Why Does Biblical Mentorship Matter? (part 1)

A Parable of Two Trees

In an orchard, two young apple trees began to grow. The first grew quickly and bore fruit in its first year. The farmer was thrilled—until a strong wind snapped it near the base. He had to cut it down and wait for a new shoot to rise.

The second tree grew slowly. It needed pruning, fertilizer, and extra care. A sturdy stake was driven deep into the ground to support it. When a storm came, the tree stood firm, its roots anchored. Though it bore no fruit at first, the farmer was grateful it was staked. In time, the stake was removed, and the tree bore large, sweet apples—strong and flourishing on its own.

Which tree would you rather be? This short parable points us to the need for mature, grounded and faithful Christ followers to stand beside those less mature. One of the often untapped blessings of belonging to a church is the opportunity to learn from others who have already walked further down the path of following Christ.

Deepening Discipleship Through Mentorship

The Christian life is a lifelong call to discipleship— learning how to follow Jesus day-by-day. One of the most beautiful aspects of this journey is that we’re not called to walk it alone. God gives us fellow saints to travel with. In the Pilgrim’s Progress, Christian and Hopeful were imprisoned in Doubting Castle by Giant Despair. Hopeful reminds Christian, “but let us remember what we have already received from Him, and how we have been saved from perils before, and let us trust that He who has delivered us will still deliver us.” In response to Hopeful’s steady encouragement, Christian replies: “Brother, I see the truth of what you have said, and I am comforted. We shall yet escape.”

Biblical Mentorship is a discipleship relationship that focuses on equipping younger believers for the work of ministry so that they grow in maturity and unity in the faith with the ultimate goal of glorifying God. (From Growing Together by Melissa Kruger)           

See Ephesians 4:12-13 - for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the     edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 

A few brief benefits of Biblical Mentorship is that it can sharpen our view of God, draw us closer to Christ, put sin to death, help us pass through difficult times, develop the fruits of the Spirit and grow our appreciation for the Lord’s work in others. Mentorship is a beautiful tool in the toolbox of discipleship that can be very effective in being a living member in Christ’s church!  Is mentorship accessible in your spiritual toolbox? Too often, Christians miss out on the blessings of biblical mentorship because of misconceptions. Let’s take a look at five common myths that may be holding us back.

Myth 1: Mentorship isn’t in the Bible.

Scripture is filled with mentoring relationships: - Moses mentored Joshua (Deut. 31:8-9) - Elijah mentored Elisha (2 Kings 2:9-13) - Solomon taught his son (Proverbs) - Jesus discipled the Twelve (Gospels) - Barnabas mentored Paul, who later mentored others (Acts) - Paul instructed Timothy to teach others (2 Timothy 2:2) - Titus 2 calls older men and women to guide the younger. The Bible gives us abundant examples of mentorship in action.

Myth 2: Mentors must be “Super Christians.”

Mentors don’t need to have all the answers or be spiritual giants. They are not elders, but they are more than casual friends. Mentors walk alongside, teach by example, ask thoughtful questions, and listen well. It’s okay for a mentor to say, “I don’t know, but let me find out.”

Myth 3: Mentorship must be formal.

Mentorship can be formal or informal. Structured plans with regular meetings and goals are useful, but informal settings are also powerful—like a kitchen conversation, a shared project at work, or a consistent Sunday School teacher. Intentionality, not formality, is key.

Myth 4: Mentorship takes too much time.

Just think how important the disciples were in the short 3 year public earthly ministry the Lord Jesus had. Jesus intentionally called, taught, challenged and exemplified for His disciples. Mentorship can be woven into daily rhythms: helping a young mom for a few hours, a weekly run, or a phone call during a walk. It does take intentionality and mental energy, but not necessarily hours of free time.

Myth 5: Mentees must have a specific problem.

Mentorship is not only for those in crisis. While it can be very helpful during trials, to overcome sin, or to get advice for a certain stage of life, the goal is growth in Christ. If you feel stagnant, a mentor can help you move forward. Mentorship encourages deeper discipleship, even when everything seems “fine.”

Let’s not let these myths rob us of one of the most meaningful relationships God has given the church. Let’s meaningfully pursue mentoring relationships and learn the instruction, the joy and the encouragement that they can be! Part 2 of this article will offer helpful suggestions to beginning a Mentoring Relationship and be published in a week.