WHY MENTORING

Many people visit jails and prisons to preach and teach but do not want to e involved with inmates when they are released.  The prevailing thought is to invite them to church and leave it at that.  However, the need for Christian fellowship is as great or greater outside the walls as it is inside.  Though the greatest need is spiritual, it is not the only need as Christ’s love compels us to also consider their physical needs. 

WHAT IS A MENTOR?

A mentor is one who dedicates their personal strength, resources and network of church contacts to help a mentee grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Mentoring is the investment of one life into another.  It requires two elements:

            TRUTH - The truth of God’s Word which the Holy Spirit uses to change lives.

            II Timothy 3:16,7

RELATIONSHIP – Loving relationships based on Matthew 22:37-39.  A mentor must have a strong vertical relationship with the Lord which is expressed in the horizontal relationship with the mentee.

BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF MENTORING

The Lord Jesus Christ set the prime example of investing His life into the apostles.

The Apostle Paul lived with Gamaliel and then trained his followers likewise.   Barnabas mentored the Apostle Paul, John Mark and others.

CHARACTERISTICS OF A MENTOR

1-One who has proven his or her ability to apply biblical principles to the issues of life.

2-Recognizes the potential of the image of God in people and doesn’t just dwell on their past.

3-Patient with people’s spiritual growth without compromising biblical principles.

4-Helps them to work through spiritual lapses as part of the growth process.

5-Willing to network with others to provide the helps ex-offenders need.

6-Willing to receive specialized training and join a support group that will encourage the mentor and mentee.

AN IMPORTANT QUESTION FOR MENTORS

Whose needs are you meeting?  Yours or theirs?