Have you ever paused to ask yourself: What exactly am I agreeing to when I say I’ll mentor someone? If you’re a Christian woman considering stepping into mentorship—or already walking alongside someone—you’re in the right place. Mentoring is a sacred responsibility, and today we’re breaking down what it really means to be a mentor.
Welcome to Risen Mentor where I equip and encourage Christian women to mentor well. (And if you haven’t grabbed my free Mentor’s Manual, be sure to grab your copy here! It’s packed with practical help and guidance to support you.)
Let’s talk about what a mentor is.
In this context, we’re talking about Christian women mentoring other Christian women - not business mentoring, coaching, or any other niche. This is about spiritual mentorship rooted in biblical truth.
What Is a Christian Mentor? A Biblical Definition
If you know me, you know I love looking up definitions. The word mentor means “an experienced and trusted advisor.” And the word advisor is “a person who gives advice in a particular field.”
As mentors, our field is the Kingdom of God. Our goal is to advise and guide other women as they walk with Jesus. Titus 2 gives us a beautiful blueprint—encouraging younger women, teaching them to love their families, live wisely, and grow in faith.
Mentoring means walking alongside another woman in her faith journey, encouraging her, praying for her, and pointing her to Jesus.
5 Foundational Traits of a Biblical Mentor
1. A Mentor Is an Example of Christ
Being a mentor doesn’t mean being perfect. But it does mean living a life worth imitating.
You can’t pour into someone from an empty cup. You can’t teach what you aren’t living.
Are you reading your Bible and applying it?
Are you pursuing Jesus daily?
Are you embodying the character of Christ – kindness, self-control, humility?
Your mentee needs a “do what I do” example, not just “do what I say.” And the good news? You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just need to be growing, seeking, and intentional.
Being a work in progress isn’t an excuse to coast - it’s a call to take action.
2. A Mentor Is Trustworthy
Trust is essential in any mentoring relationship. Your mentee must know her words are safe with you – unless there’s a serious concern that requires outside help (e.g., harm to self or others).
Being trustworthy also means being honest:
About what you know and what you don’t
About when to ask for help or guidance
About your own walk and growth
Think about the women you trust the most. What qualities make them trustworthy? Are you cultivating those same qualities as a mentor?
3. A Mentor Is Available
This doesn’t mean you’re available 24/7 – but it does mean your mentee knows she can reach you when she truly needs you.
Mentoring is about presence.
Answering her texts when she reaches out
Following up on prayer requests
Being willing to meet her in both the joyful and messy moments of life
Galatians 6:2 calls us to “carry each other’s burdens.” That’s what mentoring is about—walking together in real life.
4. A Mentor Is Prayerful
Prayer isn’t optional for Christian mentorship. It’s essential.
Pray:
For wisdom, clarity, and the right words
For your mentee’s growth and needs
For a soft heart and godly perspective
For God to lead and shape your mentoring relationship
We need prayer to sustain, strengthen, and sanctify our mentoring efforts.
“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16)
5. A Mentor Takes Ownership of Her Role
Mentoring is not a passive role. You are not “just a friend.” You are her mentor, a spiritual leader and example.
Taking ownership means:
Initiating contact
Asking thoughtful, faith-filled questions
Studying Scripture together
Encouraging her walk with Christ
Living with intention, not passivity
This is not a small role - it’s a Kingdom-impacting one. Show up for it with humility and conviction.
How to Grow as a Mentor Starting Today
No matter where you’re starting from, you can grow into this role. Maybe you’re already mentoring but feel unsure. Maybe no one ever modeled this for you. Or maybe you haven’t started yet, but you know God is nudging you toward it.
Wherever you are, here are three things you can do today to take a step forward:
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this post! I hope it encouraged and equipped you to step into your role as a mentor with confidence and clarity.
If you found this helpful, I’d love for you to share it with another Christian woman who could use this wisdom too. Let’s spread the power of mentoring together! 💕
For more insights and encouragement, be sure to follow me on Instagram @risenmentor. Let’s connect and continue growing in this beautiful journey of mentorship!
Until next time, keep walking in faith and mentoring well!