Mentorship, Biblical Parenting, and Raising the Next Generation for Christ
Have you ever watched a relay race?
The runners don’t just focus on speed—they focus on passing the baton.
Because no matter how fast one person runs, if the baton drops, the race is lost.
This is exactly what mentorship and discipleship are about.
Christianity isn’t just about what you know or how much you grow—it’s about what you pass on to others.
So, let’s ask the hard question:
Are you stewarding your influence well? Or are you dropping the baton?
Because when it comes to discipleship, mentorship, and raising godly children…
What you fail to pass down may be lost forever.
1. Mentorship Is a Command, Not an Option
Many people think mentorship is for pastors, theologians, or professional counselors.
Wrong.
Mentorship is not a suggestion—it’s a biblical command.
Jesus said:
“Go and make disciples of all nations, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
This isn’t just about evangelism—it’s about discipleship.
And discipleship isn’t just about teaching what to believe—it’s about guiding people in how to live.
Biblical Examples of Mentorship
✔ Moses mentored Joshua – He didn’t just lead Israel; he trained Joshua to take over (Deuteronomy 31:7-8).
✔ Elijah mentored Elisha – Before Elijah was taken up, Elisha had received his spiritual mantle (2 Kings 2:9-14).
✔ Jesus mentored the Twelve – He didn’t just preach sermons—He walked with His disciples daily.
✔ Paul mentored Timothy and Titus – They became strong leaders because of Paul’s investment in them.
Christian growth isn’t just about personal development—it’s about pouring into others.
And if we’re not mentoring, we’re breaking the chain of discipleship.
2. The Dos and Don’ts of Mentorship
Not every mentor is a good one.
And not every mentoring relationship is healthy.
Let’s get practical:
✔ DOs of Mentorship
✅ Lead by Example – People learn by watching more than by listening (1 Corinthians 11:1).
✅ Be Available – A mentor that’s too busy to guide is just a title without impact.
✅ Speak Truth in Love – Correction should build up, not destroy (Ephesians 4:15).
✅ Encourage Growth – A good mentor pushes people to think, question, and mature.
✅ Pray for and with Them – Jesus constantly prayed for His disciples (Luke 22:32).
❌ DON’Ts of Mentorship
🚫 Don’t Play the Hero – You’re a mentor, not a savior. Point them to Jesus.
🚫 Don’t Micromanage – You’re a guide, not a dictator. Let them grow.
🚫 Don’t Gossip About Them – A mentor who breaks trust loses influence.
🚫 Don’t Force It – Not every mentoring relationship is meant to last forever.
🚫 Don’t Expect Perfection – People make mistakes. Be patient.
Mentorship done well changes lives.
Mentorship done wrong damages destinies.
So… are you mentoring well?
3. Stewarding the Next Generation (Biblical Parenting & Spiritual Influence)
Raising godly children isn’t just biological parenting—it’s spiritual stewardship.
Because the next generation will not follow Christ by accident.
If we don’t intentionally invest in them, they will be discipled by:
❌ Social media
❌ Culture
❌ Entertainment
❌ Peers who don’t know God
Biblical Parenting & Mentorship Principles
✔ Teach Them the Word Early – “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)
✔ Show, Don’t Just Tell – Your example matters more than your instructions (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).
✔ Correct with Love, Not Fear – Discipline should guide, not traumatize (Ephesians 6:4).
✔ Encourage Questions – Kids who aren’t allowed to ask questions will seek answers elsewhere.
✔ Let Them See Your Walk with God – Authenticity is more powerful than lectures.
If we don’t disciple the next generation, the world will.
4. Passing the Baton Without Dropping It
The greatest failure of any generation is not passing on what they received.
A perfect example?
The generation after Joshua:
“After that whole generation had been gathered to their ancestors, another generation grew up who knew neither the Lord nor what He had done for Israel.” (Judges 2:10)
How did that happen?
Because someone dropped the baton.
✔ They fought battles but didn’t pass on the faith.
✔ They built cities but didn’t build disciples.
✔ They won victories but failed in mentorship.
If we’re not careful, this can happen again.
And the solution? Intentional discipleship.
Final Thought: Who Are You Investing In?
Christianity is a relay race, not a solo sprint.
If all we do is grow spiritually but never help others grow, we have failed.
So, let’s reflect:
- Who is mentoring you?
- Who are you mentoring?
- Are you passing the baton, or are you dropping it?
Because what you fail to pass down might be lost forever.