Helping Another Man Grow

Study introduction

Many men assume mentoring belongs only to pastors, experts, older men, or people with polished stories.

Paul gave Timothy truth to entrust to faithful people who could teach others. He also described ministry as sharing not only the gospel but life itself. Mentoring is not having every answer. It is walking beside another man with Scripture, prayer, example, truth, accountability, and care.

Scripture focus

Read 2 Timothy 2:2, 1 Thessalonians 2:8, and Matthew 28:18–20. Notice:

• How truth moves from one generation to another
• The relationship between teaching and shared life
• Who holds final authority
• The expectation that disciples make disciples
• Christ’s presence in the mission

1. Mentoring begins with presence and listening

A mentor should learn the man’s actual story rather than forcing him into a prepared version of manhood.

Good questions often serve better than quick speeches. Listening reveals what he understands, fears, avoids, hopes for, and needs.

2. Open Scripture instead of building dependence

The mentor’s opinion is not the final authority. Read passages in context, distinguish clear biblical teaching from personal preference, and admit where Christians differ.

Help the other man learn to observe Scripture, ask questions, pray, make decisions, participate in church, and seek wisdom beyond the mentor.

3. Model repentance, not perfection

A mentor should be able to say, “I was wrong,” “I need help,” and “I am still growing.”

Honest repentance demonstrates that grace and responsibility belong together. Pretending perfection teaches secrecy.

4. Know your role and limits

A mentor is not automatically a therapist, physician, attorney, emergency responder, financial advisor, or pastor.

Mentors should refer concerns beyond their competence and involve appropriate leaders when safety, abuse, addiction, self-harm, severe distress, or serious misconduct is involved.

5. Healthy discipleship multiplies

A mature mentor celebrates when the other man develops discernment, serves, builds healthy relationships, and begins encouraging someone else.

The goal is not loyalty to the mentor. It is faithfulness to Christ within the community of faith.

Conversation questions

1. Which men helped shape your faith?
2. What makes a mentor safe and trustworthy?
3. Why is listening essential?
4. How can Scripture remain central?
5. What are signs of unhealthy dependence?
6. Which concerns require referral?
7. What can you share now without pretending expertise?
8. Who might God be inviting you to encourage?

Pause and consider

Live it this week

Practice 1: Honor a spiritual influence

Thank a man whose prayer, honesty, service, correction, or example strengthened your faith.

Practice 2: Invite one conversation

Ask a man whether he would like to read Scripture, pray, or meet regularly for a season.

Practice 3: Build a healthy plan

Agree on purpose, frequency, communication expectations, confidentiality limits, church connection, and referral pathways.

Leader and mentor notes

Main objective

Prepare men to begin healthy, Scripture-centered mentoring relationships that encourage maturity and multiplication.

Ministry safeguards

Churches should use screening, training, supervision, matching guidance, confidentiality standards, reporting procedures, and referral pathways, especially when minors or vulnerable adults are involved.

Avoid

• Pairing men without considering safety and capacity
• Creating secretive or exclusive relationships
• Allowing mentors to act beyond competence
• Demanding obedience to personal preferences
• Measuring success by dependence on the mentor
• Ending contact abruptly when the study finishes

Suggested closing question

What have you received from God that you can faithfully pass to another man?