If you work with young people, I want to encourage you to read the blog series “Transforming Teens” by Pastor Kurt Skelly. This is presently a seven-part series of articles that examines how Paul mentored Timothy. It is insightful, well-written, and helpful for anyone who is mentoring young lives.
These articles highlight seven critical qualities/steps of a biblical mentor:
- Recognize your own call to God and embody a life of biblical priority.
- Prayerfully consider those God would lead you to mentor.
- Never underestimate the power of the written word.
- Confirm your love sincerely and consistently.
- Communicate often your desire for him to be the recipient of God’s blessings.
- Pray for him and let him know you are praying.
- Tell him you enjoy being with him (develop a strong emotional bond).
Personally, I’m looking forward to Pastor Skelly continuing this series. Each of these points challenged me, especially as they flowed directly from the apostle’s own letter to Timothy! Be sure to do more than read the series—respond. Even as I read, the Lord was placing names on my heart, and I was writing letters, setting appointments, and seeking to act on what was shared.
God still blesses the principles of His Word as we minister to young lives. We don’t need to re-invent youth ministry. We just need to obey God’s original blueprint.
(Pastor Skelly is the pastor of the Harvest Baptist Church near Pittsburgh, PA. He’s a tremendous preacher, a good friend, and a man with good biblical insight.)
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