Finding a Mentor

Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained what a mentor is:

[Mentors] have gone before us, and they know the way. …

… A more experienced, trusted individual serves as an effective guide and adviser to a less-experienced person, helping to shape that person’s understanding and teaching principles that will make him or her more effective, stronger, wiser, and more valuable as a servant of God. (“Thy Friends Do Stand by Thee” [Brigham Young University devotional, Mar. 7, 2010], 3, speeches.byu.edu)

Our greatest example of a mentor is Heavenly Father. One of His titles is “Man of Counsel” (Moses 7:35).

Study John 5:19–20 and John 8:26–28, looking for how Heavenly Father mentored His Son, Jesus Christ.

Choose one of the following scripture accounts and study the passages. Tag the passages as “mentor.”

• Moses and Joshua: Deuteronomy 3:21–22 (Moses guiding Joshua), 28 (the Lord’s instructions to Moses)

• The high priest Eli and the young prophet Samuel: 1 Samuel 3:1–10

How did the Lord provide His guidance through this mentor? How could that account help someone who is hesitant to seek help from a mentor?

Brother Milton Camargo, First Counselor in the Sunday School General Presidency, said:

At some point during your journey [in] education … you might feel overwhelmed with so many things to do. Please remember that you are not alone during your challenges. The Lord has given you many people who can support you—family members; Church leaders; friends; as well as your … instructors, mentors, or tutors. And, of course, the Lord Himself always stands ready to comfort and strengthen you. (“Persevere with the Lord’s Help” [BYU–Pathway Worldwide devotional, Mar. 1, 2022], 2, byupathway.edu)

The Lord places many trusted people in your path who could serve as mentors. Some people are short-term mentors and meet specific needs you have. Other mentors can work with you over a longer period. Seek Heavenly Father’s help to find and connect with mentors now. Be on the lookout throughout your life to find those you can look to for guidance and growth. The Lord will provide you with the help you need.

Sister Susan L. Gong taught:

5:29

This is a season to seek out wise and righteous mentors—parents or grandparents, teachers, friends, Church leaders, and, most importantly, Jesus Christ—to help us build meaningful lives. Create meaningful relationships with those who can help you learn and grow. (“Reasons to Hope,” [S&I worldwide devotional for young adults, Jan. 10, 2021], Gospel Library)

mentor, education

Ponder what you have studied about finding and meeting with a mentor. Then complete the following in your notebook:

1. What is an area of your current or future education or career planning that could benefit from a mentor’s counsel?

2. Who could you ask to serve as a mentor? Alternately, who could you ask for help identifying a mentor?

3. When will you contact them? How? (text, email, in person)

Contact information:

1. List at least three questions you could ask this person or topics you would like to discuss: