God often uses relationships to help us develop Christlike character and learn important ministry skills. Difficult relationships become opportunities to become more loving. Living examples of walking by faith encourage us to trust God. Observation and conversation with competent ministry practitioners help us learn and develop ministry skills.

Jesus' ministry was highly relational. "Then he chose 12 of them to be his apostles, so that they could be with him. He also wanted to send them out to preach and force out demons," (Mark 3:14-15). Robert Coleman reminds us:

Often we fail to realize what came first. Jesus made it clear that before these men were "to preach" or "to cast out devils" they were to be "with him." In fact, this personal appointment to be in constant association with him was as much a part of their ordination commission as the authority to evangelize. Indeed, it was for the moment even more important, for it was the necessary preparation for the other. The determination with which Jesus sought to fulfill this commission is evident as one reads through the subsequent Gospel accounts. Contrary to what one might expect, as the ministry of Christ lengthened into the second and third years He gave increasingly more time to the chosen disciples, not less (The Master Plan of Evangelism, pp.40-41).

The Apostle Paul's gifts in the areas of teaching and evangelism are apparent. He also modeled a highly relational ministry (e.g., "We cared so much for you, and you became so dear to us, that we were willing to give our lives for you when we gave you God's message," (1 Thessalonians 2:8). Barnabas mentored Paul and Paul mentored Timothy and Timothy invested his life in others (Philippians 2:20).

Contemporary leaders also recognize the indispensability of mentoring relationships:

As I look back on my Christian life, I realize that my mentoring experiences were absolutely indispensable. …I've often thought that Prison Fellowship grew out of my obedience to God's call -- but that obedience was discipline learned in my relationship with a small group during the first two years of my Christian faith (Personal letter to Ted Engstrom from Charles Colson, The Fine Art of Mentoring, p. 40).

Mentoring is Not a Short-Term Endeavor

The fruit of mentoring relationships is often seen years later. In a culture that presses for instant results by following a few key principles, the mentoring process can seem slow and antiquated. However, there is no short-cut for equipping church and ministry leaders to become godly in character and highly competent for mobilizing ministry.

Jesus transformed the world because he poured his life into the twelve. Though he preached to the masses, he invested himself in a few, knowing that those few would invest themselves in still others, and thus transform the world. If we want to transform our families, our churches, our world, then we must discover what it means to pour our lives into individuals. We must learn to spend more time with the few. We must learn to live for the next generation. We must become mentors (Ron Lee Davis, Mentoring, p. 21).

Prior to the 1970s, books and dissertations on the subject of mentoring were almost nonexistent. Today books and theses abound on the topic. Organizations such as "Save Our Youth" that work with at-risk young people in urban Denver, Colo., and high profile corporations, Dupont and IMB, are all interested in mentoring. Mentoring is not a new concept. Apprenticeships designed to teach people not only a skill but a "way of life" were common in past generations.

In past centuries, craftsmen of every calling -- from carpenters to metalsmiths to lawyers to the great painters and composers of the Renaissance -- employed young apprentices. These apprentices learned not only the skills and craft of their trade, but such intangible dimensions of their calling as pride of craftsmanship, integrity, honesty, diligence, and commitment to excellence.

The mentoring process has produced many, if not most, of the people who have profoundly influenced the ages. Over half of all Nobel prize winners were once apprenticed to other Nobel laureates. (Davis, p.19)

Over half of all Nobel prize winners were once apprenticed to other Nobel laureates.

What fuels the interest in mentoring?

Why is there such a resurgence of interest in mentoring? The Uncommon Individual Foundation (a pioneer group in mentoring research and training) reminds us that mentoring "is the third most powerful relationship for influencing human behavior (after the family and love relationships) if it is working." When we consider the fragmentation of the family, the speed of change (demanding the constant learning of new skills) and the mobility of society (members of extended families no longer living in proximity to one another), the need for mentoring increases. Pollsters confirm the relational void that many experience today. Why, then, do so many still resist relationships that can provide both support and accountability?

Few things frighten us more than exposing our inner selves. For Christians it is especially difficult since the church rewards us when we act as though we are "on top." When we are around other believers, we are tempted, as a friend of mine says, to share only "the highlights"-and keep quiet about the "lowlights."

To cap it off, a frontier ethos of rugged individualism tells us that it is weakness to seek another's help, and that if a person has problems, that individual should just try harder -- on his or her own (Timothy Jones, "Believers Apprentice," Christianity Today, 1991).

Jones goes on to say that "any careful look at Scripture and Christian history reveals that faith has never been a solitary spiritual exercise. The testimony of countless people is that the embarrassing, sometimes painful, act of baring our souls to another can lead to growth."

The word "mentoring" has a wide range of definitions. Important components of the mentoring relationship emerge from this definition: "Mentoring is much more expensive than simply teaching and/or training. It is investing time and prayer. It is building relationships and investing emotionally in transfer of values and skills and attitudes," (Ted Engstrom, The Fine Art of Mentoring, p.73).

John Crosby's definition helps us better understand the role of the mentor and what one should look for in a mentor. "Mentoring is a brain to pick (someone who is knowledgeable or influential), an ear to listen (someone who will listen and understand), a push in the right direction (someone who recognizes your potential and encourages your efforts and achievements)," (Shepherding God's Flock Through Mentoring, p.3).

Mentoring provides a relational environment which the Holy Spirit can use to shape and equip someone for life and ministry.

Dr. Randy MacFarland is vice president of training and mentoring at Denver Seminary. You can learn more about Denver Seminary's cutting edge mentoring program at their website: Denver Seminary.