Influencing Your College Campus for Jesus a 5 - Day Devotion by Shannon ThomasSample

Mentorship Matters!

When I was in college, I needed friends to walk beside me—but I also needed someone ahead of me to show me the way. Ministry was tough on campus and in church. That’s when mentorship became crucial. Proverbs 27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." My mentors offered wisdom, perspective, and encouragement when I needed it the most. Having a mentor was one of the most important aspects of my growth as a student and a ministry leader. It wasn’t just about having someone to guide me; it was about having someone who could help shape me into the person God was calling me to be.

Throughout the Bible, we see examples of mentorship that changed the course of history.

• Jethro mentored Moses, advising him to delegate leadership (Exodus 18:17-24).
• Paul mentored Timothy, preparing him for leadership in the early church (2 Timothy 2:1-2).
• Jesus mentored the twelve disciples, teaching them daily and preparing them to carry out His mission (Luke 6:12-16).

These examples show us that mentorship isn’t just a nice addition to our faith journey—it’s essential for growth and development. These relationships were key to spreading God’s Kingdom. I realized that by investing in others, we build up future leaders who will go on to make an even greater impact. The students I mentored went on to mentor others, and over time, we began to see a network of future leaders being built. Mentorship isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about guiding others with love, patience, and wisdom—helping them grow into who God has called them to be. Through mentorship, we have the opportunity to shape the next generation of leaders who will go on to make an even bigger impact for the Kingdom on the campus and in the church.

Reflection Question: Who has God placed in your life that you can mentor? How can you help them grow spiritually this week?

Prayer:
Father, thank You for the mentors You’ve placed in my life. Help me invest in others the way they’ve invested in me. Give me wisdom, patience, and love as I walk alongside those You’ve entrusted to me.