The Mentoring Manifesto, Vol. 32: Fatherhood and Mentoring – the Art of Guiding
In his book Shepherding a Child’s Heart, author Tedd Tripp defines the parent-child relationship as sheep-shepherd and the central focus of parenting as the gospel. In the sheep-shepherd connection, the parent serves as “guide” and “helps the child understand themselves and the world in which they live.” The guide emphasizes what is caught over what is taught. It sounds a little like mentoring.
According to Tripp, if the central focus of parenting is the gospel, then parents need to emphasize the child’s heart as much as their behavior. Luke 6:45 reminds us, “the good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart.” As a father of two boys ages 15 and 12, I can relate to the tension this creates. In the moment, I respond to the behavior (sometimes in anger) and can create a more tense environment at home, and I am working hard to slow down enough to talk with them about the “why” of their actions.
As Andy Andrews says, “Remember, the goal is not to raise great kids; it’s to raise kids who become great adults.” If you’re mentoring young fathers, they need to be reminded that relationships are more important than rules. Relationships with others are important, but a relationship with their Heavenly Father matters most.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FATHERS AND MENTORS
DADAWESOME: BE PRESENT AND ENJOY THE JOURNEY
RADICAL WISDOM: A 7-DAY JOURNEY FOR FATHERS
Breathe New Life Into Your Discipleship
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