Find a mentor.

I don’t remember the first time I uttered a coherent word—some would say I was in my 30’s. More than likely I was just under two years old. By then I had been given over one solid year of mentoring. I had two dedicated (albeit new) parents who actively spoke the American version of English and were subconsciously bound to teach it to me also. What methods did they use? Was it a costly or difficult curriculum? How long did I sit in the classroom until I had it right? What was my first word? What were the grades in my first linguistics class? None of that really matters too much; I just learned.  

I was mentored into speaking a language native to me only by birth. This mentoring happened through relationship, mimicking what I heard and saw, and by trial and error. It seems to have worked.

As we look at our assigned text for this weekend’s lesson in studying the Bible, we are considering the topic of ”mentoring.” What is a mentor? Who is able to mentor? What is involved in being a mentor? And, specifically, what does Acts 8:22-33 say about mentoring?

First off, a mentor is an experienced and trusted adviser or guide. A biblical mentor is experienced in the knowledge of the Bible as well as the ability to live out biblical principles. A mentor is not an expert per se, but they are experienced. Simply put, they are more experienced in the faith than the one that they are mentoring. According to that definition, everyone is able to mentor someone. There is always someone who is less experienced or “younger” in the faith than you are. Even an adolescent sister or brother can be a mentor to a younger sister or brother, friend, neighbor, or cousin.

Acts 8 has these four things to share with us about mentoring another person in Bible study and in the Christian faith: There must be relationship, proximity, discussions about the Word, and next steps.

Relationship

On his way [Philip] met an Ethiopian eunuch. // Acts 8:27

In your normal course of life, who have you met that needs to know more about the Word of God? Who has God placed into your life in this capacity? God has placed certain individuals into your life who do not have as much experience with the Word of God as you do.

By the way, we each also need to be mentored by someone else (360 degree mentoring). We need someone who has been there ahead of us. We need those who are peers in the faith and walking alongside of us (small group). And we need to be able to mentor others in the faith. The same rules apply for mentoring as well as being mentored.

Proximity

The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.” // Acts 8:29

As a mentor to an individual, you need to be able to peer inside of their life and they need to be able to inspect your life as well. They need to see from you how to live; you need to be able to see if the principles are sticking or if there is something that does not yet make sense. And in a relationship attended by proximity, real growth can occur because of the next point, engagement with the Word of God.

Discussions about the Word (Dialogue)

“Do you understand what you are reading?” // Acts 8:30

You don’t need to be more intelligent than the individual you are mentoring. You only need to have experienced more than them in the area of biblical insight and application. Maybe the topic is on anxiety and you have taken a class or led a small group study on Philippians 4, “Do not be anxious.” By simply knowing where to turn in the Bible and how to apply God’s timeless truths to your life, you have experience and can pass on what you have learned to this individual.

Next Steps

As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” // Acts 8:36

The Ethiopian was led to see what the next step was for him. Philip did not need to tell him. He knew what it was. Yet Philip needed to be there for this next step. Philip had the pleasure of leading this man to a next step and also administering this beautiful next step: Baptism. 

I can’t dictate for you what next steps will be necessary in the life of the person you will soon mentor. But a lucid and candid discussion of Scriptures along with the power of the Holy Spirit will lead you both to better understand what that next step is. Will it be to turn away from certain kinds of media that induce fear or vulgarity? It may be that you need to add some positive habits to your walk of faith or engage more with the body of Christ. Will the next step be to read through a particular book on spiritual disciplines or dive into an inductive study on the book of James? God, through his Word, will lead the two of you to see what the next steps are. 

Blessings as you pursue the biblical topic of mentoring.

Peace to you in Christ,
Pastor Al

P.S. A good phrase for “mentoring” would be “go and make disciples.”