Chapter Seven: Your Role as a Mentor – An Excerpt from “On the Mountain”

Chapter 7: Your Role as a Mentor
Exodus 24:13

So Moses arose with his assistant Joshua,
and Moses went up to the mountain of God.
Exodus 24:13

Morro Bay, California

Another aspect of leadership crucial to the ministry of a worship leader is that of mentoring and discipling those God has placed in your sphere of influence or under your authority. Joshua was the attendant of Moses since his youth as well as one of his choice men (Numbers 11:28). He spent more than forty years along with and assisting Moses who was able to live as an example, through both the wise and foolish choices he had made.

The Bible is very clear about discipleship and this principle applies to being a leader in the church. Look around and discern whom the Lord has given you. Seek the Lord as you train up Joshua to take your place. This allows God to use your life by multiplying it—even as Jesus told his disciples in the following passage:

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.
And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.
John 14:12-14

Some examples of mentoring relationships in the Bible are the following: Moses mentored Joshua; Eli mentored Samuel; Elijah mentored Elisha; Jesus closely mentored John, James, and Peter; Paul mentored Timothy; Aquila and Pricilla mentored Apollos; and, Phoebe mentored young women.

Are you in the position of Moses? Seek the Lord and ask Him whom the Lord has given to you to mentor. Spend time with them in the Lord. To teach and train on the technicalities and tools needed to lead worship is one aspect of this mentoring. Help them in their musicianship, practicing songs, as well as helping to develop their craft. In doing this, however, be careful not to neglect the aspect of discipleship vital to the training process of any leader. Spend time with them in the word, in worship, in prayer, and in fellowship. This aspect of mentoring cannot be understated. This is the only part of the mentoring process that will help to transform them into the likeness of Christ—from glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Are you in the position of Joshua? Thank the Lord for your mentor and maintain a humble and teachable attitude. The proverbs tell us that the man who loves instruction is wise, but he who hates correction is stupid (Proverbs 12:1). A wise man can learn from all people and all situations. Although you may know that the Lord has called and anointed you to lead worship, this may not be the timing the Lord has for you.

Be open to the Spirit and God’s timing; learn from the example of David, who although was anointed to be King of Israel as a teenager did not assume that office until fifteen to twenty years later. God will take you through a learning process until He discerns that you are ready. Joshua spent forty years learning from Moses; in due time, he was raised up (Deuteronomy 31:1-3, Joshua 1:1-9).

Oh Lord, may we be a people always bringing others

to Yourself and to Your throne room.
Amen