Most mature Christians know 2 Timothy 2:2 by heart: “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” We recognize the importance of training and mentoring young Christians, and we desire to develop a new generation of leaders in fruitful ministry.
Yet sometimes we miss profitable discipleship and mentoring because we don’t have a clear objective in mind. Leadership training isn’t merely about spending time together; it is about using that time intentionally. Every mentoring moment is a teaching moment; and as the mentor, you must predetermine how you will use each moment. What must you teach future leaders? Here are the basics:
- Mentor in soulwinning—The church family will never rise above the leadership; therefore, it is vital that every church leader have a heart for souls and be involved in telling others about Christ.
- Mentor in prayer—Church leaders must be men and women of prayer. They must understand that spiritual battles are won on our knees, and they must uphold the pastor and church in prayer.
- Mentor in sound doctrine—Second Timothy 3:15–16 teaches that the doctrine of the Word of God is profitable. Young leaders must be trained to study and rightly handle the Word of God.
- Mentor in methods—Methods involve the practical “how-to” of ministry. Equipping is not merely dumping responsibility on the next available body. It is training a leader how to do the work.
Every time you are with a developing leader, impart something in the way of practical, doctrinal, or spiritual understanding. Use your mentoring times deliberately and wisely.
