Are U Considering becoming a Spiritual Mentor?
Currently, our church is running a series that is talking a lot about Big Brother and Big Sister type relationships within the church. This concept is where more mature Christians lead or mentor younger Christians and so on. I have been having a bit of a struggle with this as I have not seen this type of relationship lived out, even within the current circles that I participate. I certainly understand that the process can take some time to develop or mature and that in any relationship you open yourself up to vulnerability, but when some of those leading the charge are the ones violating the trust…I take issue with that.
This concept has been very successful within the secular realm of Big Brother’s and Big Sister’s mentorship program. Research shows that children matched with a mentor are more likely to succeed in school and in life. Children matched with Big Brothers or Sisters are:
52% less likely to skip a day of school
46% less likely to start using illegal drugs
64% more confident of their ability to perform their schoolwork
I do believe that the mentorship philosophy can be equally successful in the spiritual context as well. However, just as in the secular version of this concept, if an adult Big Brother or Sister violates that trust with the younger child it could have a huge impact on the outcome of that child’s life. I think the piece missing for me in the spiritual mentorship program is the lack of proper screening, teaching and realization of the HUGE responsibility this is. Not properly handled and it could have REAL lasting impact on spiritual growth for the younger Christian.
Taking on a Big Brother or Big Sister role within the church, in my opinion, is one of the biggest responsibilities you can undertake and it ABSOLUTELY should not be taken lightly or for one’s own gain. Some that I have observed around me do not fully realized the responsibility that this type of role requires.
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