From the earliest origins of Judeo-Christian history, the personal exchange of wisdom and encouragement from one believer to another has played a vital role in the successful spiritual growth and discipleship of leaders. Today, this distribution of wisdom and encouragement often takes the form of mentoring relationships that are almost essential in developing effective leaders within any modern ministry. Although the word “mentor” is never used explicitly in scripture, the concept of elder leaders who personally impart knowledge and wisdom into their successors can be found frequently in both the old and new testament.
Moses mentored Joshua. Elijah mentored Elisha. Eli mentored Samuel. Christ mentored his disciples. Paul mentored Timothy. Timothy mentored Epaphras. The list goes on.
But, why is this principle of “passed wisdom” that we now associate with a mentoring relationship so common in scriptural history and what purpose does it serve today? Colossians 1:28 (ESV) states:
“Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.”
Here, Paul shares his desperate desire to impart personal wisdom to the body of Christ that all might be empowered as mature believers. This is the motivation behind an effective mentor relationship. Throughout biblical history, wisdom and encouragement were passed down through generations in order to better equip future believers to pursue the will of God. I like to think of this exchange as an “investment” for the future of God’s kingdom on Earth. As leaders, we should seek counsel with those who have walked the path before us. We should allow them to invest their wisdom and experience into our lives that we may learn from their testimony and be better equipped to lead effectively. Likewise, we should seek out future leaders in whom we can invest our knowledge and passion in order to empower coming generations to continue pursuing the will of God.
