SSS55
Mentoring has its Heartaches
Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry. II Tim.4:11
It’s mind-numbing how quickly a full ministry is over. I’ve trained many young preachers, but no one warned me how much joy & heartache it would bring. Many young preachers thrill your soul as they excel in their calling and some will shockingly stab you in the back. There are no perfect mentors which is why teaching, training, and mentoring requires patience and prayer. Sadly some will not appreciate nor recognize you once they are on their own.
I call it…“Haughty amnesia.”
My pastor was Dr. John Rawlings. He was a great man for many reasons. He was bigger than life and God used him to advance the Kingdom of God. Later I disagreed with him in a few areas but never did I fail to lovingly acknowledge him. Before he died, he admitted to me that he had made some bad mistakes. This made me respect him more. I determined to love and honor him until the day he died. Why? Because of what God did for me through him. He was instrumental in leading my dad to Christ, he was instrumental in my salvation, he ordained me and performed my wedding. As I grew I was convicted to go another direction. But I decided to always honor him. I wanted him to know that his investment in me was not wasted.
So on his birthday til the day he died (99 yrs), I sent him ties, pocket knives, various gifts and letters of appreciation. Once or twice a year I’d go see him. I invited Dr.John to come preach at my new church; he did a wonderful job and was sharp as ever at the age of 92.
Here is my point, when we mentor young men, we do it for the gospel’s sake. If that young man makes shipwreck, we grieve. But if that young preacher doesn’t appreciate or honor us for what we did for them, then we shall sort it out at the Judgment Seat of Christ.
Four things to remember when mentoring:
1. In training men to be leaders, don’t get angry if they disagree with you. Train them to become who God wants them to be. You do not own them, God does.
2. Don’t be too wounded if they do not appreciate or honor you as they should. Remember, we do all for the glory of the Lord and His Gospel. If they stay by the stuff and don’t become heretics, rejoice; you’ll be rewarded at the BEMA seat.
3. Advising or counseling them is often misunderstood. Many are insecure & prone to jealousy, like teen boys who oppose their dad. Accept & expect this.
4. Remember the apostle Paul trained many young men, yet when it came time to die, only Timotheus stood with him. Timothy‘s are rare & hard to find.
As we mentor young men and women, it is essential to recognize that some will cherish and value you, others will betray you. Some will be loyal Timothy’s, others will be like Demas and trade you for the World; some will prove profitable like John Mark, and sadly, many you’ll never see again. But for those that will wage a good warfare against the kingdom of darkness, praise God. The bottom line: it’s not about us, it’s about the LORD, His kingdom and contending for the faith once delivered to the saints. This continuing Faith after we are gone, is vital. When the coffin lid closes on my stone cold face, hopefully the doctrine, the Gospel and the mentoring I did will prosper in the lives of young men. As they navigate their own journeys they will face disappointments and betrayals. They’ll reap the things they have sown. Maybe then they’ll recall the old man who sweetened their path? None of us are above making grave mistakes and errors. But remember this dear preacher, you also are far from “amazing” —if you will not honor the men who mentored you, you’ll face some tough lessons. Whether you are a young or older pastor, do NOT forget the flawed men who laid your foundation, built your library, mentored, loved & promoted you as their own son!! While on staff, I remember walking passed Dr. Rawlings office, he called out; “son come in here.
