A number of significant words are associated with dependence, the primary of which is reliant. Spiritual leaders understand the need to rely upon God. They are dependent upon His guidance, direction, strength, and provisions to lead others.

Spiritual leaders are also aware of the fact that followers are also dependent upon them to provide the same.

Guidance involves advice and instruction for the conduct and behavior of living.

Direction shows the way, primarily the way to an eternal destination.

Strength is needed to get up and keep moving in the right direction connected to the goal.

Provisions are given to continue the journey, even when all else seems to have failed.

These four areas are all directly related to the dependence that is associated with our relationship with God and those who fill the role of leading God’s people.

The role is never taken lightly. It is critical to building of a solid foundation that supplies all of us the basic components to our growth in relationship with God.

The mentoring relationship is a mutual relationship designed to establish and achieve specific well-defined goals.

These goals are connected to developing the ability to know, think, and perform.

The ultimate purpose and design of mentoring is to create a relationship that nurtures learning. One of the key components required to achieve this is responsibility.

When mentored, a learner takes responsibility for the priorities, learning, and resources to achieve a capacity for self-direction. The idea expresses moving “from dependence to independence to interdependence” (3).

A number of elements essential for a learning-centered mentoring program include: reciprocity, learning, relationship, partnership, collaboration, mutually defined goals, and development.

The design is to promote stronger relationships that motivate, inspire, and contribute to development and growth. This relationship is collaborative and channeled to achieve a support system of success. The mutuality in mentoring increases the viability of the desired purpose in the relationship.

For more information on developing mentoring relationships, read Lois Zachary’s book The Mentor’s Guide, Facilitating Effective Learning Relationships.

“Inside Chipotle,” a documentary in 2013, highlighted a very important area regarding leadership. Managers in the company are promoted on the bases of how they develop leaders among their employees.

The concept of leaders developing leaders is a highly known principle in most all leadership models. John Maxwell states, “To grow, lead followers. To multiply, lead leaders.” This is why the need for mentors is an important part of this week’s posts.

How amazing would it be for spiritual leaders to consider the benefit to them when involved in developing other leaders?

Instead of being consumed with the fear of being out-performed, shown-up, or otherwise replaced, imagine the development of a company where leaders were constantly grooming others to lead.

Imagine the growth that would occur within the church.

Biblically, this principle is emphasized in several places. Jesus demonstrated this in developing the apostles for the task of evangelizing the world.

Paul instructs older men to set an example of a godly life and for older women to teach younger women matters of the home.

We influence others everyday. Let us mentor them to lead.

Information about mentoring is unlimited and various approaches indicate there are options available for consideration.

I intend to explore several areas related to the concept of mentoring and how Christians can use mentoring to achieve the second half of the Great Commission: “…teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”

Mentoring involves an experienced and trusted advisor who trains and counsels someone else. The mentoring relationship may extend from a few days to a few years depending on the nature and purpose of the relationship.

As a spiritual influence in the lives of others, we all want to pursue ways we can mentor someone in developing a mature faith.

The approach to mentoring we will examine in the days ahead is based on ways Jesus mentored the disciples.

As we explore these areas, please examine ways to get involved in mentoring others, but also seek out someone who can be a mentor.

Before we begin to dig deeper, pray about someone who can be a mentor and pray for someone you can mentor.

While traveling across the country it is not uncommon to see signs indicating this may be the last chance to get fuel, food, or rest. As the country develops these signs become less frequent. However, the message does have a significant meaning.

We have no way to determine exactly how long we have before desperation creates a situation of panic and despair.

A number of warning signs may indicate we face the last chance for something significant when considering our leadership.

This may be the last chance to help someone reach their potential in fulfilling personal dreams and goals.

This may be the last chance to prepare those closest to us with a legacy that will help them carry on without us.

This may be the last chance to build a relationship that improves our ability to lead others to greater success.

No one knows when that last chance might be, but if we treat every opportunity as the last chance, then what we accomplish makes a lasting difference.

An old Swedish Proverb says, “Love me when I least deserve it, because that’s when I really need it.”

Jesus implied a lesser value exists if we only love those who love us. We are doing nothing more than those who were considered to be the worst of sinners.

The challenge has always been the application of loving those we might classify as those who do not deserve it. When we continually give and receive nothing in return, we feel helpless and want to leave or give up.

In those moments we need to remember how our God feels when He continues to give and receives nothing in return. Worse yet, how does He feel when we blatantly reject His love pursuing our own selfish desires?

Leadership should remember this proverb. When we show an unconditional love, especially to those who deserve it the least, two possibilities occur: 1) We demonstrate a God-like spirit, and 2) We help those who really need it understand the nature of God’s love as seen through us.

The effort is worth the time when we consider the outcome. Lead in love!