Biblical mentoring is a godly believer walking with a younger believer to help them know Jesus, grow in faith, and discover their God-given identity and purpose.
Everything below is an unfolding of that one sentence.
Begin with two names
An exercise to do before you read another line
Take a moment with two questions. Write the answers somewhere you will see them again, because they will shape how you read the rest of this page.
- Whose name comes to mind as your mentor? Who walked with you, watched you, and helped you follow Jesus? Give thanks for them.
- Has anyone ever been your mentee? Is there a younger believer who would say your name if they were asked the same question today?
If the first name came easily and the second one did not, you are exactly who this guide was written for.
The four stages of handing over
Modelling, participation, empowering, multiplying
Jesus did not hand the disciples a syllabus. He let them watch him, then let them help, then sent them out, then left the work in their hands. Paul repeated the same pattern with Timothy and Titus. These four stages are that pattern, named.
I do — you watch
Modelling. You demonstrate the life of a disciple in real time.
Biblical basis
Jesus modelled prayer, compassion, healing, and teaching (Mark 1:35; Luke 11:1). Paul says, “Follow my example, as I follow Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).
What it looks like with Gen Z
- Let them see your real devotional life, not just hear teaching.
- Invite them into ministry moments: visits, prayer, outreach.
- Show authentic Christian habits—holiness, kindness, humility, service.
What Gen Z learns: “This is what following Jesus looks like.”
I do — you help
Participation. You are still leading, but they begin to join in.
Biblical basis
Jesus fed the five thousand but asked the disciples to distribute the bread (Mark 6:41). Paul took Timothy along on mission trips so he could assist (Acts 16:1–3).
What it looks like with Gen Z
- Let them help in worship, prayer, youth events, outreach, and media ministry.
- Let them assist in small ways: reading Scripture, organising groups.
- Give them responsibilities they can actually handle.
What Gen Z learns: “I belong. I am needed. I have a role.”
You do — I help
Empowering. Now they take the lead and you support them.
Biblical basis
Jesus sent the seventy-two out two by two (Luke 10:1), but still guided them when they returned. Moses empowered Joshua (Exodus 17; Numbers 27).
What it looks like with Gen Z
- Allow them to lead small groups, worship songs, and prayer segments.
- Let them plan the outreach while you guide the direction.
- Provide encouragement, correction, and feedback in love.
What Gen Z learns: “I can lead. God can use me.”
You do — I watch
Multiplying. They take ownership while you stay available for guidance.
Biblical basis
Jesus ascended and entrusted the mission to the disciples (Matthew 28:19–20). Paul sent Titus and Timothy to lead churches independently (Titus 1:5).
What it looks like with Gen Z
- They run the youth ministry tasks God has given them.
- You mentor from the background—coaching, praying, correcting gently.
- You celebrate their wins and walk with them through their failures.
What Gen Z learns: “I am a disciple who makes disciples.”
What Gen Z needs from a mentor
Seven things, none of them a programme
The handout lists what a young person is actually looking for in the person who disciples them. Read it as a character description, not a job title.
Someone who is glad to be with them, not only assigned to them.
Someone who has walked further up the road and will say so.
Someone who asks and then waits for the whole answer.
Someone who cares for their soul, not just their attendance.
Someone they can be honest with and not be shamed.
Not a polished presentation—a real life, including its struggles.
Consistency over time, which is the one thing a course cannot give.
Why mentoring is the best way to reach Gen Z
What mentoring gives that preaching alone cannot
Gen Z longs for someone who listens, someone who understands, someone who cares, someone who does life with them, a safe relationship, and a role model they can imitate. They learn through experience, not only through teaching.
Mentoring provides relationship, stability, identity formation, spiritual growth, accountability, and emotional support.
Mentoring is the bridge between Gen Z’s needs and the church’s mission. Tariq Emmanuel, Biblical Mentoring
What to do this week
Three steps small enough to finish
- Name one person. Not a category of person—one name, between roughly fourteen and twenty-nine, whom you already know.
- Move one stage. Work out which of the four stages you are in with them, and take the next step deliberately: invite them to watch, to help, to lead, or to own it.
- Put them on paper. Open the goal planner and write it as a goal, and keep their name on the prayer wall. Discipleship that is not prayed for rarely survives a busy month.
“Biblical Mentoring: A godly believer walking with…”
By Tariq Emmanuel. Used here with attribution; the full teaching belongs to the author. The complete web edition is on this page.