HOME ABOUT MARKETPLACE MINISTRY PODCAST FORGE GROUPS BLOG CONTACT US DONATE

MENTORING, COACHING AND DISCIPLING

Biblical Perspective on Mentoring, Coaching, and Discipling

In the Bible, mentoring, coaching, and discipling are closely related concepts that focus on guiding, teaching, and nurturing spiritual growth in others. These practices are rooted in relationships that encourage spiritual maturity, development of godly character, and understanding of God’s Word.

Mentoring in the Bible

Mentoring involves providing wisdom, advice, and guidance to someone else—especially in their spiritual journey. In a biblical context, mentoring often involves teaching, encouragement, correction, and modeling Christ-like behavior.

Biblical Examples of Mentoring:

  • Moses and Joshua (Exodus 17:9–14, Deuteronomy 34:9): Moses mentored Joshua, preparing him to lead the Israelites after Moses' death. He provided guidance, leadership, and spiritual instruction.

  • Paul and Timothy (1 Timothy 1:2, 2 Timothy 2:1-2): Paul mentored Timothy, offering encouragement and instruction on how to lead and serve God faithfully. Paul was intentional in equipping Timothy to take on leadership responsibilities in the church.

  • Elijah and Elisha (1 Kings 19:19-21, 2 Kings 2:1-15): Elijah mentored Elisha, training him to continue God’s work after Elijah's departure. Elisha served as Elijah's assistant and learned from his mentor before receiving a double portion of his spirit.

Key Scriptures on Mentoring:

  • Proverbs 27:17: "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."

  • Titus 2:3-5: "Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children..."

  • 2 Timothy 2:2: "And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others."

Coaching in the Bible

Coaching involves providing practical guidance to help someone achieve their goals and develop specific skills. In the Bible, coaching can be understood as equipping others for the work God has called them to do, helping them develop their God-given talents and abilities.

Biblical Examples of Coaching:

  • Jesus and His Disciples: Jesus coached His disciples not only in their spiritual walk but also in how to live out the kingdom of God through practical ministry. He taught them to be leaders, showing them how to heal, preach, and serve.

  • Paul and His Ministry Teams: Paul mentored and coached various individuals in their ministries, equipping them for leadership roles. He advised them on how to carry out God’s work, including specific instructions on how to handle disputes, evangelize, and teach the gospel.

Key Scriptures on Coaching:

  • Matthew 28:19-20: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you..."

  • Ephesians 4:11-12: "And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ."

  • Philippians 3:14: "I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

Discipling in the Bible

Discipleship is the process of teaching, guiding, and nurturing someone in their spiritual growth, helping them become more like Christ. Discipleship involves ongoing relationship, instruction, accountability, and encouragement. It is central to the mission of the Church.

Biblical Examples of Discipleship:

  • Jesus and His Disciples: Jesus spent three years with His disciples, teaching them, living life with them, and modeling for them how to live as God's people. He gave them His words, showed them His actions, and invited them to follow Him in all things.

  • Paul and the Churches: Paul wrote letters to the churches he established, encouraging them to continue in their faith and grow in their understanding of God’s Word (e.g., the letters to the Corinthians, Ephesians, Philippians, etc.).

  • Barnabas and Paul: Barnabas mentored Paul, guiding him as a new believer and preparing him for the leadership role he would later take in the early church.

Key Scriptures on Discipleship:

  • Matthew 4:19: "And he said to them, 'Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.'"

  • Matthew 28:18-20: "And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations...'"

  • 2 Timothy 2:2: "And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also."

  • John 8:31: "So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, 'If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples.'"

The Goal of Mentoring, Coaching, and Discipling

  • Spiritual Growth and Maturity: The ultimate goal of mentoring, coaching, and discipling is to help individuals grow in their knowledge and relationship with God, becoming more Christ-like in their character and actions.

  • Multiplying Disciples: A key aspect of biblical mentoring and discipling is the idea of multiplication—raising up others who will in turn mentor and disciple others. This is how the gospel spreads and how the body of Christ is built.

Key Scriptures on the Goal of Discipleship:

  • 2 Timothy 2:2: "And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also."

  • Matthew 9:37-38: "Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.'"

Mentoring, coaching, and discipling are biblical principles that involve investing in the lives of others to help them grow spiritually, develop godly character, and fulfill their God-given purpose. These relationships are vital for the expansion of God’s Kingdom and the spiritual health of the Church. By following the examples of Jesus, Paul, and others in Scripture, we can cultivate meaningful, life-transforming relationships that build up the body of Christ.

