Addressing Long-Distance Challenges to Transformative Mentoring

Through the Approach of the Apostle Paul

In our post-Covid, high tech world, mentor sessions do not always (often cannot) take place face-to-face. I recently wrote an article entitled “Maximizing Online Mentor Sessions” to address this modern reality. One of my coworkers, Dr. Guy Marquardt, who has pondered and written extensively in this area, shared the following thoughts with me. I hope they inspire all you long-distance mentors out there.

The apostle Paul clearly thought that being physically present with those he was discipling would be preferable. Whether rebuking, encouraging, teaching, or admonishing, Paul would rather meet "face to face." He was constantly planning future visits and often prayed that the Lord would keep Satan from interfering with those plans. Obviously, however, despite his preference for meeting together, Paul did not let anything stop him from making the best use possible of the written medium in order to continue to lead, model, mentor, and discipline.

The following chart represents three areas in which conducting relational transformative mentoring may prove challenging: a) communication, b) relationships, and c) growth. The second column lists four to five specific challenges in each of the three areas. The third column summarizes some of the approaches taken by Paul in his letters which helped to defuse each of the challenges. Finally, the fourth column offers some suggested implications and applications for those conducting mentoring at a distance today.

Dr. Marquardt shared one additional thought that he wanted me to convey: Don’t ever settle for online mentoring interactions only. They are a reality in our world, but when you have the opportunity to meet face to face with your mentees, seize it! This is still the best way to foster and enhance relationships!