Sometimes we bring secular ideas and concepts into our Christian vocabulary and unknowingly weaken biblical ideals. A current trend is one-on-one mentoring. People look for an experienced person who will walk with them individually, pouring one life into another. There are many ministries that encourage one-on-one discipleship of younger Christians. The prime example cited for this approach is the example of Paul and Timothy.
Paul did invest himself deeply into Timothy’s life. But notice how he did it, “. . . among many witnesses.” That is, Paul discipled Timothy in the context of the local church. Believers in the church learned and grew together. Older Christians mingled with newer believers. Together, they sought to live out the Christian life and to grow in Christ-likeness.
Paul must have known that he could not impart everything that Timothy would need. Paul had his weak spots, just like everyone else. But Paul knew that if Timothy was functioning and growing in the midst of the church community, he could receive the benefit of everyone else’s walk with God. God made us to be interdependent. We learn, and grow best, in community. Are you so related to a church body that you are learning and growing as you regularly relate to your fellow members?