When did the members of the church in America start drifting so far apart? How will the mature believer reconnect relationships with the younger believer? No matter what the size or denomination of the church, today’s Christ-follower across the generations can see this problem, but no one how to begin a new mentoring relationship.
What’s the solution?
After thirty-five years of meeting with people one on one to talk about loneliness and feeling disconnected, I believe mentoring relationships are the answer.
We need to develop a church body and community that is willing to be active in a face-to-face mentoring relationship with each other. Not having a mentoring relationship in our lives is the missing link for the church and our entire society.
How To Connect Across the Generations
In a world that is increasingly impersonal and systematized, the younger millennials are hungry for the opportunity to connect with others. They desire to build a gut-honest relationship with a mature Christ-follower who can speak life into their hearts and souls.
At the same time, the older generation is wondering if God has forgotten them and how they can make a difference. The answer is simple, begin a new mentoring relationship.
God is calling the older generation to stand in the gap and mentor the next generation for Christ. Simultaneously, we need to help the younger generation trust the older generation again.
God is calling the older generation to stand in the gap and mentor the next generation for Christ. Simultaneously, we need to help the younger generation trust the older generation again. #mentoring Click To Tweet
Psalm 78:4 “We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation
about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about his power and his mighty wonders.”
Mentoring is a win-win situation. The younger generation of believers are encouraged and grow, and mature Christians find a new purpose.
Benefits of A Mentoring Relationship
You may be asking, “Why bother? What’s in it for me?”
God gives us the answer in His Word.
The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25
Who doesn’t need to be refreshed and encouraged?
You may be asking, “What is a mentor and what does a mentoring relationship look like?”
What Is A Mentor?
A mentor is someone further along in their walk with God and continually growing in their faith. This is a person who is willing to listen and help another believer identify and maximize their strengths and giftedness, discover God’s purpose for their life, and “flesh out” the day-to-day reality of the Christian walk. A mentoring relationship is not parenting. But walking alongside on a regular basis.
What is A Mentoring Relationship?
A mentoring relationship is intentional and life-giving. The best results happen when two people meet together regularly to discuss life issues, be vulnerable, be encouraged, and pray in a safe place with a safe person.
I believe mentoring isn’t just needed for your people. Mentoring is critical for your growth—professionally, emotionally, relationally, and spiritually. Mentoring relationships change lives and move you in the right direction to God’s Will.
As you are reading this post, God is prompting you to start a mentoring relationship. Now is the time to reach out to the next generation and share your God stories.
Most importantly, spiritual growth always happens best in relationships. God created us to be in a personal relationship with him on a regular basis. He also desires for us to be continuous learners and support one another. Whatever season you’re in, now is the time to step out and begin seeking a mentoring relationship.
5 Steps to beginning your Mentoring Relationship:
1. Prayer
Begin praying for the Holy Spirit to move in a mighty way as you begin an awareness of the person God has for you in your mentoring relationship. Never stop praying for God to go ahead of you with this mentoring journey.
1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 “Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”
2.Pass it On
Start planting the seed and having intentional mentoring conversations with your friends, and friends. Ask if there is anyone who has already experienced a mentoring relationship and encourage them to share their God stories with you and others.
3.Plan ahead
Mentoring face-to-face is a life changer. Invest in others and see incredible results. We serve a big God who is able to answer your prayers.
4.Pause
Take your time. Don’t rush into things. Pause. Slow down. Seek God with every new conversation and He will guide you on the mentoring path.
5. Pour into others
Above all, be intentional and authentic with others. Share your God story. Be an encourager and motivator. Ask the Lord to use you in a mighty way for His Glory. As you begin this mentoring relationship journey never give up. God has a great plan and purpose for your life.
Related: God Has A Plan For You
“Instead of waiting for someone to take you under their wing, go out and find a good wing to climb under.” –Dave Thomas
Mentoring isn’t a formula or a checklist; it’s a relationship. May you be brave enough to be vulnerable, strong enough to reach out, and may you meet God in new ways as you connect with others on your mentoring relationship journey.
Will you answer the call and begin your new mentoring relationship?
Jayme a Spiritual Direction Coach. Mentor, Author, and Podcast Host is passionate about moving Christian Women forward to God’s direction for their life through Scripture and prayer. Join the Spiritual Direction Coaching Today Facebook private page or connect with her on Instagram.
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