“You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them.
In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work….”
2nd Timothy 3: 10-17
I believe God is raising up forerunners in this generation. He is doing a marvelous thing which includes the youth in his great plan. Many are accepting the call of the great harvest and are seen in the enthusiasm, passion to serve the church and eagerness to learn more from his word.
He is raising up people like Joshua, David and Stephen in this technological age. They are making impact in every part of society and the world at large.
As leaders, we have an important role to fill-in of this great move. They need to be trained, equipped and mentored in the right way.
With these in mind, how then can we impart, train and develop these young ones to become effective influencers in our society today? What is our model in doing so and how should we see the outcome of all our efforts?
One great example is shown in the last few pages of the scriptures through the letters of Paul to Timothy, a young man in Ephesus. As many of us would know, Timothy took on the role as pastor in one of the biggest churches in biblical times. He was a young disciple of Paul and perhaps, as the scripture says, a “spiritual son” of Paul.
Paul and Timothy’s relationship is one of our great examples for today. Paul and his mother and grandmother were able to mentor him in the ways of the Lord. Paul specifically taught him how to minister, teach and lead the body of Christ at an early age.
If you read the 2 letters of Timothy, Paul was actually giving instructions on church organizations, teaching, ministerial gifts and sustaining church growth amidst future challenges (like false teachers and prophecies).
He was telling Timothy that because he is already old, he must now rely on Timothy and how he can train others, who will be equipped with the ministry as well.
The Epistles shows Paul’s character when it comes to mentoring:
- Paul was able to give clear and sound instructions about ministry and Timothy’s calling
- Paul had the experience, authority and influence over the subjects he discussed
- Paul was also able to target (identify) the right audience in the person of Timothy, leaving him a legacy that the modern church is patterned hereof
- Paul believed that Timothy can do it and he can share it to others
Also, the epistles also shares about Timothy;
- Timothy was trained in the godly way as a child
- Timothy received in his heart the prophecies and teachings given to him by godly men
- Timothy was ready to take the challenge
- Timothy was mentored by Paul and took part in the ministry since the start of Paul’s apostolic ministry
- Timothy never abandoned his calling
Paul and Timothy are considered the perfect example of mentorship. It went beyond weekly bible studies and all, it became stronger through the years and the very foundation of Paul’s ministry was also seen in the life and ministry of Timothy in Ephesus.
Conclusion:
With our goal to develop the right strategy and program for youth programs, it’s my prayer that we do it with the mindset of Paul and the positivity of Timothy.
God is doing something great, he always is. Our challenge is taking part of that work and making sure that we listen and accept these things that we may be able to share it to others and give God the glory.
