the Kingdom requires relationships. Relationships with the Father. Relationships with each other. Deep, flowing, flourishing relationships.
If you are further along in your walk with the Lord, look around and speak into the young men and women in your life! If you are the youth or young adult, you have a part in this as well. One cannot become a mentor without a willing and eager mentee. Again, this is a two way street.
