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Many people visit jails and prisons to preach and teach to inmates but do not want to be involved with them 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. Salvation is the obvious beginning. Though it is the greatest need, it is not the only need. Spiritual growth is so important, and it is a life-long process for both mentor and mentee. Also, Christ's love compels us to consider physical needs. The Barnabas Fellowship approach will revolutionize your thinking on prison ministry. That approoach is: mentoring!
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. The goal is not to become like the mentor, but like Jesus Christ. Mentoring is the investment of one's life into another. It requires two elements:
TRUTH: The truth of God's Word which the Holy Spirit uses to change lives (II Tim 3:16-17)
RELATIONSHIP: Loving relationships based on Mathew 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 taught using both the Greek and Hebrew methods of instruction. The Greek method was formal instruction such as the Sermon on the Mount. The Hebrew method was lifestyle oriented. A Jewish student lived with this teacher such as the disciples did with Jesus. Likewise, the Apostle Paul lived with Gamaliel and Paul trained his disciples in similar fashion. The idea was to demonstrate the process of applying the biblical principles to the basic issues of life. Mentoring is not pretending to be perfect (for only Jesus was perfect.) Mentoring recognizes the slow and steady progress needed for spiritual growth.
Barnabas had his name changed from Joseph to Barnabas which means, "son of encouragement" (Acts 4:36) Barnabas mentored the Apostle Paul, the church at Antioch, Mark and others. He did not serve his own interest but only what was best for others. Imagine taking the risk of introducing to the church the man, Paul, who previously killed Christians.
Characteristics of a Mentor.
1) Recognizes the potential of the image of God in people and doesn't just dwell on their past.
2) Patient with a peoples spiritual growth without compromising biblical principles.
3) Helps them to work through spiritual lapses as part of the growth process.
4) Willing to network with others to provide the helps that the mentees need from the community, a support group, and a Bible teaching church.
5) Willing to undergo specialized training and join a support group that will encourage mentors and mentees.
An Important Question for Mentors
Whose needs are you meeting? Yours or theirs?
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