Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:2 “And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”
One of the best ways to grow as a Christian man in our walk with the Lord is to develop strategic friendships with other godly men. Here are three ways we can think of these strategic male friendships.
An older man like Paul
If you want to become a Christ-centered man who leaves a legacy of faithful service, you need someone older and more experienced, with more godly wisdom, who can offer a helping hand. You and I need a mentor. This man provides wise Christian counsel and helps you make Spirit-filled decisions. Don’t forget that Paul patiently mentored his younger protégé, Timothy, through many difficult days. When Paul passed away, Timothy picked up the baton and continued walking. Do you have a Paul in your life? Are you acting as a Paul for a few younger men? Trust God to provide a Paul in your life. What are practical ways to find an older, male mentor? Ask a pastor at your church or talk to Christian friends to see if they know any male mentors who would be willing to guide you. These friendships are organic. If you don’t connect or mesh with someone, feel free to move on and ask someone else.
A friend like Barnabas
This man, like you in age and experience, can serve as a faithful friend when you need support. You and I need a friend. Barnabas, whose name means “Son of Encouragement,” supported many men during the early days of the Christian movement. A faithful friend walks with you through tough times and offers a helping hand when you need it. Do you have a Barnabas in your life? Are you serving as a Barnabas to a few key friends? Trust God to bring a Barnabas into your life. We also need practical ways to make male friends. Join a healthy, Jesus-centered, Bible-believing local church. Join a men’s small group. Ask a Christian guy at church to hang out. If he is truly walking with and maturing in Jesus, he will be willing to become friends and offer sound advice.
A younger man like Timothy
You also need a man in whom you can pour your knowledge, wisdom, and experience. This protege will be a younger man, less experienced in walking with Jesus. Typically, this relationship involves mentoring and discipling, passing on what you’ve learned from someone older. You and I need a Timothy. There’s nothing more exciting than helping younger men grow in their faith and gifts. Do you have a Timothy in your life? Are you a Timothy meeting with a Paul? Trust God to provide a Timothy in your life. Again, for safety reasons, ask a pastor, elder, or church leader if there are younger men who need mentoring and coaching in their walk with Christ.
This list is organic, and there may be different seasons where you have two but not all three of these men heavily involved in your life. Don’t fret. This is not a secret formula. Seasons of life change, bringing different challenges, so don’t be legalistic. Celebrate and be thankful for the men God brings into your life in all the various seasons.
© Dr. Paul Pettit
This post first appeared in NewCommandment.org.
Dr. Paul Pettit
Dr. Paul Pettit serves as Director of Career Services at Dallas Theological Seminary and teaches in the departments of Spiritual Formation, Leadership, and Pastoral Ministries. Dr. Pettit is also the founder of Dynamic Dads. Dynamic Dads is a non-profit organization dedicated to encouraging fathers everywhere in their demanding yet highly rewarding role of leading their family.
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