If you’re newly called to ministry, one of the first things you should consider is finding a mentor…someone who can inspire you and offer guidance in the ministry, just as Paul did for Timothy. A potential mentor may be in the exact type of ministry where you believe you’re being called, or they may be serving God in a completely different capacity.
Regardless, you can learn and be encouraged as you follow God’s leading in your own life.
Where to Begin
Because God has probably placed you in several different circles of influence, perhaps begin with someone you already know. Look around at the people who are active in your church. A respected Sunday school teacher, nursery director or youth group leader can be someone you look to for guidance and advice. Even if your goal is to serve outside your church, your first mentor may very well be someone you see every Sunday.
The one requirement is that they should be active in faithful ministry.
Look for Similarities
Another way to find a mentor is by looking at other ministries similar to God’s leading in your life. For example, God may be calling you to work with troubled youth, so perhaps, find someone active in the Big Brother Big Sister program. Or build a relationship with a foster parent or a youth counselor. They can offer valuable insight into what is happening with the youth of today, which will prepare you for your ministry. Again, they may or may not be an exact match for God’s calling in your life, but the similarities may offer numerous benefits for education and inspiration.
Be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Go Online
Don’t be afraid to go online to find someone who is willing to serve as a mentor. You can find Facebook groups or other groups on forums where you can join. Take some time to find out what they believe and make sure they align with your beliefs and will support, not undermine your call. As you meet people online and participate, you’ll probably find someone who stands out as knowledgeable or helpful. All you have to do is start a conversation and ask them how they would feel about becoming your mentor.
The Relationship
Regardless of which avenues you use to search for a mentor, make sure you take the time to get to know someone before asking them to fill that role. It allows you to get to know them and determine if they are the right person to ask, and it enables them to have the chance to get to know you and decide if they want to invest that much of themselves.
The Holy Spirit…Your Ultimate Mentor
While everything we’ve said is great advice, first, you must pray for wisdom. Then you must “test the Spirit” as the scripture teaches us to do. But know that we are never on our own. Jesus said He would ask the Father to send us a comforter. We see in Scripture that the Holy Spirit is the ultimate mentor, comforter and advocate. He can protect us even as we seek spiritual wisdom and encouragement from others in the faith and in ministry!
