Passing The Light: Mentoring Lessons from Elijah, Elisha, and John Wesley by Larry Frank

“We transfer this mantle from our generation to the young, indicating that the responsibilities of the older generation will be caught up and carried on by the young, and that the spirit of today’s Elijahs will rest on today’s Elishas.” Nearly a decade ago these words rang across the retirement service as a retiring elder handed me a symbolic lantern.  

I had been selected by my peers as the ordinand to “receive the mantle” and carry on the light from the retiring class. I’ll admit I had often tuned out of that particular service, often opting for coffee with friends. But when it came to the moment for me to actually receive the lantern and hear those words, I felt the full weight of the handoff. That day 31 gifted and dedicated pastors were retiring, collectively representing over 950 years of service to Christ and His Church. I imagined all the sermons preached, the lives changed, the baptisms, funerals, and weddings. I thought of all the joy lived out in their churches, all the hard transitions and moments of grief. And with the passing of a lantern, over 950 years of combined ministry was symbolically passed to 4 newly ordained elders. 

The lantern felt heavy in my hands as I barely squeezed out my response, “we who come after you say, may we receive a double portion of your spirit.”

The emotion of the moment pierced me as I realized that given the state of the world, and of the church, we were going to need at least a double portion. That day was a confirmation in my spirit we needed a new way to operate.  Much of my training for ministry set me up to be a solo-heroic leader. I needed mentors. I needed to mentor others. This has become a drumbeat for my life and ministry ever since. 

In wrestling for a way to share this idea of calling wrapped up in mentorship with my church, I found direction in 1 Kings. The Biblical story of Elijah and Elisha offers a beautiful narrative on mentorship and handoff, emphasizing the deep, transformative relationship needed for spiritual maturity. This narrative, intertwined with John Wesley’s emphasis on communal spiritual growth and accountability within micro-communities, reveals the enduring power of mentoring in nurturing a committed, maturing faith. 

Elijah and Elisha: A Model of Spiritual Mentoring

The relationship between Elijah and Elisha serves as an exemplary model of the mentoring relationship. Elijah, a powerful prophet of God, had been used by God in powerful and dramatic ways to purge the land of Baal worship. After defeating the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel (1 Kings 18), an act that in Elijah’s eyes should have been the final triumph over idol worship, Elijah finds himself pursued by Queen Jezebel (1 Kings 19:1-2). In God’s goodness, Elijah is cared for (nap and a snack, amen?), and shown how his calling would play out in the next phase of God’s unfolding plan. Elijah learns that he would soon be used in less dramatic, more subtle ways. In other words, Elijah had to accept the reality that while he was a part of God’s plan, he was not the plan (1 Kings 19:3-18). God’s ultimate triumph over Baal worship would be accomplished through the intentional (and rather unremarkable) act of prophetic succession. 

Elijah is told to anoint Elisha as his successor. And without much explanation, Elijah throws his cloak over Elisha, signifying the transfer of prophetic authority and an invitation into a new way of life (1 Kings 19:19-21). This simple moment marks the beginning of an intimate and transformative relationship. 

Elisha’s own journey of being mentored by Elijah would be characterized by learning, observation, and deep discipleship. Elisha faithfully serves and follows the elder Elijah, witnessing his prophetic ministry while growing in his understanding of his own call. The relationship is about far more than passing on knowledge; it is about Elisha experiencing and embodying the ministry of a prophet. The climactic moment of their relationship is when Elijah is taken to heaven in a whirlwind, and Elisha receives that double portion (2 Kings 2:9-12). This is the culmination of their mentoring relationship, with Elisha now fully equipped to continue the work of God begun by his spiritual father. 

John Wesley and the Power of Group Mentoring

For all that is made of John Wesley’s genius in innovation, perhaps the most valuable facet was his grasp of communal spiritual growth and accountability. Group mentoring in societies, classes, and bands were foundational elements to the early movement. These groups were designed to foster spiritual maturity through mutually practiced accountability, prayer, and the study of Scripture. Those early methodists saw that true spiritual growth and preparation for a life of ministry happened best within the context of community, where all members were supported and challenged in their faith journeys. 

In these groups, the mentor (class or band leader) would guide and support individuals in their spiritual formation. Through teaching biblical truth and modeling a life of holiness, they helped those in their care navigate the challenges of life, discern God’s will, and apply scriptural holiness to their daily lives. 

