Mentoring: An Important Interview

Adrian Warnock recently interviewed Josh Harris, author/pastor of Covenant Life Church, on being mentored by popular author/pastor, CJ Mahaney.  I'm familiar with Josh because his father, Gregg, has been a home schooling authority for years.  It was Gregg's tape series that put the advantages and challenges of home schooling in perspective for Deea and I.

I was reminded in the interview of the role mentoring plays in Christian discipleship.  I've been fortunate to have been mentored over the last 15+ years by my pastor and good friend, Doug Sherman.  Doug has invested much time and prayer into our relationship.  At times I've wished for something more "apprentice-like."  But Grace Harvest Church is a relatively small church and staff opportunities have been few.  Still, I'll always be grateful to have witnessed consistent Christ-like character modeled first-hand by a truly honorable man of God.  The church needs more of these kinds of relationships. 

Comments

[Chris Giammona]

Jim

I thought the interview was great and I could certainly relate to the joys of having Godly mentors in my life. I like the pictures - I may add them to my blog for effect.

Chris

[James]

Thanks for visiting, Chris. You have a great looking blog. I'm not sure what your recent updates involved but they're working!

I have so much to learn on this issue of mentoring/discipleship. I hate to see a concept like "authenticity" cheapened by it's current attachment with trendy churchianity. I've always struggled with this tendency to perform. Yet I long to know and be known by others in that intimate fellowship that only the Spirit of God can perform. I can't pull it off. My authenticity will always be based on the Spirit's work within me. It's His life in me now. He's what makes me "real."

My point is that authenticity is a prerequisite to transforming discipleship. Authenticity is facilitated through trust. And trust can only exist where the gospel of grace has been revealed. Grace isn't cheap but it's free. I think our relationships have too many "strings" and expectations attached to them. Legalism is a detriment to healthy mentoring relationships.