Paul's letter to Titus is an excellent text to consider for the job description of a mentor. As ex. dir. of CWJC-GP, I am aware of the tremendous support and necessity of mentors for individuals working to change habits, thoughts and lifestyle.
Mentors serve the vital role. We need to "active listeners" and we should "listen twice as much as they speak". Mentoring is about finding a balance, it is like learning to dance with a new partner. But in this case, the Lead is the novice; the one learning and growing and determining his/her God-ordained path. The more experienced dancer is active in the dance by demonstrating possible steps, pointing out dangers and missteps, and often while learning this new dance finds JOY and NEW steps themselves.
Some typical tasks:
-guidance (SMART goal creation)
-sounding board/brainstorming
-redirection to refocus on goals, purpose, the hard-work
-lead by example
-advocate
-accountability partner
-Prayer Partner
-GRACE: drawing back to remembrance God's Riches at Christ's Expense. As we receive we give to others and ourselves. Matthew 22:37-40
Paul begins the Epistle (letter to) Titus in this manner: I am a servant of God, an Apostle (an eye-witness) of Jesus Christ for:
-the Faith of God's "elect" or those who have accepted God's offer of Salvation through Jesus Christ,
-the Knowledge of Truth that leads to "Godliness"
(Titus 1:1-3, NIV)
This starts the concept of mentoring. Any person will benefit from mentoring in a Christ-center setting even if that person is not a believer in Christ. This is due to the fact that God created us and He gives the laws and precepts that are the best, healthiest for us ALL to live out in our lives. Again going back to Christ's statement in Matthew 22..."Thou shall love the Lord thy God with all they heart, and with all they soul, and with all they mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." KJV
Often Christ believers don't begin the process of becoming like Christ for years. The process of "becoming like Christ" is Sanctification. We need to begin this process everyday.
Fanny Crosby wrote this hymn:
1 More like Jesus would I be, Let my Savior dwell with me;
Fill my soul with peace and love, Make me gentle as a dove;
More like Jesus, while I go, Pilgrim in this world below;
Poor in spirit would I be; Let my Savior dwell in me.
2 If He hears the raven’s cry, If His ever watchful eye
Marks the sparrows when they fall, Surely He will hear my call:
He will teach me how to live, All my sinful thoughts forgive;
Pure in heart I still would be; Let my Savior dwell in me.
3 More like Jesus when I pray, More like Jesus day by day;
May I rest me by His side, Where the tranquil waters glide:
Born of Him, through grace renewed, By His love my will subdued,
Rich in faith I still would be; Let my Savior dwell in me.
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