In the book of Acts, we see Paul’s interactions with men like Barnabas, Mark, Luke, Silas, and Timothy. His ultimate goal was to spread the gospel of Christ. In so doing, he knew that training other men was a necessity.
For the rest of our time together, let’s narrow the scope to three of Paul’s letters (1 & 2 Timothy and Titus) that are written to two younger preachers (Timothy and Titus). It’s interesting to note that much of Paul’s advice relates to Timothy and Titus as individuals; he understood personal development was the key to public ministry development. Thus, the following truths are important in our everyday lives as well as to those of us in public ministry.
Don’t compromise Truth. One of the most repeated themes in these three letters of Paul is to stay true to Truth. He knew these younger men could be vulnerable to older teachers with selfish agendas (1 Tim. 1:3-7). He knew false teachers would try anything to infiltrate the churches at Ephesus and Crete. I find it interesting that the clearest passage about the inspiration of the scriptures is found in Paul’s second letter to Timothy. Paul knew the source of strength for Timothy and Titus in their battles against false doctrine was the true word of God. Notice Paul’s words: “All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus…preach the word…reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching” (2 Tim. 3:16-4:2). Godly mentors encourage others to depend on the unchanging word of God for guidance. I thank Kerry for his constant encouragement to seek the Truth and teach it unashamedly.
Instill confidence. The more I work with young people (and all people I suppose), the more I realize that we are our own biggest enemies to progress. I have to battle myself more than anyone else in order to do the things I know I 
should. You may have esteem issues to overcome to be a faithful follower of Christ. I think Paul acknowledged this idea by directly building confidence in Timothy and Titus. We’re familiar with his statement to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:12, “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example…” He also makes a similar one to Titus, “Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.” Paul was reminding these young men of their importance in the Kingdom. Paul built their confidence when others might have torn it down. I am thankful to Kerry for instilling personal confidence in me, my abilities, and my decisions.
Build independence. The greatest value of a mentor can be seen once he or she is no longer actively mentoring an individual. Likewise, the true test of parenthood is the decisions our children make once adults. Paul left both Timothy and Titus to preach in churches while he was absent. He was turning the public role of teaching over to them in Ephesus and Crete. The first letter to Timothy begins with “remain at Ephesus…” and the letter to Titus starts with “This is why I left you in Crete…” Paul had trained them in order to put them into situations where they would be of the best service in the church. As much as I am able to learn in the presence of Kerry, I am forced to learn more when I have to do things all by myself. I am grateful for the times he has let me learn by letting me (and sometimes encouraging me to) be independent.
We are saddened to see Kerry, Natalie, and Sawyer leave us. However, we are excited for their new work in Northport. We are also excited for the plans the Lord has in store for us here at Midway. We know we will all be more prepared to do His work because of the time the Richardson’s have shared with us.
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