God’s Heart on Mentoring, Coaching, and Discipling

God’s heart for mentoring, coaching, and discipling is deeply rooted in His desire for His people to grow in their faith, be transformed into the image of Christ, and fulfill their divine purpose. These practices are not just about transferring knowledge or skills; they are about nurturing relationships that reflect God’s love, wisdom, and care. Mentoring, coaching, and discipling allow for intentional guidance, support, and encouragement in the journey of spiritual growth.

The Heart of God in Mentoring

God’s heart for mentoring is evident in His desire for His people to grow in wisdom, understanding, and spiritual maturity. He calls leaders, like Moses, Elijah, and Paul, to mentor others to equip them for leadership and faithful living.

  • God’s desire for spiritual growth: Just as God mentored Israel through His leaders, He desires to mentor His people today through those He calls to be mentors, to ensure that His followers grow in faith, character, and understanding of His Word.

Scriptural Insight:

  • Proverbs 1:5: "Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance."

  • Proverbs 27:17: "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another."

  • Matthew 28:18-20: The Great Commission itself is an act of mentoring: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them... and teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you."

The Heart of God in Coaching

Coaching in the biblical context goes beyond just instruction. It involves active engagement in helping someone fulfill their God-given purpose by providing guidance, encouragement, and accountability.

  • God’s desire for equipping others: God calls us to equip and empower others for ministry and service. He desires for us to help others realize and fulfill their potential in Christ.

Scriptural Insight:

  • Ephesians 4:11-12: "And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ."

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:11: "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing."

  • Philippians 3:14: "I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

The Heart of God in Discipling

Discipleship is at the very core of God’s heart because it is about growing in relationship with Him, becoming more like Christ, and spreading the gospel. God has called us to make disciples and nurture them in their journey of faith. Discipling involves teaching, modeling, and walking alongside others as they grow in their spiritual lives.

  • God’s heart for multiplication: God’s intention is not only for us to grow but for us to help others grow, so that they in turn can disciple others. This multiplication of discipleship ensures that the gospel continues to spread.

Scriptural Insight:

  • Matthew 28:19-20: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them... teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you."

  • 2 Timothy 2:2: "And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also."

  • John 8:31: "So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, 'If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples.'"

God’s Heart on Developing Christ-Like Character Through Mentoring and Discipleship

The ultimate goal of mentoring, coaching, and discipling is to develop the character of Christ in the lives of believers. God desires to see us transformed by the renewing of our minds, growing in the fruit of the Spirit, and becoming more like Jesus each day.

Scriptural Insight:

  • Romans 12:2: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind..."

  • Galatians 5:22-23: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."

  • Colossians 1:28: "Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ."

The Role of Love in Mentoring, Coaching, and Discipleship

God’s heart in these relationships is always rooted in love. True mentoring, coaching, and discipling should reflect God’s love, grace, and mercy. As we disciple others, we are called to walk in humility, patience, and gentleness, reflecting the heart of Christ.

Scriptural Insight:

  • 1 Corinthians 13:1-2: "If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal."

  • Galatians 6:1-2: "Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness..."

  • 1 John 4:7-8: "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God."

God’s Heart for Mentoring, Coaching, and Discipling

God’s heart for mentoring, coaching, and discipling is deeply intertwined with His desire for His people to grow in spiritual maturity, to know Him intimately, and to become more like Christ. These practices reflect God’s commitment to building up His Church and equipping believers for the work of ministry. By mentoring, coaching, and discipling others, we participate in the fulfillment of God’s Great Commission, and in the multiplication of His Kingdom on earth.

In all of these, God desires that love, humility, and grace guide our actions, and that we are patient and committed to walking alongside others in their spiritual journeys, just as He walks with us.

DISCLAIMER NOTICE: The information contained in this resource is general in nature and is not intended to provide or be a substitute for advice, consultation or treatment with a duly licensed mental health practitioner or other medical professional. This resource is intended to provide practical faith-based guidelines for balanced living and is not a replacement for medical advice. Professional services should be pursued whenever necessary and/or appropriate. By utilizing this resource, individuals acknowledge that Men of Faith is not providing direct clinically-oriented mental health treatment or therapy, and that it does not create a therapeutic relationship between any individual and Men of Faith.  Individuals who use this resource also agree to indemnify and hold harmless, Men of Faith, its licensees, affiliates, and assigns, as well as the officers, agents, and employees of Men of Faith and its licensees, affiliates, and assigns, from and against any and all liability, loss, damages, costs, charges, legal fees, recoveries, judgments, penalties, and expenses, which may be obtained against, imposed upon or suffered by Men of Faith. Additionally, certain views and opinions expressed in this resource may be those from sources other than Men of Faith and do not necessarily represent the views of Men of Faith, nor imply an endorsement by Men of Faith. All rights are reserved worldwide and no part of this resource may be reproduced in any form (print or electronic) without the expressed written permission of Men of Faith.