What Is Titus 2 Mentoring?
WHO IS THIS FOR & DO I NEED ONE?
Why do some Christians make such a big deal about Titus 2 mentoring? What is a Titus 2 mentor anyway? Do you need one for spiritual growth? How is it different than mentoring outside of the church?
Because this is a subject that is so dear to my heart, whenever possible I ask ladies for their opinions and experiences with Titus 2 ministry. What I find is that most women have pretty strong opinions on the subject but there is a lot of confusion too.
Some women will smile knowing right away what Titus 2 mentoring is all about. Usually, these are the ladies who have good memories of a mentoring relationship and love to share.
Some of the women I ask roll their eyes at the mere mention of Titus 2. Most of these women tell me variations of "yeah, I know all about it. Been there, done that. I'm tired of being given a list of things to add to my overflowing day. I've had it with being made to feel guilty because I…(work, chose not to get married, am not perfect, etc). But being "trapped at home" isn't for me so forget it!"
Others have never been involved in Titus 2 mentoring. They are curious but not really familiar with the concept.
For some time now I have been feeling God's nudge to make Titus 2 ministry more of a focus of Cups to Crowns. In the future, I plan to add many more Titus 2 mentoring posts. To kick it off, I thought we would explore the basics of Titus 2 mentoring.
What Does The Bible Say?
God is all about relationships and putting others before ourselves. Helping each other learn and get through difficulties is a blessing.
A fantastic example of Titus 2 mentoring can be found in the book of Ruth. When Ruth joined Naomi's family, she was not a Christian. She had been raised in a pagan society that hated Christians. Yet day-In-and-day-out Naomi instructed Ruth and taught her how to be a godly woman and a godly wife. Their bond became so tight that when given the opportunity, Ruth refused to leave Naomi's side. It is a fascinating story
Jesus used mentoring as a way of life. He lived life for 3 years with his disciples by his side. They watched, listened, and imitated Jesus.
Various Types Of Biblical Training
One generation teaching the next generation the ways of living out their faith has been a part of Christianity since the beginning. This biblical training comes in a variety of names.
Discipleship
As we disciple someone, we use the Bible to focus on teaching about spiritual growth and how to be more like Jesus. Discipling programs seem to be more prevalent than Titus 2 programs, maybe because they teach right out of the Bible and explain how it applies to the life of the believer.
Discipleship training is almost always open to both men and women together. Most discipleship programs are done at a church with a structured teaching program in place.
Mentoring
Mentoring builds on discipleship. When mentoring is added, the mentor regularly walks alongside the mentee teaching through hands-on examples of how to live out the Christian life. The goal of a mentor relationship is to help another Christian to grow into the person God created them to be by applying biblical principles to their issues.
Christian mentoring is usually open to both men and women in the church but in separate programs. Depending on the type of training taking place, mentoring is best done out of the church environment.
Titus 2 Mentoring
Titus 2 mentoring is women mentoring women, specifically older Christian women mentoring younger Christian women. As above, they zero in on issues the younger woman is struggling with and take the time to guide her on how to apply the truth of the Bible to her everyday life events.
Depending on your church, you might find Titus 2 mentoring called something unique such as women teaching women, soul sister, spiritual mentoring, or simply women's ministry.
For Additional Reading: Use your gifts to bless your church
What Is A Titus 2 Mentoring Woman?
A Titus 2 Woman is a term that comes from the New Testament, specifically from the book of Titus, chapter 2. My favorite version of this verse is found in the Amplified Bible. It says:
"Older women similarly are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor addicted to much wine, teaching what is right and good, so that they may encourage the young women to tenderly love their husbands and their children, to be sensible, pure, makers of a home (where God is honored), good-natured, being subject to their own husbands so that the word of God will not be dishonored."
(Titus 2:3-5)
What Does Titus 2 Mentoring Involve?
Every Titus 2 relationship will look different because we all have different needs, abilities, and gifts. However, without exception, there are a few key things older women are to teach and train younger women how to:
Love and be submissive to their husbands
Love their children
Be self-controlled in all areas
Be pure in thought, dress, words, and conduct
Work (be productive) at home (manage a household)
Cultivate godly fruits such as kindness
Who Is Called To Participate In Titus 2 Mentoring?
If you are a woman of God, Titus 2 mentoring is for you. Both older and younger women are called because sometimes you will be the giver of Titus 2 wisdom, sometimes you will be on the receiving end.
For Additional Reading: God’s not done with you yet.
The Mentoring Cycle Of Life
In God's wisdom, He put mentoring in place to be an ongoing cycle, not a one-time gig. Here is an example:
Susie is an empty-nester asking God to use her in His church. At the same time, God began to nudge Hannah that she needed help learning how to take care of her family and home in a biblical way. God placed Susie and Hannah in each other's paths.
Their relationship began with regular meetings as Susie invited Hannah into her life. As they talked, Hannah watched how Susie did the everyday type of tasks and how she applied biblical wisdom while she was at it. Things Hannah struggled with (such as how to organize her day to fit in all her God-given responsibilities) were discussed, demonstrated where possible, and studied together.
As Hannah gained confidence and grew in her biblical womanhood knowledge, she began to pray that God would bless her with someone to help the same way He blessed her when she was struggling.
Along came Beth, a recently engaged young momma who wasn't raised in a godly home and had only been a Christian a short time. Beth and Hannah "coincidentally" sat next to each other at church and struck up a conversation.
When the ladies met at church again, Hannah invited Beth out for coffee. She planned to explain mentoring to Beth and ask if she was willing to be mentored.
That is how the mentoring cycle works. When we mentor, we don't mentor for life (although hopefully, the relationship stays loving and active). When we enter into a mentoring relationship, it shouldn’t begin and end with us. It continues and rolls into the next sister's life.
Is Mentoring Necessary For Spiritual Growth?
No. If you don't find a mentor your spiritual growth won't be stunted like it would be if you didn't read or study your Bible. Titus 2 mentoring is a gift from God, a cherry-on-top blessing, to help us get through life a little easier. It's not meant to take the place of your Bible or the Holy Spirit.
Worldly or Godly Discipleship
How is Titus 2 mentoring (discipleship) different from mentoring outside of the church (the secular world)?In general, the type of instruction and guidance in life skills will be pretty much the same regardless if it is being taught by a Christian or not.
However (and this is a biggie!), Titus 2 mentoring is based on a godly perspective. That means Christ is always at the center of all advice and instruction. Part of the mentor's "job" is to show the difference between the two and why it matters so that the mentee won't fall for the enemy's lies. This helps the mentee to transform her thinking and habits from worldly to godly.
"And do not be conformed to this world (any longer with its superficial values and customs), but be transformed and progressively changed (as you mature spiritually) by the renewing of your mind (focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes), so that you may prove (for yourself) what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect (in His plan and purpose for you)."
(Romans 12:2 Amp)
CONCLUSION
As you can see, being involved in Titus 2 mentoring is biblical, practical, and a real blessing! There are many women in the church longing for such a relationship.
Being a Titus 2 mentor is more than teaching someone how to run a household or how to study the Bible. It is about building godly relationships and reflecting godly values (fruit) in our lives.
YOUR TURN
Are you familiar with mentoring? Have you participated in a Titus 2 mentoring relationship? Feel free to tell us about it below!
"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another -- and all the more so as you see the Day approaching."
(Hebrews 10:24-25)