Why We Need Mentors

Those of us who have grown up in the evangelical church have learned, whether directly or indirectly, that “real” ministry requires significant sacrifice. For some reason, we seem convinced that the work of the Great Commission should only occur beyond the borders of the United States. Yet there are people all around us looking for mentors. We’re missing an opportunity to care for the loneliest generation.

Sixty-nine percent of individuals surveyed for Springtide Research Institute’s “The State of Religion & Young People 2020” who reported having one adult mentor also believe their life has meaning and purpose. The same survey reports 85 percent who have two to four adult mentors and 91 percent of those who have five or more adult mentors said their life has meaning and purpose.[1]

The more mentors someone has, the more meaning they believe their life has.

This recent survey matches what my husband, Ordell, and I have experienced throughout the past twenty years of relational ministry. Our ministry has always centered around the athletic teams Ordell coaches. As we have welcomed people into our home, spent time leading Bible studies, and listening to and praying with others, we’ve repeatedly seen the impact we make in the lives of people when we take a genuine interest in their lives. When people know we care about them, they trust our perspective on life. Embracing “holy interruptions” has allowed us to affirm that we care about people and has opened them up to hear and consider our views on life.

As a football coach’s wife, relationally mentoring college students is a natural part of my yearly rhythm. Living on mission for my family looks different from living on mission for other families, but our heart for whoever stands in front of us is the same. As we interact with our team on and off the football field, we strive to show the players we care about what they care about, whether that’s the latest video game release or their classroom success.

For my family, holy interruptions vary. One day we may join the team on the sidelines and cheer our hearts out so each player knows we see them. Another day I may intend to run a few errands alone only to have a student text and ask if she can talk about a challenging situation. Rather than becoming frustrated that I need to change my plans, I choose to multitask. I embrace the opportunity to spend time walking shoulder to shoulder with someone who needs a listening ear and welcome the company I have while running errands.

We’ve served groups of college and high school students, led small groups of peers in our communities, and my husband, Ordell, has led his staff through leadership development studies. Each time we’ve encountered people who have sought deeper mentoring relationships for a season. It is always a privilege to receive an invitation to join someone on any part of their life journey.

Are You Sure People Want Mentors?

We need to remember that not everyone will know how to ask for a mentor, and no two relationships will look the same. Pay attention to the people who show up and interrupt your plans. We will see throughout this study how Jesus responded to those who interrupted him as he went about his daily life. In my experience, there is a reason your path crosses with certain people, just as with Jesus.

We’re all called to different communities and different types of ministries. But when we are followers of Jesus, our calling to live out the Great Commission and the Greatest Commandment are the same. Some may become missionaries who move to a foreign country. Regardless, as Christ’s ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20), we’re all called to “make disciples of all nations” wherever we live. God invites us to partner with him and live on mission every day, even in the mundane moments of life. We do this when we love people as Jesus taught the disciples to do, without stipulations.

The Church Is Losing Clout and Influence

The conversations Ordell and I have with those we mentor often involve answering questions about our values. We answer questions about why we hold the convictions we have about faith, how we came to prioritize those convictions, and how we know the information we weigh is true. Because we always point back to the Bible, our answers are consistent, even when we don’t hold the same values as those asking questions.

“Values are the principles, qualities, and standards that we hold in high regard.”[2] Our values guide the decisions we make and what (or who) we believe has worth. Whether it’s unconscious or conscious, our values significantly influence most of our judgments. Values also impact whether we offer support to others. Our common values—the ones we share with our family, friends, or community—are passed down through various sources. These sources include the church, parachurch organizations, school, family, and even social media. *

We form our values around the things we give the most time and attention to because they influence the direction of our life. When our focus remains on the things of earth, we may find ourselves focusing our energy on our preferences rather than the things we should value. Said another way, we are all at risk of idol worship.

We Need Mentors to Help Us See the Truth

The examples of discipleship in the Bible are numerous. Starting with Moses and Joshua, we see how generations of leaders were taught positively and negatively by their predecessors. Today mentors encourage leadership development in the workplace, support student success in academia, and guide spiritual growth.

Psalm 115:2-8 says:

Why do the nations say,
“Where is their God?”
Our God is in heaven;
he does whatever pleases him.
But their idols are silver and gold,
made by human hands.

They have mouths, but cannot speak,
eyes, but cannot see.
They have ears, but cannot hear,
noses, but cannot smell.
They have hands, but cannot feel,
feet, but cannot walk,
nor can they utter a sound with their throats.
Those who make them will be like them,
and so will all who trust in them. (NIV, emphasis added)

We reflect that which we worship, and without community, discipleship, and accountability, we will lean into our human nature and reflect the world.

Mentors Guide Us to God

There is someone around you who would flourish from your wisdom and encouragement. Someone who would in your life headed down a path you can prevent from making mistakes they will regret by sharing your story. Embrace the interruption in your day. Consider that it may be a holy moment rather than a nuisance. The next time there’s an unexpected knock on your door, thank God you have an opportunity to encourage a fellow believer to seek him further.

*A portion of this devotional is from Beth Walker’s newest publication, Embracing Holy Interruptions: How Jesus Used Mundane Moments to Love People Deeply

Beth Walker is a football coach’s wife and mom of two energetic boys. She strives to encourage those around her to pursue their best lives in Jesus whether she is near the game field, in church, or at the local coffee shop. As a writer, Beth has been striving to find her voice through seeing Jesus in the ordinary and extraordinary of daily life. She blogs at Lessons from the Sidelines.

Photograph © BBH Singapore, used with permission

[1] Josh Packard, 2020. The State of Religion & Young People 2020. 1st ed. Bloomington, MN: Springtide Research Institute, 89.

[2] “How Your Beliefs Shape Your Life”, Smartminds, 2021, https://smartminds.io/how-beliefs-shape-life.