Mentoring/Discipleship

Having a relationship with a spiritual mentor is one of the best ways to progress in the lifelong work of spiritual formation. Spiritual formation is nurtured most profoundly when [graduate students] are "apprenticed" to a spiritual mentor who will partner with God's Holy Spirit toward spiritual development. (Anderson and Reese. Spiritual Mentoring. 1999, 27)

The Apostle Paul wrote Timothy - who he was spiritually mentoring - instructing him to entrust to some faithful men the things that he had taught him, who would then in turn teach others to do the same (2 Timothy 2:2). This model is still essential today for those who wish to grow towards maturity in their Christian lives.

What did Timothy gain from Paul that he should pass on ("entrust") to some faithful others (those who would be reliable to do the same)? 2 Timothy 3:10-11 provides a sense when Paul wrote, "you know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings . . . ." Timothy saw Paul's faith integrated within all aspects of his life and how it shaped his vision "of" life and his vision "for" life.

Spiritual mentoring is one person coming alongside another as a companion on the journey of faith to help them answer the questions "Who is God?", "Who am I in Christ?", and "To what has God called me as I live out my life (especially now as a graduate student)?"

Some graduate students involved with MCGrads have written about their experience being spiritually mentored:

Spiritual Mentoring is more than just a transfer of information, it is the sharing of lives. The benefits of being mentored have been tremendous, not only have I grown spiritually and even emotionally, but I have seen and experienced firsthand how God shapes the lives of people. (James, Post-doc in Organic Chemistry)

The academic life (the research and teaching) can be an all consuming affair that can easily become an idol and distraction from God. Faith in Christ and a passion for His Word are what bring balance to a Christian graduate student's life, and I can't imagine trying to figure out on my own how to integrate my beliefs with my work. How can I be a Christian graduate student or professor, and not just a graduate student who happens to be a Christian? It is spiritual discipleship and mentorship that have been crucial for me in developing a vision and a plan for a life in academia with Christ as Lord. (Young, 5th year Ph.D. in History)

MCGrads wants to facilitate these kind of relationships, providing resources, structure, training, and experienced mentors to help you grow spiritually. It's a rare opportunity. If you're interested in exploring this more, contact one of the MCGrads Staff. Or, email us at mcgrads@umich.edu and let us know your thoughts.

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