Is mentoring Biblical? What is a Christian view of mentorship?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Mentoring is deeply rooted in the Bible, where it is seen as an essential practice for spiritual growth and discipleship. In both the Old and New Testaments, God calls believers to guide others in their faith, with examples like Moses and Elijah mentoring Joshua and Elisha, and Paul disciplining and instructing Timothy and Titus in their leadership roles. The Christian view of mentorship is centered on pointing others toward Christ, not as perfect individuals but as people who humbly strive to imitate Him. Mentors are called to lead with eagerness in their faith, humility, and a willingness to help others grow in their relationship with God. Ultimately, mentoring is a responsibility for all believers, encouraging spiritual maturity and living in a humble, honest community with one another as we grow in Christ-likeness and live with purpose for the kingdom of God.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• As God’s laws were given to the nation of Israel, God told the people to not only follow them personally but to also teach them to their children, mentoring them in the ways God wanted the people to follow (Deuteronomy 6:4-9).
• Parents should teach their children the way of faith when they are young so that they may follow it for a lifetime (Proverbs 22:7).
• Believers should sharpen each other, just as iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17).
• The prophet Elijah mentored the younger prophet Elisha, the older teaching the younger to follow God’s ways and to lead the nation of Israel well as a prophet (2 Kings 2:1-15).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The Great Commission, Jesus’ last instructions to His disciples, instructs us to go into the world and create more disciples, teaching them to obey His commands, thus mentoring them in the faith (Matthew 28:18-20).
• Those who mentor us should be imitating Christ, and we, as mentors ourselves, should be imitating Christ. Christ is the highest example of how we live our lives (1 Corinthians 11:1).
• Those who mentor are not perfect and will never attain perfection in this life and should not be viewed as perfect people who make no mistakes. Mentors should be honest about confronting their sin and striving toward Christ (Philippians 3:12-14).
• Older men in the faith are to mentor and teach younger men and likewise, with women mentoring women. All the things taught by those older to the younger are done so as a way to glorify God and make the teaching about Him more attractive to others (Titus 2:1-10).
• Christian mentors should guide those learning from them with eagerness and willingness, not burdening those in their care, but being good examples of following Christ (1 Peter 5:2-3).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Mentoring, as described in the Bible, is an essential aspect of the Christian life, meant to help believers grow closer to Christ. It’s not just about imparting knowledge or giving people a set of rules to follow. Rather, it is about living alongside others, sharing life experiences, and walking with them as they grow in their faith. Mentoring relationships point us toward Christ-likeness with humility and in community. Mentors should not be seen as flawless but as people who are, like everyone else, growing in grace and seeking to follow Christ more closely.

Mentoring is a responsibility of every believer—not just church leaders or older Christians. It can take many forms, from formal one-on-one discipleship to informal relationships within the body of Christ. The focus should always be on pointing others to Christ, encouraging them to reflect His character in all areas of life. As we guide others, we not only strengthen their faith but deepen our own, becoming more like the very Christ we seek to emulate. Mentoring requires humility as we recognize and admit that we are not yet fully sanctified, and yet we continue to press on toward becoming more and more Christ-like and encourage others to do the same. Each of us, regardless of age or maturity level, has the opportunity to be both mentored and to mentor, creating a culture of growth and mutual encouragement within the body of Christ.

UNDERSTAND

• Believers are called to mentor other believers toward closer relationships with Christ.
• Mentors should point people to Jesus.
• Mentors should not be viewed as perfect; rather mentors and those being mentored should strive together to imitate Christ, the One we follow.

REFLECT

• How have you been mentored in your own faith, and how have those relationships helped you grow closer to Christ?
• Why is mentoring, regardless of your age or experience, important in the body of Christ?
• Are there areas in your life where you are reluctant to be vulnerable or humble as a mentor? How can you overcome those barriers to better guide others?

ENGAGE

• What are important qualities in a Christian mentor, based on Scripture?
• How does viewing mentorship as a two-way relationship—where both the mentor and the mentee are growing together—shape our approach to discipleship?
• What are some practical ways we can create a culture of mentorship for believers, especially when it comes to encouraging younger or newer believers?