Elevated Faith: Mentoring (Part 2 of 3)
Welcome back! In Elevated Faith: Mentoring, Part 1, we explored the foundational steps of mentoring—building relationships, listening, sharing wisdom, encouraging growth, and empowering others to lead. As you've begun to implement these steps, it's natural to encounter challenges, both in your own faith and in the mentoring relationship itself. But, these obstacles are an integral part of growth, sharpening both mentor and mentee alike. In Part 2, we will dive into the common challenges mentors face, the rewards that come from perseverance, and how each challenge can lead to a deeper faith.
Again, we will break down these challenges and rewards into five essential areas that you may experience on your elevated faith mentoring journey.
1. Overcoming Doubts and Insecurities
One of the first challenges that both mentors and mentees often encounter is doubt—doubt in your ability to guide, doubt in your wisdom, or even doubt in God's purpose for the relationship. As a mentor, you may wonder if you're really equipped to help someone else grow in faith. These feelings of inadequacy can hinder your ability to lead confidently. However, “if God has ever shown up for you, then you have the evidence that He will show up for you”. Example: You woke up this morning, that’s living proof that He will show up! Trust in that right now.
Scripture Reference: Exodus 4:10-12: "Moses said to the Lord, 'Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.' The Lord said to him, 'Who gave human beings their mouths? ... Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.'"
Practical Examples:
Inside Church: When doubt creeps in, pray for guidance and confidence, and remember how God has helped you in the past. Spend time in prayer with your mentee, asking God for wisdom and direction. Moses, despite his insecurities, was used mightily by God—trust that you can be too.
Outside Church: Be transparent with your mentee. Sharing your own struggles with doubt and how God has worked through them will encourage vulnerability and build deeper trust.
The Reward:
As you overcome these insecurities, you'll find that your elevated faith deepens more. Leading through doubt brings you closer to God as you rely on His strength rather than your own. It also reassures your mentee that struggles are a natural part of spiritual growth.
2. Navigating Difficult Conversations
There will be moments in your mentoring relationship when you need to confront difficult topics—perhaps a sinful behavior, a lack of commitment, or a misunderstanding of Scripture. These moments require sensitivity, wisdom, and above all, love. However, addressing hard issues is vital for true spiritual growth.
Scripture Reference:Ephesians 4:15: "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.
Bonus: Personal Testimony
I was having lunch with my family at a well known Country Restaurant. My granddaughter was wearing a ‘GOD IS DOPE’ T-Shirt. The waiter seemed quite agitated and finally built up the courage to ask me how could I let her wear offensive clothing that did not honor God.
My response was 2 fold. First I said young man this is a restaurant. I could have cooked at home; but I came here to be served. Serving me is your ONLY job.
However- since you had the courage to challenge me; I will give you a response.
Recognize this: she is a teenager. At one point I was a teenager and so were you. Depending upon the decade, the colloquialisms (slang) we used at the time were unique. For my era it was “the man” which meant walking in the greatest authority, given the greatest respect and receiving the highest of praise,
For your era it was probably “the bomb!” For my granddaughter’s era it is “dope” which certainly is not the accolade I would choose, but, their era is not my era, neither is it yours.
We have to meet people where they are; just as Jesus met the woman at the well, and the man at the Pool Of Bethesda. Each of them walked in elevated faith immediately after their encounter with Jesus. Before we can help someone, we have to be able to communicate. It’s a 2 way street. They want to understand us, and they want us to understand them as we encourage them to grow in the Lord. Sometimes, the mentoring process takes us outside of our home church and/or outside of our personal mentees.
Still, we are their models and their instructors, the ones who lead them towards elevated faith. Trust God and let His word do the work!
Practical Examples:
Inside Church: When discussing sensitive matters, approach the conversation with humility and a heart of grace. Frame the conversation around Scripture and ask God to guide your words. Praying is a critical component for both the mentor and mentee.
Outside Church: Prepare for difficult conversations by checking in with your mentee regularly. Consistent communication makes tough discussions easier because trust has already been established.
The Reward: Though difficult, these conversations often lead to breakthroughs. Your mentee will experience personal conviction, and you will witness how God works through honesty and compassion. The reward is mutual growth—your mentee learns to accept correction, and you grow in delivering truth with love.
3. Handling Disappointments and Setbacks
At some point, you may face disappointments in your mentoring journey. Perhaps your mentee falls away from the faith, fails to meet goals, or rejects the advice you've given. These moments can leave you feeling like you've failed as a mentor. However, setbacks are often part of God's greater plan, and they offer opportunities for growth and patience.
Scripture Reference: Galatians 6:9: "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
Practical Examples:
Inside Church: When setbacks occur, bring the issue before God in prayer. Share your feelings of disappointment with trusted church leaders or fellow mentors for support.
Outside Church: Continue to reach out to your mentee, even during difficult times. A simple text message of encouragement or a reminder of God's faithfulness can keep the relationship strong, even when progress seems slow.
The Reward:
Patience and perseverance through these setbacks strengthen your character as a mentor. You learn to trust that God is working in your mentee's life, even when you don't see immediate results. Your mentee, in turn, sees the power of unconditional support and grace.
4. Finding the Right Balance Between Guidance and Independence
As a mentor, you may struggle with finding the right balance between offering guidance and allowing your mentee to grow independently. It can be tempting to give too much advice, making your mentee reliant on your input. On the other hand, stepping back too soon can leave them feeling unsupported. Striking this balance requires discernment and trust in God's timing.
Scripture Reference: Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Practical Examples:
Inside Church: Encourage your mentee to seek answers through Scripture and prayer before coming to you for advice. This promotes spiritual independence and fosters their personal relationship with God.
Outside Church: Gradually empower your mentee to make decisions without your constant input. Be there for support, but remind them that part of their growth is learning to trust God's voice in their own life.
The Reward:
When you see your mentee confidently stepping into their own faith, making wise decisions, and becoming more independent, it will be a rewarding experience. You've succeeded in not just teaching them what to believe, but how to navigate their faith journey on their own. Watching them move from one level of elevated faith to the next is a delight.
5. Maintaining Your Own Spiritual Growth
Perhaps one of the most significant challenges in the mentoring process is maintaining your own spiritual growth. Mentoring can be emotionally, spiritually, and even physically draining if you are constantly pouring into someone else without being replenished. It's essential to prioritize your own relationship with God to avoid burnout. Praying and training go together. Take the time to pray often.
Scripture Reference: Matthew 14:23: "After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone."
Practical Examples:
Inside Church: Make time for your own spiritual practices. Attend Bible studies, sermons, and prayer groups for your personal edification, not just for the sake of your mentee.
Outside Church: Schedule regular periods of rest and reflection. Take a day or even a few hours each week to be alone with God, away from the demands of mentoring.
The Reward:
When you make time for your own spiritual health, you'll find that mentoring becomes a joy rather than a burden. You'll have the energy and passion to lead by example, showing your mentee the importance of personal time with God.
Final Thoughts
As we continue this journey of Elevated Faith, remember that mentoring is not just a process—it's a relationship that grows and evolves over time. The challenges you face will often be the very things that shape you into a stronger, more faithful believer. Through overcoming doubts, navigating difficult conversations, handling setbacks, finding balance, and maintaining your own spiritual growth.
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