The Value of Mentorship vs. The Power of Discipleship

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” Matthew 28:19

The Church today often confuses two similar, yet distinct roles: mentoring and discipling. Both are valuable, both are relational, and both can bear good fruit. But only one was commanded by Jesus, backed by His authority, and empowered by His Spirit for the purpose of making others fully mature in Christ.

Mentoring, as commonly practiced, involves one person offering advice, guidance, or expertise to another in a specific life area. Whether it’s parenting, career development, or marriage, mentoring provides support and insight from someone more experienced.

Discipling, on the other hand, goes far deeper. It is a divine mandate a Spirit-led investment in another’s spiritual life with the aim of shaping them into a faithful, fruit-bearing follower of Jesus.

As one woman discovered through years of mentoring and discipling other women, the distinction is critical. When a young mother asked for help navigating her parenting journey, she offered mentoring: helpful advice, shared resources, and encouraging prayer. But when another young woman asked to be discipled, the nature of the relationship shifted it became spiritually centered, mutually intentional, and guided by Scripture and prayer with the aim of growing into Christlikeness.

Let’s explore the three essential differences between being mentored and being discipled, and why that difference matters more than we often realize.

1. Discipling Is God’s Idea

Mentoring is a helpful human construct. But discipling is a divine command. In Matthew 28:19–20, Jesus didn’t say, “Go therefore and mentor…” He said, “Go therefore and make disciples…”

This command is not optional or cultural it is foundational to the Church’s mission. Discipling is not simply spiritual mentoring. It is the God-ordained, Holy Spirit-empowered pathway for maturing believers and multiplying faith across generations.

To disciple someone is to partner with God in shaping them into someone who knows Christ, follows Christ, and eventually helps others do the same (2 Timothy 2:2). This is not casual encouragement or life advice. It is life-on-life transformation aimed at eternal impact.

And because discipling is God’s idea, He supplies what we lack. As Jesus promised, “Behold, I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). We are not discipling in our own strength or wisdom, but under His authority and with His presence.

2. God Causes the Growth

In 1 Corinthians 3:6–7, Paul writes, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.” In discipleship, we are planters and waterers but we are not the Grower. That role belongs to God alone.

This truth lifts a great burden. You do not need to be the perfect discipler, the deepest theologian, or the wisest counselor. You are simply called to show up faithfully, open the Word, pray fervently, and love well.

Discipleship involves discernment knowing when to offer “milk” and when to offer “meat” (Hebrews 5:12). It requires asking the Holy Spirit for insight into where your disciple is in their spiritual walk and what they need to grow next. But at every stage, you trust God for the outcome.

Mentoring may end once the mentee acquires the skill or knowledge they came for. Discipling, however, is focused on a much bigger outcome: spiritual maturity. And because that maturity is a work of grace, our greatest contribution is our prayerful dependence on God.

3. Discipleship Has an Intrinsic Purpose

The aim of discipling is not simply to help someone feel better or live more wisely it is to present everyone mature in Christ (Colossians 1:28).

This purpose shapes everything in the relationship. Discipleship is not a casual chat over coffee; it is a sacred trust. It’s not primarily about solving problems or giving advice (though those may happen). It’s about forming Christ in another person (Galatians 4:19).

That means the discipler must be intentional. Not every relationship will have deep emotional connection or lifelong closeness. But there must be a bridge of trust strong enough to carry the weight of truth. This trust allows the Word to be spoken clearly, correction to be offered gently, and grace to be extended freely.

Just as a parent feeds a child appropriate to their stage of development, so a discipler feeds truth to their disciple in stages always with the goal that one day, the disciple will feed others (Hebrews 5:12–14).

Mentoring May Inspire But Discipling Transforms

It’s not uncommon for women to seek mentoring in parenting, relationships, or spiritual direction. These are good things. But too often, we settle for guidance when what we need is growth. We settle for insight when what we need is investment someone to walk with us, pray with us, speak God’s Word over us, and equip us to do the same for others.

This is the heart of biblical discipleship multiplication. Paul discipled Timothy. Timothy was instructed to entrust what he learned to faithful men, who would teach others also (2 Timothy 2:2). Discipling is never an end in itself. It is a relay race. Each one runs their lap and passes the baton.

Clarify the Call

If you’re entering into a relational commitment whether as a guide or a learner ask the Lord and ask each other: Is this mentoring or discipling? Are we exchanging advice, or walking in spiritual formation together?

Clarifying this difference doesn’t diminish mentoring it strengthens it. Mentoring can offer wisdom. Discipling offers transformation. Mentoring helps in a season. Discipling prepares for a lifetime.

As Jesus builds His Church, He is not primarily looking for mentors. He is looking for disciple-makers. And in His goodness, He equips ordinary people like you to do this extraordinary work.

share this with someone eager to grow in Christ or subscribe to our newsletter for more discipleship-focused content.