Mentoring And Making DisciplesSample

A Person Of Encouragement 

Encouragement is a key aspect of mentoring. Paul calls the Christian life a race. Not a short 100 meter dash, but a marathon. In the present day, that would be a 42 Km run. As the runners get tired, there are people cheering them on telling them that soon they will reach the finish line. 

In the book of Acts, we see a man whom the apostles named Barnabas, meaning son of encouragement. (Acts 4:36). Everyone who met him felt uplifted and motivated. People on the verge of giving up their new faith were inspired to continue, in spite of trials. Barnabas encouraged new Christians to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. (Acts 11:23)

Barnabas greatly influenced the life of Paul the apostle. The much feared persecutor, Saul, has a life-changing encounter with Jesus.  But when he comes to Jerusalem to join the disciples, they were all afraid of him. They did not believe that he was a disciple. Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road, Saul had seen the Lord. Barnabas vouched for his conversion. After Barnabas introduced him, Paul was included in the group and began, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord. (Acts 9:26-27)

What a testimony to Barnabas’ character! He sees Paul, is willing to trust him and introduces him to the others. When Paul later was sent off to Tarsus because of a threat to his life , we read that he went in search of Barnabus. ( Acts 11:25) Later, he takes him to cypress where he grew up (Acts 13:4 ) and they set off on their first missionary journey together. 

Barnabas identified the work of God in Paul’s life that others could not see. The gospel went out to the Gentiles through Paul but there was a Barnabas who relentlessly encouraged him for many years after his conversion.

We all need a Barnabas in life to encourage us to accomplish God’s calling. A mentor can identify hidden talents and gifts and help you grow in that area. Seek out a Barnabas! Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you to a mentor.