This document discusses the importance of spiritual mentoring and parenting for new believers. It notes that new Christians need one-on-one attention and guidance, just as infants need nurturing from parents. However, the church often fails to provide this, instead expecting new believers to learn on their own. The document advocates for believers to make long-term commitments to mentor others, modeling faith and imparting spiritual truths, in order to help the church and believers to mature.

1. Personal Discipleship
Mentor - Model - Example - Attentive - Teach
Sp ir it ua l Pa re nt ing
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2. A Newborn Child
When you bring a new baby home from the
hospital, you don’t just sit them down and say,
“Welcome to the family, Reagan. Make yourself
at home. The towels are in the hall closet
upstairs, the pantry is right here on the right. The
can opener is in this drawer. No crying after 10
pm. If you have any questions there are lots of
people in the family that would love to help you
so don’t be afraid to ask.”
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3. That is Absurd
But this is what generally happens when baby,
young or immature Christians need attention.
People show up and start attending and may
never get the one one one spiritual attention they
need.
We devote 18 years to raising and nurturing our
natural children. But often we don’t even spend 6
months helping immature Believers understand
the spiritual world. At times, we all need
guidance and help to continue to mature.
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4. The Need
When new Believers first come to the Lord, they
are passionate and in love with the Lord and the
ways of the Lord. But, as time passes and they
become lax in their new disciplines, they begin to
adopt attitudes and habits of other Believers who
may have themselves grown cold in their
relationship with the Lord. This has caused the
Body of Christ to become complacent, without
the power and authority She is supposed to carry
in this world. The Church has lost its first love.
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5. Being a Mentor
More than just a teacher - doing all the talking
A student needs to be able to ask questions,
express unique needs, and understanding.
Discipleship must be redefined to include the
idea of spiritual parenting, spiritual tutoring, or
spiritual mentoring.
Teacher is a five-fold ministry gift but we are all
commanded to make disciples.
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6. Corporate and Individual
Corporate discipleship is necessary. Heb 10:25
However, the Biblical method of making disciples
is duplicating and multiplying, and is much more
effective over the long term.
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7. Spiritual
Multiplication
1 new disciple = 6 months
1 year = 4
2 years = 16
3 years = 64
4 years = 256
5 years = 1,024
6 years = 4,096
7 years = 16,384
8 years = 65,536
9 years = 262,144
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8. 2 Timothy 2:2
Paul told Timothy, “You have heard me teach things
that have been confirmed by many reliable
witnesses. Now teach these truths to other
trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on
to others.” NLT
The Church as a whole typically focuses on converts
rather than making disciples.
Many Believers are reluctant to commit to discipling
b/c it may interfere or limit their lifestyle or plans.
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9. Commitment
We must be committed to the spiritual welfare
and growth of those the Lord requires us to
disciple/mentor/parent.
2 Cor. 11:28-29, he said he felt the pressure and
concern for all the churches.
2 C0r. 2:4, out of great distress & anguish of the
heart & with many tears.... the depth of my love
for you.
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10. 2 Corinthians 12:14-15
2 Cor 12:14-15, what I want is not your
possessions but you. I will very gladly spend for
you everything I have and expend myself as well.
Col 1:28-29, For this purpose I labor (strenuously
contend) with all the energy Christ so powerfully
works in me. HIS POWER - NOT MINE
2 Tim. 2:10, I endure everything for the sake of
the elect (the chosen).
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11. A Discipler - A Role Model
It is vital to be real and transparent so the disciple will
emulate (mirror, echo) your convictions & passions.
1 Cor 4:15-16, I became your “father”; imitate me.
1 Cor. 11:1, Imitate me as I imitate Christ.
Phil 3:17, Follow my example... you have us as a
model... keep your eyes on those who live as we do.
Phil 4:9, What you have “learned, received, heard
from, seen in me... put into practice.”
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12. Duplicate You!
1 Thess 1:6-7, you imitated us... now you are
examples.
2 Thess 3:7-9, you know how... now follow our
example
Heb 13:7, imitate their faith
1 Tim 4:12, in speech, conduct, love, faith, and
purity, be an example.
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13. Titus 2:7-8
Paul said, “be an example of good deeds...
Practice what you preach/teach
Show some dignity - be serious
Be sound in your speech
Live beyond reproach
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14. Luke 6:40
Jesus said... “a pupil (disciple or apprentice) is
not above his teacher; but everyone, after he has
been fully trained will be like his teacher.
You will be duplicating yourself.
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15. 1 Thess 2:3-13
Spiritual parenting with single-minded purpose.
vs 3-6, Not out to please men, but God. Not doing it
for greed. Not for the praises of men.
vs 7-8, gentle/tender as a nursing mother;
affectionate; imparting themselves into them;
loving them.
vs 9-10, became role models thru labor/hardship.
They were devout, upright, and blameless before
them.
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16. vs 11-12, were attentive and instructed as a
father; exhorting, encouraging, imploring
individually that each would walk in a manner
worthy of God.
vs 13, The Word of God as essential component;
the Word of God performs its work in you who
believe.
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17. What’s Next?
To train you to mentor, to duplicate yourself, we
recommend that you prepare yourself first by
attending these Breakout training sessions for
the next 8 weeks. Specific materials will be used.
To strengthen yourself and learn to become a
discipler, prayerfully seek an older believer who
you respect, and who would be willing to meet
with you at least once each week for three
months. However, you will gain ground by
attending these sessions the next 2 months.
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18. Bible & Journal
Bring these each week.
Use them at home in your personal studies.
Write the scriptures out in your journal and make
them personal.
Pray and ask the Lord to speak to you throughout
the studies.
Here is your homework until next week. Let the
discipling begin.
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