Being a Mentor to Someone from a Younger Generation
by Dan HarrisonInterdependence
Our relationships are so important to our understanding of God and our growth as Christians. God himself exists in relationship as three in one, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Jesus came to earth in order to restore relationships, first our relationship with God and as an extension, our relationships with one another. It is clear that as Christians we are expected to live, work, love and serve as interdependent parts of the body of Christ, not as independent, renegade individuals.
One of the most mutually beneficial relationships into which Christians can enter is a mentoring relationship. A mentor is defined as a wise and trusted counselor or teacher, and the Bible is full of wonderful examples of cross-generational mentoring relationships. Elijah mentored Elisha; Moses mentored Joshua; Naomi mentored Ruth; Paul mentored Timothy. The wisdom that comes from the experience and years of each of the mentors encouraged, guided, and discipled the younger leaders whom they were mentoring. These mentoring relationships were marked by love, trust and commitment.
Bridging the barriers
If the scriptures tell of and encourage mentoring relationships, why do we see so little of it today? One reason is fear on the part of the older generation that younger persons would not be interested in learning from them. For the younger generation, it is often that their elders have failed them in the past, making that important basis of trust so difficult. Clearly it is a result of broken relationships, just the sort of thing that Jesus intends to reconcile. When intentional moves are made to bridge these barriers and form relationships based on love, trust and mutual respect, the benefits can be far-reaching for both parties involved.
Rick came to me as a university junior and asked if I would mentor him. We met virtually every week for 18 months. During that period he was an InterVarsity chapter president at the University of Wisconsin. We both felt free to bring many topics to our sessions. From time to time we clarified expectations. There was mutual respect. We trusted one another. Our relationship became strong. We loved one another. We invested time. An hour a week was a significant commitment for both of us. We had an honest, open relationship where no subject was taboo and where we could ask hard questions of one another. We both grew through this mentoring relationship.
A precious gift
Mentoring relationships can take many forms. I find it helpful to ask questions like, "What have you faced that was hard? What is God saying to you? What is your biggest challenge? How else can I pray for you?" I also find it extremely important to affirm and express appreciation, and to pray for the individual. As Paul said to young Timothy "I am grateful to God...when I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day...I am reminded of your sincere faith...For this reason I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you" (2 Timothy 1:3-6).
The precious gift that a mentor can give - that of believing in and investing in the life of a younger believer - is one that brings honor and glory to God and one that lives out the relationships to which God calls us in Christ.
Unless otherwise noted, all materials on the urbana.org web site are Copyright InterVarsity Christian Fellowship / USA. All rights reserved.
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