Christian discipleship and mentorship are central to our faith journey. They form the bedrock of how we grow in Christ and how we help others grow in Him. One verse that encapsulates this calling is found in Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus commands, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” These words set the stage for the lifelong journey of discipleship, a path that we are not meant to walk alone.
Read Last Week’s Article: The Concept of Grace and Mercy
Discipleship is more than just learning about Christ. It’s about becoming like Christ. Jesus didn’t just teach His disciples; He lived with them, shared meals with them, and modeled a life of obedience to the Father. This is the heart of discipleship: living out the teachings of Christ in every area of our lives. And as we grow, we’re called to help others do the same. This is where mentorship comes in.
Mentorship in the Christian context isn’t just about giving advice. It’s about walking alongside someone in their spiritual journey. It’s about sharing your life, your struggles, your victories, and pointing them to Christ every step of the way. Paul modeled this beautifully in his relationship with Timothy. In 2 Timothy 2:2, Paul instructs Timothy, “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.” Paul didn’t just teach Timothy; he invested in him, preparing him to do the same for others.
When we think about mentorship, it’s easy to focus on the person doing the mentoring. But effective discipleship and mentorship are reciprocal. As we mentor others, we also grow. Proverbs 27:17 tells us, “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” In mentoring relationships, both the mentor and the mentee are refined. We challenge each other, encourage each other, and hold each other accountable.
Accountability is a crucial aspect of discipleship. In a world where it’s easy to drift away from our commitments, having someone to walk with us, to ask the hard questions, and to remind us of our calling, is invaluable. Hebrews 10:24-25 exhorts us, “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” We need each other. We need to be part of a community where we can be encouraged and where we can encourage others.
But discipleship and mentorship also require intentionality. Jesus didn’t just stumble into teaching His disciples; He chose them, spent time with them, and invested in them. Similarly, we must be intentional in our relationships. We need to seek out opportunities to pour into others, to share what God has taught us, and to help others grow in their faith. This doesn’t happen by accident. It requires time, effort, and a heart that’s willing to serve.
Serving others is at the heart of discipleship. Jesus said in Matthew 20:28, “Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” If we’re going to follow Jesus, we must adopt His attitude of service. This means putting others’ needs before our own, being willing to sacrifice our time and resources, and being committed to helping others grow, even when it’s inconvenient.
However, it’s important to remember that we can’t disciple or mentor others in our own strength. We need the Holy Spirit’s guidance and empowerment. John 15:5 reminds us, “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” Our effectiveness in discipleship comes from our connection to Christ. The more we abide in Him, the more fruitful our ministry will be.
As we invest in others, we’re also fulfilling the Great Commission. Jesus didn’t just call us to make converts; He called us to make disciples. This means we’re not just sharing the Gospel and moving on. We’re walking with people through the process of becoming more like Christ. This is a long-term commitment. It’s a process that requires patience, perseverance, and a deep love for others.
Love is the driving force behind true discipleship and mentorship. 1 Corinthians 13:1 reminds us, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.” Without love, all our efforts are meaningless. Discipleship isn’t about checking a box or fulfilling a duty. It’s about genuinely caring for others, wanting to see them grow in their faith, and being willing to walk with them through the ups and downs of life.
This love also requires us to be authentic. We can’t mentor others effectively if we’re not willing to be real with them. Paul was open about his struggles, even referring to himself as the “chief of sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15). Authenticity breaks down barriers and builds trust. When we’re honest about our own weaknesses and how God is working in our lives, we encourage others to do the same.
But authenticity doesn’t mean we have to be perfect. In fact, recognizing our imperfections can be one of the most powerful aspects of our mentorship. It reminds us that we’re all on this journey together, that we all need grace, and that God can use us despite our flaws. This truth is beautifully captured in 2 Corinthians 12:9, where Paul shares God’s words to him: “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” When we mentor others, we’re not showing them how to be perfect; we’re showing them how to rely on God’s grace.
Mentorship also involves teaching. Jesus was known as a teacher, and His teaching was central to His ministry. In our mentoring relationships, we’re called to pass on the truths of Scripture, to help others understand God’s Word, and to apply it to their lives. This teaching isn’t just about imparting knowledge; it’s about helping others to grow in wisdom, to live out their faith, and to become more like Christ.
But teaching goes beyond formal Bible studies. It happens in everyday conversations, in shared experiences, and in the way we live our lives. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 instructs us, “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” Discipleship is a way of life. It’s about consistently pointing others to Christ in every situation.
Finally, discipleship and mentorship are about multiplication. The goal isn’t just to grow ourselves or to help one other person grow. It’s to create a ripple effect. We disciple others so that they can go on to disciple others. This is the model we see in 2 Timothy 2:2, where Paul instructs Timothy to teach others who will, in turn, teach others. True discipleship has a multiplying effect. It spreads from one person to another, from one generation to the next, expanding the Kingdom of God.
In all of this, we must keep our eyes on Christ. He is the ultimate example of a disciple-maker. He invested in twelve men who went on to change the world. And He has called us to do the same. As we mentor others, as we invest in their spiritual growth, we are following in the footsteps of our Savior. We are participating in His mission, and we are contributing to the building of His Kingdom. This is both a great responsibility and a great privilege.
So, let us commit ourselves to the work of discipleship and mentorship. Let us invest in others as others have invested in us. And let us do it all for the glory of God, knowing that as we pour into others, we are fulfilling the calling that Christ has given us. This is the essence of the Christian life: to follow Christ and to help others follow Him too.
