Paul, the apostle, probably gave us the most pragmatic model for making a successful transition in leadership. He penned thirteen New Testament epistles for the sole purpose of helping the fledgling believers in Asia to get on their feet. Paul devoted three pastoral epistles to train young pastors. First and Second Timothy and Titus are still used as the “modus operandi” for Christian ministers. Titus had the daunting task of “straightening out” the carnal Cretan Christians. (Titus 1:5) Timothy was Paul’s “beloved son in the faith.” (2 Timothy 1:1) As Paul encouraged young Timothy with fatherly pride, he gave the young pastor comprehensive counsel on how to worship, how to recognize false teachers, how to select and develop church leaders, how to help the needy, how to teach tithing and how to preach with authenticity and authority. (1 Timothy 1-6)
Paul’s last letter to Timothy was penned in the waning years of his life when he languished in a Roman prison cell. The great apostle had transitioned from the role of power to wisdom. He was no longer on the front lines. However, in hindsight, no one would question the fact that Paul’s most productive years were not planting churches, they were spent writing half of the New Testament. Long after the little church at Thessalonike had disappeared, Paul’s letter to the Thessalonian believers would be a guide for centuries of churches. His doctrinal treatise to the Romans is the clearest theological presentation of the gospel in scripture. But Paul’s heart for people, especially for pastors, gave us a glimpse of the heart of a mentor.
The profound sentiment and intimate tone of Second Timothy resemble the deeply personal words a father would say to his son on his deathbed. Paul wrote that his days were numbered. Paul assured his beloved Timothy that he prayed for him continuously and earnestly (2 Timothy 1:3). That’s what a father in the faith would do. He encouraged Timothy on his spiritual journey by marveling at how much the young pastor had grown (2 Timothy 1:5) and what great potential he had (2 Timothy 1: 6-7). Paul admonished his “Son in the Lord” to be bold in his evangelism (2 Timothy 1: 8), vigilant in doctrine, powerful in preaching, and pure in his personal life. (2 Timothy 2) He confided in Timothy that he felt his time on earth was drawing to a close, but even in those moments, he challenged Timothy with these words in 2 Timothy 4:6-8:
“For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day — and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” NIV
Oh, that we all would have mentors in our lives who would train us so artfully and lovingly! Wait! We do! The Bible is our training manual with complete instructions for “life and godliness.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) We can learn how to be gentle shepherds of God’s flocks, dynamic leaders to further the kingdom, and powerful preachers of the gospel. That’s not all. We have Jesus living in us in the person of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Now we not only know what to do, we have the grace to do it.
• Do you know your spiritual gifts? List them here. Do you already have a ministry? If you do not, how would you like to serve God?
• Do you have a mentor who walks beside you to encourage and admonish you? Were your parents, pastors, or teach- ers who were mentors for you? Ask God to bring mentors into your life.
• Do you have a young “Timothy” that you can teach? Perhaps your “flock” is your family-your children. Perhaps you know some younger Christians in your church. How can you mentor them today? What are some lessons Paul taught Timothy that would be helpful for those whom you influence?