Benchmark 7
All Hands On Deck
At this point in the Shipyard Model we have built relationships with young people, given them opportunities to fellowship, to worship, and to experience discipleship. These interactions prepare them for leadership, which ultimately cultivates a sense of ownership. Now, we come full circle with mentorship.
History offers many examples of helpful mentoring relationships, such as Socrates and Plato, Hayden and Beethoven, and Freud and Jung. Mentorship varies in definition, but in our context, it refers to a mutual learning experience between a young person and someone older. Note here that mentors cannot simply be assigned or appointed. Students must choose who they want to learn from.
Catch A Vision
The challenge of keeping young people active in the local church increased significantly over the last few decades. If the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few, we need more laborers. Mentoring young people to be disciples of Christ and ultimately missionaries for Christ needs to be a concurrent effort as much as public evangelism or Christian education.
Imagine what would happen in local churches if youth and young adults catch a vision to befriend and assist younger believers in their walk with God. Mentorship is the way of creating a seamless sequence in the life of the church. This is a Spirit-guided endeavor where young and not-as-young people influence the younger in a deep, abiding walk with Christ.
Want to know more about the Shipyard Model? Find "Out of the Shipyard" on our Resource page!