3 Steps to Mentoring

When I take a moment to think of some of the preachers who most influenced my preaching, I think of names like, Johnny Ramsey, Winford Claiborne, Thomas Warren, Amos Orrison, and of course, my dad, Frank Higginbotham. What these men all have in common is that they have all passed from this life. How time flies!

So I’m left with the question, “Who will take the place of these men?” Or maybe a better question is, “Who are we preparing to take our place?” It’s not automatic, you know. A generation can fail another generation (Judges 2:10).

To keep that from happening again, give attention to this 3-step process for mentoring or “passing the baton.” These steps come from the “passing of the baton” from Moses to Joshua recorded in Numbers 27:16-23.

1. Joshua Knew Moses Had Selected Him (Numbers 27:18).  Moses laid hands of Joshua. This plan to pass on to Joshua wasn’t just a dream in the mind of Moses, but was clearly expressed to Joshua so that he too, knew what Moses had in mind for his life. Making such a desire known creates expectations and a sense of accountability on the one being mentored.
2. The People Knew Moses Had Selected Joshua (Numbers 27:19).  Not only did Moses reveal his intentions to Joshua, he also revealed them to the people. This public expression showed Moses’ support and endorsement of Joshua. It also served as a form of protection for Joshua. If one opposed Joshua, they were also opposing Moses.
3. Moses Shared Responsibility With Joshua (Numbers 27:20). By sharing responsibilities with Joshua, Moses demonstrated the trust he had in Joshua, and no doubt, empowered and emboldened Joshua to work. The desire to please the one who had entrusted him with so much must have been great.

With this, the transition was made and the baton was passed.  My question to you is, “Who are you mentoring?” “To whom do you plan to pass the baton?” “Will it drop to the ground upon your death?” Friends, you’ve heard many times how the Christian race isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon. May I suggest that the Christian race can be equally compared to a relay race?  If we reach the end of our “leg” and have prepared no one to whom we can pass the baton, we have failed.

Remember, “into our hands, the gospel is given.” It’s been passed to you. Now, pass it on!