"Why Mentoring is an Absolute Must in Our Culture" 
March 14, 2005

God's purpose for every Christian is that he or she may develop into Christ likeness or godliness (Romans 8:29). But how can we be like Jesus, the Son of God? We find the clear answer in 1 Timothy 4:7b (NASV), which says "Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness." It is possible for one to discipline himself through his own personal commitment, but they are few indeed in the context of an undisciplined culture. Therefore, most people must have someone who will come alongside them to encourage them in discipline and also to hold them accountable. Such is the role of the true mentor.

Tom Landry, coach of the Dallas Cowboys, for three decades, said "The job of a football coach is to make men do what they don't want to do in order to achieve what they have always wanted to be." (Donald Whitney, Spiritual Disciplines of the Christian Life, p.18). In much the same way, Christians are called to make themselves do something they would not naturally do - pursue the spiritual disciplines - in order to become what they have always wanted to be, that is, like Jesus Christ. The spiritual disciplines are the God-given means we are to use in the spirit-filled pursuit of godliness. However, to submit to the disciplines, one needs a coach, guide, model, advisor, which translates into a mentor.

I have mentored people for a good many years and am now working with scores of men in every walk of life. Wherever I go today, I hear men, young and old, lay and clergy, ask this question, "Where can I find someone who would be willing to help me as I navigate my way through life?" (Ibid., p. 14). There are myriads of small groups in every community - Bible studies, prayer groups, seminars, etc - such ministries are needed and helpful; but for most people growth and change simply won't happen apart from a relationship with someone who will lovingly and sacrificially influence their development and provide motivation and accountability (Ibid.,p. 25). Mentoring alone meets this requirement. Jesus understood this truth very well and therefore spent most of the three ½ years of His ministry with twelve men. The apostle Paul, following in the steps of his Master, was a master mentor. His slogan, also mine, is expressed in 1 Thess. 2:8, "I love you so much that I am delighted not only to give you the gospel of God but my own life also."

That mentoring is desperately needed in our culture today is demonstrated by the dearth of leadership in every area of American life. The eminent writer and educator, Dr. William Hendricks declares, "There is a great crisis in all areas of leadership in our country today, and the records show that this need will only be met by mentoring." (see his excellent book, As Iron Sharpens Iron).

Do you feel a need for a mentor? If so, please contact me by email. bill.bennett@mentoringmen.org

Would you be willing to mentor? "The harvest truly is plenteous but the laborers are few" (Matthew 9:37). If you would consider mentoring, I would like to talk to you about the possibility. Please contact me by email. bill.bennett@mentoringmen.org
 
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Are you a pastor who is struggling in your ministry? Do you feel all alone and just ready to throw in the towel? I beg you not to be one of these statistics - "for every twenty pastors that enter the ministry, by the time those men reach 65, only one will still be in the ministry." God has called me into mentoring. I believe I can help you if you desire help. I have pastored churches with congregations as small as 85 to as large as 8000. Please contact me - let me walk along side of you and help you through this….in the strictest of confidence. Don't wait till it's too late. Email me at bill.bennett@mentoringmen.org
 
Bill Bennett
President and Founder of Mentoring Men for the Master