Mentoring

Building One Another: A Letter of Encouragement (I Thessalonians 5:11)

January 15, 2008
Volume 7, No. 3 Mentoring

Dear Friend,

In the midst of the epic story that unfolds in the Book of Acts there is what seems to be a small aside:

“Now there came to Ephesus a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria. He was an eloquent man, well-versed in the scriptures. He had been instructed in the Way of the Lord; and he spoke with burning enthusiasm and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue; but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained the Way of God to him more accurately.” Acts 18:24-26 (NRSV)

Certain matters just jump out of this story. Priscilla and Aquila were not threatened or jealous of the fervor and knowledge of Apollos. Instead they mentored him and sent forth a servant of Christ to use his incredible gifts.

Who are you mentoring? Into whose life are you encouraging life on life? If you have children, surely they are on your list. Who else?

Priscilla and Aquila could have excused themselves, “We’re too busy, the house is a mess, he has rough edges,” and done nothing. Instead, they mentored Apollos by spending their lives with him.

They focused on him. Invited him into their home – hung out with him. Shared their heart with him and so shaped his understanding of the faith.

Surely there is someone in your life that you could mentor. Why not begin with one?

“Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens the wits^* of another.” Proverbs 27:17

With joy

E. Stanley Ott

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E. Stanley Ott is pastor of the Pleasant Hills Community Presbyterian Church and president of the Vital Churches Institute and Vital Faith Resources. As author and teacher, Stan has communicated practices of congregational vitality and leadership to thousands of people throughout the United States and abroad.

Copyright 2008 E. Stanley Ott

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