The Mentoring Manifesto, Vol. 31: Mentoring Shows People How to Follow Jesus
In a recent sermon, Andy Stanley explained how the church today has shifted Jesus’ invitation of “follow me” to the simpler “believe in me.” When Jesus invited the disciples to “follow me,” fisherman and tax collectors alike dropped their nets and left their families. Then, as they journeyed together, Jesus showed them what it looked like to follow Him by transparently modeling His faith, teaching them along the way of life, and then finally asking them to do the same thing for others. And the world was never the same.
So, what’s changed? Churches today do a good job explaining what they believe and inviting people to believe in Jesus. But they don’t always emphasize what it looks like to follow Jesus in the world today. Sunday sermons and programs that dive deep into what we believe are great, and adding new believers is definitely a big deal. But if we want people to follow Jesus in their day-to-day lives, we need to show them how, just as Jesus did. You’ve probably heard someone say, “leadership is caught, not taught,” and I think the same applies here. The best way to help believers follow Jesus is modeling, and one of the most potent ways to model how to follow Jesus is intentional mentoring.
Now, of course, Bible studies matter, small groups matter, and Sunday mornings matter. But mentoring is the lab that allows valuable Bible lessons to come to life and get tested in the real world. Mentoring matters because Jesus did it, and He instructed us to do it too. So, mentors, keep it up, you’re doing important work. We’re here for you.
MENTOR LIKE JESUS
MENTORS EMBODY THE CHRISTIAN LIFE
SCENARIO OF THE MENTORING SEASON
WHO SHOULD I MENTOR?
Breathe New Life Into Your Discipleship
Small group mentoring can help you engage your people, build your core group of leaders, and transform your church. Our free resources equip you with all the tools you need to launch a sustainable mentoring program.