MENTORS , LEADERS, TEACHERS AND GUIDES:

Christian Times Magazine issue 62 page 36

By Zernalyn Palmares

The Value of Mentoring in a Christian Perspective

During the 1400-1500’s any form of a formal education was unusual . Children that were born of the peasant class during mid 1500’s managed to attend some schooling of sort under the sponsorship of their Feudal lord with the understanding that they would go into the Lord’s service , they would learn basic reading, math and ecclesiastical studies to eventually benefit the Fiefdom. But there was also the apprenticeship system, wherein a youth would work under the tutelage of a master craftsman for free in exchange for a valuable education . This individual lived under the roof of his mentor, ate what he ate, watched and observed and immersed himself in learning techniques , knowledge and skills that would serve as a trade to earn a living. Often times the master would take on the role of parent, guide and teacher providing their needs and moral direction.

In today’s world wherein there is an eroding moral compass mentors that can lead and guide our youths into a biblical perspective of how to live their lives are far and few between. In a society that embraces worldly values, Christian mentoring has become an endangered social commodity. Teachers for fear of their jobs silently look on as prayer is taken away from schools and when holiday practices are stripped of their spiritual significance and replaced by commercialism. During the 80’s when watching Karate Kid, the perfect mentor would be Mr. Miyagi telling Daniel-San, “lie become truth only if person wanna believe it”. Hollywood created a character that exemplified a strong moral compass.

There was also a mutant rat named Splinter that would be the adoptive father of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles who would tell them “ …happiness outside of yourself , you’ll never find it . Happiness exists within you ..”

Christian Times Magazine issue 62 But then again as good as this sounds is this in a biblical perspective ?

What is Christian Mentorship? According to Diane Partin, Behavioral Health Director ( of Hospital System) . “ For a Christian to mentor anyone, believers and non-believers, fulfils the gifts that God has given the Mentor. And the benefit to those mentored are being led by a person full of wisdom and love, who is seeking the best outcome for everyone through their leadership. Regardless, if scripture or God is discussed between Mentor and mentored. BUT if through this relationship a door is opened to discuss those things, then do so with gentleness, respect and love…. “speak the Truth in love.” Ms. Partin quotes . For a Christian to mentor anyone, believers and non-believers, fulfils the gifts that God has given the Mentor. And the benefit to those mentored are being led by a person full of wisdom and love, who is seeking the best outcome for everyone through their leadership. Regardless if scripture or God is discussed between Mentor and mentored. BUT if through this relationship a door is opened to discuss those things, then do so with gentleness, respect and love…. “speak the Truth in love.”

Ms. Partin quotes Ephesians 4: 1-16 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you

page 37 have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 8 This is why it[a] says: “When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people.”[b] 9 (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions[c]? 10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) 11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15

Christian Times Magazine issue 62

page 38 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. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

From good Christian Mentoring , Christian organizations thrive when their leaders have had the opportunity to be graced with the teachings of Christ . Covenant Kids Chief Operating Officer , Daniel Lund shares that “ I am blessed to have some amazing mentors in my life currently that are not only strong advocates for the work we do but also support me on a personal level through love and accountability. I have learned so much and it is such an amazing feeling to have people who you can call on at any time for support. I hope to be able to give back to others what they have provided for me over the last several years. The organization has nurtured more than 4,600 children in the past 15 years in foster family placements.

To build strong foundational faith future generations must learn from those that have come before them. Those that can impart the gift of lessons need to teach the children of tomorrow. And even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me, Until I declare your strength to this generation. Your power to all who are to come. Psalm 71:18

SID MILLER ENDORSED BY DONALD J.TRUMP