Mentoring may seem new, but actually it is one of the oldest and best methods of learning. In times before degrees were mandatory, the mentoring system was the accepted one, not only in manual skills but in the professions, such as medicine and law.

Ray Stedman, who pastored Peninsula Bible Church in California for many years, believed in and practiced the apprentice method. He always had a few young men on staff who would travel with him; together they would study, observe, and delineate the scriptural principles of life. These mentorees saw how the work was done and how to apply their learning in practical ways.

As we look at Scripture, we immediately think of Paul and Timothy. From the text I don't know how much technical skill Paul gave him as a missionary, but we do know Paul was an excellent role model and sponsor. He let Timothy observe him at work. Paul promoted him to the churches.

The responsibility of the mentor is to be open, real, and personify consistently who ...

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