Mentorship: Passing Faith Forward
Mentorship: Passing the Faith Forward
When Paul wrote to Titus, he gave a pattern that has kept the Lord’s church
strong for generations: “Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-
controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Older women likewise
are to teach what is good, and so train the young women.” (Titus 2:2-6)
That short passage is more than good advice; it’s a blueprint for how God
designed His people to grow. The Lord could have chosen any system to preserve
the faith, but He chose mentorship. Older Christians guiding younger ones.
Experienced hands teaching by word, by example, and by love. The church
doesn’t thrive because of flashy programs or marketing - it thrives because men
and women take the time to invest themselves in others.
Real mentorship almost always begins with a simple invitation. Paul found a
young man named Timothy in Acts 16 and saw something worth nurturing.
Scripture says, “Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him.” That short phrase
describes the start of one of the most fruitful mentoring relationships in the New
Testament. Paul didn’t just hand Timothy a book and say, “Good luck.” He said,
“Come with me.”
That’s how mentorship still begins today. It can be as ordinary as asking,
• “Would you like to teach a Bible study with me?”
• “Would you like to grab a cup of coffee?”
• “Would you like to help with this project?”
Mentorship isn’t about titles or formal programs; it’s about shared purpose. It’s
one believer saying to another, “Let’s do something for the Lord together.”
The Bible speaks often about imitation, not of the world, but of faithful examples.
“Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the
outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith” (Hebrews 13:7). Paul told the
Philippians, “Join in imitating me,” and again, “What you have learned and
received and heard and seen in me - practice these things” (Phil. 3:17; 4:9).
Imitation is not blind copying; it’s recognizing godly character and saying, “I
want that kind of faith.” When we see joy, skill in teaching, patience under
pressure, or love for the brethren, it ought to spark something in us. When we
see someone excelling spiritually, we naturally gravitate toward that. That’s the
biblical pattern - observe, learn, and imitate what is good.
Mentorship thrives in the right environment. Paul told the Thessalonians,
“Encourage one another and build one another up” (1 Thess. 5:11). He reminded
Timothy to “pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who
call on the Lord from a pure heart” (2 Tim. 2:22). The company we keep shapes
us. Romans 12 reminds us to “love one another with brotherly affection” and
“outdo one another in showing honor.” On the flip side, Scripture warns: “Bad
company ruins good morals” (1 Cor. 15:33). Avoid relationships built on
selfishness, division, or sin. Psalm 1 paints that clear contrast: the blessed man
does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, but delights in the law of the Lord.
Many of us have experienced this at camp or at a gospel meeting - spending a few
days surrounded by godly people leaves us recharged and motivated. That’s what
mentorship environments feel like: being around people whose love for God
makes us want to grow.
Sometimes we hesitate to ask questions, thinking we should already know the
answers. But in Scripture, the humble learner is always honored. In Acts 8, the
Ethiopian said to Philip, “How can I [understand], unless someone guides me?”
Proverbs 2 urges us to “call out for insight,” and Proverbs 15 says, “Without
counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” Even the Corinthians
wrote Paul asking for clarification: “Now concerning the matters about which you
wrote . . .” (1 Cor. 7:1).
Good mentorship isn’t one-sided - it’s built on seeking and listening. Ask
questions like,
• “What helped you grow in that area?”
• “What thought process do you go through when temptation comes?”
• “What suggestions do you have for me when I’m struggling?”
When we ask those kinds of questions, we show the humility and hunger God can
bless.
Healthy mentorship doesn’t stay in one place. Over time, it develops into
accountability, encouragement, and shared responsibility. Proverbs 27:17 says,
“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” Hebrews 10 urges us to
“stir up one another to love and good works.” Paul did this often with Timothy
and Titus, checking in, sending letters, and entrusting them with new
responsibilities. Timothy was sent to strengthen churches and represent Paul’s
teaching. Titus was left in Crete “to put what remained into order.” Both men
grew because they were trusted. That’s an important lesson for us - growth
happens when we’re given opportunities to serve. If everything is done for us, we
stay spiritual infants. But when we’re handed a task, challenged to teach, or asked
to lead, we grow into maturity. Paul later told Timothy, “What you have heard
from me… entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also” (2 Tim.
2:2). That’s mentorship coming full circle - the student becoming the teacher.
In Acts 20, Paul reminded the Ephesian elders that soon they would have to
shepherd the flock themselves. Every generation of Christians must prepare the
next to stand on their own. Not everyone will be an elder, preacher, or
missionary, but everyone can be a mentor. Each of us can take time, thought, and
care to strengthen someone younger in the faith. Maybe it’s a new Christian who
needs encouragement, or a teenager finding their place, or a family learning to
serve. Mentorship is not about expertise, it’s about presence. Paul captured the
heart of mentorship when he wrote: “So, being affectionately desirous of you, we
were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves,
because you had become very dear to us.” (1 Thess. 2:8)
- Travis Starling
You can’t build a reputation on the things you’re planning to do.
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