The gift of mentoring is the ability to guide and care for other Christians over time as they mature in faith.
Scriptural References
John 10:1-15, Acts 18:18-28, 1 Timothy 4:6-16, 2 Timothy 1:5, Hebrews 13:7 & 17, 1 Peter 5:1-5
Biblical Models
Moses, Elijah, Mordecai, Jesus, Paul, Barnabus, Priscilla and Aquila, Lois and Eunice
People with this gift can
- Take responsibility to nurture a person in their walk with God.
- Provide guidance and support to a group of developing believers.
- Earn trust and confidence through long-term relationships.
- Develop the gift of mentoring in others.
Cautions
- May lead groups that have difficulty integrating new members.
- May be tempted to abuse the trust placed in them.
- May need to learn when to let go of the “mentor” role.
- May need to be careful to set appropriate personal boundaries; to say “No.”
Personal Traits
- Nurturing
- Loving
- Guiding
- Protective
- Supportive
- Influencing
- Role Modeling
Tips for nurturing this gift
- Know all the Spirit given gifts and be able to help others recognize their own gifts.
- Develop counselling skills.
- Maintain a rich, broad, balanced life of faith in order to maintain your own health and be better able to respond to a wider variety of people and their areas for growth.
Possible Tasks
Spirit Given gift counsellor, youth and young adult ministry, small group leader, …
Not to be confused with the responsibility of all Christians to …
Set an example.
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(c) 2004, 2006, 2008 David Ewart, www.davidewart.ca
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