ELDERWISDOM—MENTORING

 

While on earth, Jesus used every moment for ministry. Often he combined his private and public ministries—he was busy day and night. As part of Christ's private ministry he mentored his disciples, seeking to show them what it means to be a committed follower of God. Jesus worked double duty—his church and community service work as well as his health care ministries kept him totally occupied. Yet in the midst of all this Jesus took time to mentor a group of men who would one day be challenged to take Christ's message to the known world. Imagine the work Jesus could have accomplished if he had lived into the retirement years.

What a fabulous ministry—mentoring! Imagine, being able to instill your ideas, your dreams and your personality into another person (and all without human cloning). More than that, imagine also, being able to influence another person, thereby expanding your own ministry. Christ knew his time was limited and therefore worked hard at increasing his effectiveness through mentoring, through preparing messengers to carry on when he was gone.

Mentoring—what are we talking about? Maybe some comments on the process will help—for understanding, but also for inspiration.

Church ministries sometimes tire us severely—burnout is all too common. Is it time to suggest that individuals slow down and spend time teaching others, mentoring those younger ones that are waiting in the wings? When burnout threatens, or when a person reaches the age when retirement is just round the corner, the active ministry-oriented person has the opportunity to minister in more subtle ways. Instead of heading a committee, or being on the leadership group in a church, a person can contribute through mentoring. Although mentoring generally is a long-term process, sometimes brief encounters can be of great benefit to a young church worker.

Younger people have the energy and idealism to work hard within church committees etc. This drive can be channeled by the mentoring work of an older person. What a great combination—the creative energy of youth together with the experienced wisdom of age.

Some practical suggestions might help the mentoring process.

1. Generally, the older person needs to take the initiative. Contact a younger person in your church or workplace. Suggest a coffee (Pepsi) together. Get to know the individual. If both find the arrangement acceptable, work out future possibilities. Generally, along with providing insights, in a short time, the mentor and mentee will have many items to pray about. Sharing soon opens prayer possibilities.

2. Sometimes the older person feels "put on the shelf" and may not feel comfortable seeking out a busy, involved younger person. What a shame it would be if the wisdom of the experienced would not be tapped. What a mutual uplifting benefit if the younger person, involved on a board or responsible for some agency, would seek out the other, older individual to bring out the wisdom of years. What an encouragement to the elder; what an enablement to the church worker.

3. Listening to the seniors—those who have experienced much in life, and who have had the opportunity to provide leadership—would bring a rich wisdom to the creativity and energy of the younger set. Working together to build God's church. What a tremendous opportunity; what a challenge, but what a creative relationship.

4. Mentoring need not be a formalized program, but can be as simple as getting together now and then to chat about current issues or pressing needs. Every opportunity to build togetherness; to learn from each other and to encourage one another is Christ honoring work. A mentor is such a person; mentoring is part of that encouragement.

 

Getting together provides inspiration for continued work. Barnabas, Paul's partner for a time, is called the "encourager." What a description of a mentor.