Someone once said, “Mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen and push in the right direction”. I absolutely agree!!

I was recently asked why I was so passionate about Mentoring. “What is the big deal” they asked. “Anyone can be a mentor. People do it all the time. It doesn’t take an entire organization to do it.”
I understood what they were saying and to a point, I agree. I politely pointed out all the things they have achieved or have access to now, was a result of someone who took the time to invest in them. Not everyone has the same advantages, so structures and frameworks are implemented to fill gaps that may be missing.” The truth is, I was a little frustrated that I had to explain myself.

If you know anything about me, you know I think mentoring is one of the most important things we can do for mankind. Yes, hug a tree but also mentor a human. Why do I believe everyone should either be in the process of being mentored or serving someone as a mentor?

At a basic level, the definition of a mentor is someone with more experience or knowledge who is in a developmental relationship over a continued period of time with a less experienced or less knowledgeable person for the purpose of transformation within their professional, personal and/or spiritual lives.

So at the core, Mentoring is:

1. Based on Relationship (you can’t mentor someone you are not in relationship with)
2. Causes Transformation (not just behavior)
3. Sustained over a period of time (not forever necessarily but long term)

Alone, these are great reasons to be in a Mentoring relationship but let’s move on.

One of my favorite stories in the Bible and my “go to” passage on leadership and mentoring is found in Exodus 18. We see the children of Israel just coming out of Egypt. They are getting settled in the desert of Sinai and Moses Father in Law, Jethro, brought his daughter and grandchildren to Moses—Moses wife and kids! Jethro was not just your average, run of the mill father in law that carted his family around town as needed. He was the Priest of Midian. He was a leader. This man knew a thing or two about leading and mentoring people.
After a meal, fellowship and a good night’s rest, Jethro had the opportunity to watch Moses in action as he fulfills his job as the law giver and Commander in Charge.

Moses sits down in the morning and judges the people all day and all night. They bring all the matters to him. I can only imagine what issues they had to discuss. Think about how this would look in the modern day church. On Saturday morning, the line would be around the corner with people lined up to discuss their jobs, their marriages, who they should marry, their children, health, finances etc. The list could go on and on. The thought of it is exhausting not to mention very inefficient.

Jethro pulls Moses aside and says that what he is doing is not “good”. To me, Jethro could have used a number of different words. He could have said “not productive” or “exhausting” or “taxing”. Instead he chose the words “not good”. The opposite of good is bad, poor, evil or sinful. Simply inadequate. To Moses it probably never crossed his mind that what he was doing was bad. How would he know? Who would tell him? He was serving people!! That was what he knew. The people had problems and it was his job to help them. Right?

Wrong! Jethro offers another solution. He shares with him another way. My guess is he shared how he leads in Midian!! Try this Jethro says: “teach the people the ways and ordinances of God and show them the way to live. Don’t just give them daily answers, teach them how to live daily. He said get some help, appoint men over 1000s, 100s, 50s and 10s. Once they are in place, you will not only to be able to endure but the people can live in peace. You can judge the great matters and let your leadership team help with the small matters. In this way, God will help you live in peace” (emphasis is mine)

Jethro didn’t just give Moses a strategy but assisted him in developing his own leadership abilities. He was causing Moses to be transformed!

All of this came about because of the long term relationship that Moses had with Jethro. He had spent years tending his flock, he married his daughter and gave him 2 grandkids. He was a Priest with a vast amount of experience and knowledge that proved beneficial for Moses.

This mentoring relationship completely shaped how the children of Israel related to God and for the leaders of the 10s, 100s and 1,000s, how they saw themselves! They probably didn’t see themselves as leaders until Moses told them they were!! Talk about transformative. So much so that it is a prototype for how we “do” church and lead today!!

Why am I so passionate about Mentoring?? Because lives, businesses, families and organizations are depending on it!!

You may not be clear on how to mentor someone effectively. Remember it starts with a relationship. Who do you know that could use the knowledge and experience you bring. They may be like Moses, doing it all wrong and not getting the desired result. All you have to do is start with a commitment and watch the transformation begin.

If you need a mentor, look around in your personal network. There is someone there with the knowledge and experience you need. All you have to do is ask. Your transformation awaits!!