The Power of Mentorship

Mentorship is more than advice—it’s wisdom shared across generations. In a world where independence is often prized above all else, the quiet strength of walking with someone, learning from them, or helping them grow is sometimes overlooked. But mentorship has the power to change lives, reveal callings, and build legacies of faith that last. Whether you’re the one being mentored or doing the mentoring, this kind of relationship can give you strength when life is confusing and direction seems unclear.

We were never meant to walk alone. The Bible is filled with examples of mentoring relationships that changed history—Moses and Joshua, Elijah and Elisha, Paul and Timothy. But one of the most powerful examples comes from church history, in the lives of two men whose friendship reshaped the world.

The Story of John Newton and William Wilberforce: A Historical Example of Mentorship

John Newton was once a slave trader, far from the man we remember for writing the beloved hymn “Amazing Grace.” But after encountering Christ, his life was transformed. Years later, Newton would become a pastor and spiritual mentor to a young, passionate member of Parliament—William Wilberforce.

Wilberforce was wrestling with his faith and wondering if he should abandon politics for ministry. But Newton saw something deeper in him. He urged Wilberforce to stay in government and use his influence for good. That encouragement became the turning point for Wilberforce’s life.

For over two decades, Wilberforce fought tirelessly to end the British slave trade. And through his persistence—and the guidance and prayers of Newton—the Slave Trade Act was passed in 1807, just months before Newton died. That’s the power of mentorship: it doesn’t just impact individuals; it changes history.

How Mentorship Clarifies Your Calling

Mentorship is often where clarity emerges. When we’re surrounded by noise and options, it’s easy to lose sight of what we’re truly called to do. A mentor doesn’t hand us a road map, but they help us ask the right questions. They see what we sometimes can’t—and speak life into our potential.

Maybe you’re in a season where you’re seeking direction. Or maybe someone around you is. The presence of a wise mentor can be the difference between wandering and walking in purpose. When someone walks with us, believes in us, and challenges us, we begin to understand our identity more deeply. Mentors help us connect the dots between our faith and our future.

And the truth is, we all need help seeing ourselves clearly. A mentor reminds us not just of who we are, but of who we are becoming.

Psalm 1: Relational Growth vs. Personal Discipline

Psalm 1 paints a picture of the blessed life—a life rooted in God’s Word, thriving like a tree planted by streams of water. But what’s often missed is that this kind of growth isn’t just about reading more or praying harder. It’s also about the people we surround ourselves with.

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly… but his delight is in the law of the Lord.” (Psalm 1:1-2, NKJV)

In other words, who we listen to matters. Who we let speak into our lives shapes the direction we take. Mentorship is one of the ways God provides counsel and wisdom. It isn’t a substitute for Scripture, but a partner to it. God often speaks through people.

You might be pursuing spiritual discipline on your own—and that’s good—but mentorship can take that growth deeper, offering relational accountability, encouragement, and perspective.

Are You Called to Seek a Mentor or Become One?

You don’t have to wait for someone to approach you with a mentorship opportunity. Maybe this is the moment you take a step—either to seek a mentor or to offer your time to someone younger in the faith. Both roles are acts of strength.

As a matter of fact, I believe everyone should have a mentor.

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or spiritually dry, consider asking someone you respect to meet with you regularly. Ask them questions. Let them challenge you.

If you’ve walked with Jesus for a while, you have something to give. You don’t need a theology degree or all the right answers. You just need to show up and be willing to listen, encourage, and share what God has done in your life.

Whether you’re 18 or 88, there’s someone ahead of you and someone behind you. God invites us to learn and lead at the same time.

The Ripple Effect: Mentorship’s Impact on the World

Mentorship is never just about two people. When you pour into someone’s life, the ripple effect reaches far beyond what you can see. The faith you help strengthen in one person might equip them to lead hundreds. The confidence you help build might empower them to write, teach, serve, or start a ministry.

Just think—John Newton never stood before Parliament to argue against slavery, but his investment in Wilberforce changed the world. The impact of that one mentorship echoes through history.

God doesn’t ask you to change the world. He asks you to be faithful to the one person He’s put in front of you. That’s how legacy begins.

Practical Steps to Finding or Becoming a Mentor

If you’re ready to pursue mentorship in your life, here are some simple ways to begin:

1. Pray for Guidance. Ask God to show you who to reach out to—or who might need your encouragement. Don’t underestimate who He might use.
2. Start Small. You don’t need to commit to weekly meetings forever. Begin with a coffee. Start a conversation. Ask how you can pray for one another.
3. Be Honest. If you’re seeking a mentor, share why. Be open about what you’re struggling with. If you’re offering mentorship, don’t feel pressure to be perfect. Just be real.
4. Create Rhythms. Maybe you meet monthly to discuss Scripture, life goals, or struggles. Maybe you read a book together. Keep it simple, but consistent.
5. Follow Through. Show up. Pray for them. Encourage them. Follow up. Be present. That’s what makes a difference over time.

My Personal Invitation to You

If you’re stepping into a new season of mentorship—seeking it or offering it—I’d love to pray for you. I believe God is already at work, preparing hearts and opening doors.

You can send me a message or a prayer request directly through this link or leave me a voicemail here. Let’s walk this journey together.

You can also follow the Daily Devotions for Busy Lives podcast for regular encouragement to keep growing and showing up in the places God has called you.

Don’t Underestimate the Power of Walking Alongside Someone

The power of mentorship isn’t in having all the answers. It’s in being present. It’s in sharing your story, your time, and your heart.

Mentorship brings strength—because it reminds us that we’re not alone, that growth is possible, and that God uses ordinary people to build extraordinary legacies.

So whether you’re called to seek someone out or be that steady voice for someone else—take the step. Because the greatest strength we can offer sometimes comes from simply walking alongside another soul on the journey of faith.

Listen to the companion episode "The Power of a Mentor."