The Story of Mentor

The story of Mentor comes from Homer’s Odyssey. When Odysseus, king of Ithaca, went to fight in the Trojan War, he entrusted the care of his household to Mentor who served as a teacher and overseer of Odysseus’ son, Telemachus.

After the war, Odysseus was condemned to wander vainly for ten years in his attempt to return to his homeland. In time, Telemachus , now grown, went in search of his father. Telemachus was accompanied on his quest by Athena, goddess of war and patroness of the arts and industry. She assumed the form of Mentor to assist Telemachus.

Eventually, father and son were reunited and togther the cast down the usurpers of Odysseus’ throne and of Telemachus birthright.

In time the word ‘mentor’ became synonymous with ‘trusted advisor, friend, teacher and wise person”


Over the past few months I have been meeting with a mentor. My mentor is another pastor and we spend two hours together once a month. I met with him again this week. As we partted company I sat down to reflect on the things we had spoken about. He was beginning to pin point some real issues for me in ministry and leadership. Each month I get some homework to do in preparation for our next session. He does pleanty of talking, but also plenty of listening. In the space of just three or four sessions I am already seeing the value of having a mentor to talk with each month.

Christian mentoring is a process of developing a person to his/her maximum potential in Jesus Christ. (Ted Engstrom)