Dear reader,
Over the years, I’ve been blessed by the wisdom and direction of mentors. Their presence shaped my life, my calling, and even how I see myself. Now, I find myself on the other side of that relationship offering guidance to a few young pastors who are just starting their journey. It’s not easy, but it’s essential. Mentoring is deeply biblical, and it’s one of the most meaningful things we can do for each other.
The Bible offers some clear insight into how mentoring works. One of the first things to understand is this: a real mentor will require your pursuit. They don’t need what you know, you need what they know. Elijah didn’t chase Elisha. It was Elisha who saw what was in him and followed.
Mentors aren’t always warm and fuzzy. In fact, a mentor is usually more interested in your success than your affection. They’re not focused on celebrating you as much as they are committed to correcting and challenging you. And that’s exactly what makes them so valuable.
Here’s something that might surprise you: a mentor is not necessarily your best friend.
A best friend loves you just the way you are.
A mentor loves you too much to let you stay that way.
A best friend is okay with your weakness.
A mentor is focused on your future.
A best friend might ignore what’s wrong.
A mentor helps you overcome it.
A best friend cheers you on.
A mentor coaches you forward.
A best friend sees what you do right.
A mentor sees what needs to change.
Mentors have eyes to see what you can’t. They recognize weaknesses and blind spots before you do. They see the trap ahead before you fall into it. They’ve often already lived through the kind of pain you’re about to walk into, and they want to help you avoid it.
A true mentor will also stand up for you. They’ll fight to protect your purpose and defend your calling, even when you don’t know you’re under attack. Jesus did this with Peter. He told him, “Satan has asked to sift you like wheat, but I’ve prayed for you.” That’s the kind of spiritual covering a godly mentor offers.
And finally, mentors make you better. Jesus turned Peter, simple fisherman, into a powerful preacher. Mentorship can take your raw potential and turn it into something remarkable. Everything you’ll truly learn in life will come either through experience or through someone willing to walk with you and speak into your life.
So here’s my encouragement: invest in the people God places in your path. Make time for the mentors He’s chosen for you. And when the time comes, be that person for someone else. Mentorship won’t just shape your life or leadership. It will spare you from countless heartaches and help you become everything God created you to be.
James
Rev. James A. Williams
Senior Pastor
Grace Resurrection Methodist Church
Over the years, I’ve been blessed by the wisdom and direction of mentors. Their presence shaped my life, my calling, and even how I see myself. Now, I find myself on the other side of that relationship offering guidance to a few young pastors who are just starting their journey. It’s not easy, but it’s essential. Mentoring is deeply biblical, and it’s one of the most meaningful things we can do for each other.
The Bible offers some clear insight into how mentoring works. One of the first things to understand is this: a real mentor will require your pursuit. They don’t need what you know, you need what they know. Elijah didn’t chase Elisha. It was Elisha who saw what was in him and followed.
Mentors aren’t always warm and fuzzy. In fact, a mentor is usually more interested in your success than your affection. They’re not focused on celebrating you as much as they are committed to correcting and challenging you. And that’s exactly what makes them so valuable.
Here’s something that might surprise you: a mentor is not necessarily your best friend.
A best friend loves you just the way you are.
A mentor loves you too much to let you stay that way.
A best friend is okay with your weakness.
A mentor is focused on your future.
A best friend might ignore what’s wrong.
A mentor helps you overcome it.
A best friend cheers you on.
A mentor coaches you forward.
A best friend sees what you do right.
A mentor sees what needs to change.
Mentors have eyes to see what you can’t. They recognize weaknesses and blind spots before you do. They see the trap ahead before you fall into it. They’ve often already lived through the kind of pain you’re about to walk into, and they want to help you avoid it.
A true mentor will also stand up for you. They’ll fight to protect your purpose and defend your calling, even when you don’t know you’re under attack. Jesus did this with Peter. He told him, “Satan has asked to sift you like wheat, but I’ve prayed for you.” That’s the kind of spiritual covering a godly mentor offers.
And finally, mentors make you better. Jesus turned Peter, simple fisherman, into a powerful preacher. Mentorship can take your raw potential and turn it into something remarkable. Everything you’ll truly learn in life will come either through experience or through someone willing to walk with you and speak into your life.
So here’s my encouragement: invest in the people God places in your path. Make time for the mentors He’s chosen for you. And when the time comes, be that person for someone else. Mentorship won’t just shape your life or leadership. It will spare you from countless heartaches and help you become everything God created you to be.
James
Rev. James A. Williams
Senior Pastor
Grace Resurrection Methodist Church
Posted in Rev. James Williams Weekly Blog
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