Mentorship is an important part of growth. Whether we’re maturing in our faith as followers of Jesus or sharpening our skills as leaders, mentoring can be a catalyst for long-term development.

A good mentor facilitates growth by offering three valuable gifts:

The Gift of a Pattern

The apostle Paul understood the power of mentoring when he said, “Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do” (Philippians 3:17).

Paul emphasized the importance of being an example and providing a model for others to follow. His pattern of behavior inspired growth in others.

Good mentors practice what they preach. With humility, they can join Paul in saying, “Pattern your lives after mine and learn from those who follow our example” (Philippians 3:17, NLT). If you can’t trust the character of a mentor, you won’t be able to fully trust his or her coaching.

A good mentor’s perspective is always rooted in wisdom.

The Gift of Perspective

A good mentor gives you wise perspective on the issues you are currently facing. Sometimes the mentor draws that insight out of you by asking good questions. Other times the mentor taps his or her own well of tested experience and gives you the counsel you need to embrace a better strategy or navigate a challenging situation.

Whatever the approach, a good mentor’s perspective is always rooted in biblical wisdom.

Proverbs 18:15 says, “The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.” And Proverbs 19:20 says, “Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.”

The Gift of Permission

Good mentors give you permission to move forward. Author and leadership coach Shawn Lovejoy helped me understand this gift. It’s not that you literally need a mentor’s permission before you can act; rather, a good mentor knows how to give you a boost in confidence.

A mentor reminds you to believe in yourself and in your mission. He or she helps you silence the voice of self-doubt, increase your faith, and refocus your heart on God’s faithfulness. This can give you the courage you need to move forward.

The gift of permission is especially helpful when a leader faces bold decisions with long-term ramifications. A mentor’s encouragement may be the nudge we need to say “yes” to God and follow courageously where He is leading.

Author and pastor Rob Ketterling said, “Our relational circle has an effect on the direction and speed of our lives.”

Friends push you further, faster. The question is, which direction are they pushing you?