Every Sunday at the end of our church service, our congregation reads the great commission together, Matthew 28:18-20. We are commanded to make disciples, baptize them, and teach them to obey the fullness of Jesus’ teaching. This discipling, or mentoring, is an important part of God’s design for us to grow to maturity. We see this dynamic modeled by Jesus, Paul, Peter, and others in the Bible who taught and trained other believers. This is not just a command for men and preachers; Paul has special instructions for the women.
Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. Titus 2:3-5
I am blessed to have three significant mentors in my life thus far.
My first mentor was my former pastor’s wife, K. We met after she spoke at a girls night at my college. It was through her God brought me to my home church. K taught me more than she’ll ever know. It didn’t happen over monthly lunches or a Bible study. Instead, lessons of truth and grace were passed on while washing dishes, rocking babies, and decorating for birthday parties. She emanated Christ in every corner of her life that she shared with me.
A couple, D&C, were my first ministry mentors. They are second to my parents in how much spiritual influence they had in my life. They were my supervisors, mentors, and friends. They taught me to expect big things from a big God! My faith grew exponentially as I watched them exercise their own faith and spur me on to do the same.
These mentors were God’s gift to me. As you explore how God has uniquely gifted you to build up the Body of Christ in this manner, consider these godly examples.
She let me in
K didn’t practice hospitality like American Christians are accustomed to; a couple hours chatting over dinner every few weeks. I spent every Sunday with her family during semesters, as well as many Friday and Saturday nights. My favorite memories of my time at college were in her home, hugging her sweet babies and sharing our hearts over the din. She later admitted that in the beginning it was difficult to allow a stranger into the day to day workings of her life. However she selflessly allowed me in.
One of the many things K taught me was that there is beauty and joy in the midst of the craziness. And her life was chaos! While I was in college, K’s family grew from two to six kids. In the midst of constant demands, lack of sleep, and being a pastor’s wife, she welcomed me into her life and let me see how God was working in her heart, marriage, and children.
They had high expectations
Remember the movies with all the interns getting coffee and picking up dry cleaning? D&C had none of that. They expected me to be a full fledged member of the team. They asked of me what they asked of everyone else. I’m immensely thankful they did. When speaking to other people who were in the same position under different leadership, I realized what a gift their high expectations were. I saw and did things by God’s grace that wouldn’t have been possible if I hadn’t been held to high expectations.
They didn’t give me answers
Many times a difficult quandary presented itself so I’d talk to D&C (usually over a cup of tea). To my chagrin, I never got a straight answer. They asked questions and walked me through the issue until I got to the answer on my own. They knew the answer all along (at least I assume they did), but by making me think my way through the issue, I understood why that was the answer. This was incredibly helpful as I encountered problems outside my theological and cultural boxes. I remember those lessons even now, years later.
They pushed me
I’m a risk adverse person. When doing something new, I want it all planned out and someone to hold my hand along the way. D&C encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone. They didn’t let me sit at status quo. They pushed me to think and act outside the box. However if I was struggling, they stepped in. If I asked for help, they’d give it!
Perfection not required
My mentors weren’t perfect. They were obedient in the ways God had equipped them to influence me and be examples of love and faithfulness. God used them in my life in profound ways. I wouldn’t be the woman I am today without them.
Don’t be afraid to invite other women into your life. Show them the messy, difficult parts. Be willing to push and challenge them. They may go on to do greater things than you yourself are capable of! We are a family. Let’s spur one another one to become more and more like our precious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Kristi P. Powell 