MENTORING RELATIONSHIPS

Acts 4:36
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

36 For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus.

Mentoring is an essential need in the church. Being able to spot a young person with potential and nurturing them is a key gift. Barnabas had this gift. Two men in the New Testament, both better known than Barnabas, owe their success at least in part to the mentoring relationship they had with him. We know well the Apostle Paul. He was a mentee of Barnabas. What about John Mark?

A quiet event happened on the missionary trip when Paul and Barnabas were working together to expand the church. John Mark, one of the younger team members, deserted the effort and returned home. On a later missionary journey, John Mark wanted to rejoin the team. Paul refused to take John Mark. Barnabas would not abandon John Mark, a good man who needed sponsorship, encouragement and development. Paul was now well established. Barnabas chose to travel with John Mark.

A great mentor doesn’t win just by going with winners. He or she sometimes turns losers into winners. That’s what Barnabas did with John Mark. That’s what God needs with you; a believer with the vision, discernment and commitment to take on a mentoring relationship with someone who needs encouragement.