Mentoring:

Timothy,

My Child of Faith

Gale Nelson

Paul and Timothy:“Father, Son”?

Timothy was NOT Paul’s biological son (read Acts 16:1).

There was a special relationship in the Lord between these two men.

Paul had probably baptized Timothy. Both were preachers, and Paul was older. Timothy was Paul’s son “in the faith.” Paul

mentored Timothy in his work, and probably in his life, too.

“Mentoring”

•Webster, “A person looked upon for wise advice and guidance.”

•Children don’t just need mentors…they need the RIGHT mentors!

•Why choose athletes, musicians, etc. as mentors?

“The cycle of delinquency continued as long as there was an older youth influencing the younger to follow their negative example” (page 42).

“Do not be deceived: Evil company corrupts good habits” (First Corinthians 15:33).

Question:

How do you want adults (parents, teachers, ministers) to speak to you about “teenagery” issues like drugs, sex and dating?

Follow-Up Question:

If an adult speaks to you that way, are you willing to truly listen and follow that advice?

If the adult is a mentor, you won’t think of his/her words as outdated and boring!

Mentoring Is Practical and Fun

The 2007 Super Bowl:

Tony Dungy had mentored Lovie Smith, then they met as opposing coaches in the Super Bowl!

The teacher (Dungy) taught.

The student learned,

The student DID!

THAT’S MENTORING!

In the Church

“And the things that you have heard FROM ME [generation 1, Paul]…

Commit these [generation 2, Timothy]

To faithful men [generation 3, students]

Who will be able to teach others also [generation 4, students’ students].”

How do we keep the Church healthy? We continue this “line!”

The Church, especially older members

The Youth Group

Many congregations have a youth program, but do not encourage interaction between generations.

Valuable mentoring opportunities are being missed!

Instead…

• Young people should be a part of the youth group,

• Which should be a part of the congregation as a whole,

• And young people should seek out older Christians who are faithful.

Obstacles to Mentoring

•Selfishness

•By those who are older

•By those who need to be mentored.

•Time

•Either party can use the excuse, “I don’t have the time.”

Seek out those who are faithful.

Let them teach you.

You may just gain a friend for life!