Each summer, the Robbinsville United Methodist Church hosts an intern from the Duke Divinity School.
This required program for students is called “Field Education,” and gives the students an opportunity to serve in a church setting for 10 weeks.
For some, it is the first opportunity to be in pastoral leadership. It is a time of exploring the will of God for their lives. Interns preach, teach, visit and experience the life of the church and community. At the end of the summer, it is hard to see them leave, but they go to continue their studies and fulfill their calling.
We have been blessed with exceptional students. We have had four males and one female intern. Two came from California, one from Minnesota and two from North Carolina. Only one was a Methodist, as a Lutheran, Christian and Missionary Alliance, Episcopalian and an Anglican graced us with their gifts. All brought with them their God given gifts, energy and a desire to serve the Lord.
My job for the summer is to serve as a mentor and supervisor to the interns. We have Homer’s Odyssey to thank for the word mentor.
Mentor was the elder and trusted friend of Odysseus who he left to tutor his son and oversee his household while he was away during the Trojan War. Over time, the word mentor came to mean trusted advisor, counselor and guide. Mentors use their experience and knowledge to pass on wisdom to the next generation of leaders.
There is an old saying: ”If I only knew then what I know now.” I always hope some words or lessons I share will help one avoid mistakes I have made.
In the scripture, we have a number of mentors who passed on their mantles to the next generation: Moses and Joshua, Elijah and Elisha, Elizabeth and Mary, Jesus and the twelve disciples and Paul and his traveling companions. Apollos had Priscilla and Aquila.
In Acts 18:26, we read, “He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him they took him aside and explained the Way of God to him more accurately.”
Listening to Apollos and knowing the gifts he had for ministry – but needing further instruction – they mentored him. He was encouraged and with this new instruction in the Gospel he was even more effective.
Later, the Apostle Paul recognized the gifts of mentoring they offered to many. “Greet Prisca and Aquila, who work with me in Christ Jesus, and who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles” (Romans 16: 3-4).
We need mentors in our community. People who are willing to share their wisdom and pass it onto the next generation. Opportunities abound, community sports, 4-H, Scouting, Big Brothers Big Sisters, even reading buddies at school. If we do not take the time and energy to invest in the next generation and share our wisdom, so much will be lost.
Look around and see where you can pass on your wisdom, and experience and help someone grow.
Eric Reece is the faith columnist for The Graham Star. He is pastor of Robbinsville United Methodist Church and can be reached via email, ereece@wnccumc.net.