Acts 11:19-26 The Church in Antioch - How God used Barnabas to advance the kingdom
Now those who had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, telling the message only to Jews.
Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. The Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.
News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.
This looks like mentoring to me; coming alongside, encouraging, and being true to the message he had been given. Also, Barnabas and Saul were meeting with the church for a "whole year" indicating that teaching was occurring throughout. It takes time to change culture.
Have you been called to be a mentor to a "younger" leader, someone who can call on you to be a safe place to exchange ideas and try them on. If the Lord has laid this on your heart, be a good steward of your time and volunteer to go on the journey with someone. You will be a blessing and you will be blessed as well.
Do you need a mentor? If so, find someone who has the maturity and wisdom to give good counsel. He or she will not give you the "answer" to all of the questions or challenges, but he (or she) will help you with maintaining your principles while you explore other avenues of your work.
Giving generously and receiving graciously; both sound biblical to me.
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