These groups were the secret sauce of the Methodist-Wesleyan movement. Francis Asbury, reflecting on these groups, referred to them as “our universities for the ministry.” Wesley himself believed that the neglect of this group mentoring experience would tear at the fabric of the entire movement:
Never omit meeting your class or band; never absent yourself from any public meeting. These are the very sinews of our Society; and whatever weakens, or tends to weaken, our regard for these, or our exactness in attending them, strikes at the very root of our community.

Wesley’s approach to communal spiritual growth and mentoring aligns with what we read of Elijah and Elisha’s relationship. Both the biblical account and the group model of Wesleyanism emphasize the importance of close, personal relationships in nurturing spiritual maturity in mentoring relationships.

Mentoring: Handing Off Deep, Transformative Faith and Leadership

Mentoring, as illustrated by Elijah and Elisha and emphasized by Wesley’s practices, is not merely the impartation of knowledge. It involves nurturing deep, transformative relationships that foster spiritual and emotional maturity and a deeper commitment to following the call of Jesus. A true mentor invests time, energy, and resources into the mentee, guiding them along the way. 

This time of relationship requires vulnerability, trust, and a willingness to be shaped by the wisdom and experience of another. For Elisha, following Elijah meant leaving his former life behind and embracing a new identity. In much the same way, members of Wesley’s groups were challenged to live out their faith authentically and transparently within their communities. 

Building a Legacy: Investing in the Next Generation of Leaders

The impact of such mentoring relationships extends beyond the spiritual and leadership growth of an individual. It plays a crucial role in the development and expansion of faith-sharing movements, like World Methodist Evangelism. Elijah’s mentoring of Elisha ensured the continuity of the prophetic ministry in Israel. Elisha’s subsequent ministry, while quite different from Elijah’s, showed the effectiveness of Elijah’s guidance. 

In the case of the early Methodists, Wesley’s emphasis on small groups and communal accountability and mentoring led to a vibrant and growing movement. The strength of the movement lay in its ability to cultivate committed disciples who were in turn equipped to lead and mentor others, multiplying the impact of the gospel. 

This type of relational investment not only deepens discipleship, but also enhances effective evangelism. Mentored individuals are equipped to articulate their faith, engage in faith-sharing, and invite others into a similar journey. 

With every handoff, we hold in tension remembering one’s own calling while at the same time embracing the handoff to those coming behind. When I think of someone who has done that well, I think of Rev. Dr. Maxie Dunnam. As a young pastor, I knew Maxie as someone who was working tirelessly for renewal in the Wesleyan way. Several years ago, we happened to be at the same conference in Chicago. One evening, we were waiting for dinner and I took the opportunity to say thanks for working so hard for a better Church for my generation and that I realized that I was standing on his shoulders. I’ll never forget his reply, “Larry, I may not get to see the whole thing, but you will. I get to hand it off to you.” 

Later, through Flame Fellows, I got to spend a year being mentored by Maxie. In preparation for a sermon titled ‘Handoff’, I wondered if Maxie even remembered that conversation in Chicago. So we had a zoom chat about it and I shared the last few minutes of our conversation with Grace Church. (You can view the sermon here  – the conversation with Maxie is at the very end). 

If not for mentors like Maxie (and several others) who have invested in my life, I would not be the follower of Jesus, pastor, husband, or father that I am. I am grateful for my current mentors who continually push me to be the best version of me I can be. And in these days, I take very seriously my responsibility to be that person for others. In a recent staff meeting, our Executive Pastor and I had a wonderful realization that at 40 and 37 years old, respectively, we are among some of the older staff. We must pour into our Elishas as they hone their own call and leadership style.

In a world increasingly dominated by individualism, the biblical and Wesleyan models of mentorship remind us of the profound importance of community, accountability, and relational investment in nurturing faith and calling. The time to act is now; we cannot afford to wait until a retirement ceremony to pass the torch to the next generation.

Taking Action: Practical Steps to Embrace Mentorship

Here’s some practical steps:

• Become a Mentor:
  If you have experienced the transformative power of a mentoring relationship, consider becoming a mentor yourself. Reflect on the wisdom and experiences you have gained and seek out those who might benefit from your guidance. Whether it’s within your church, workplace, or community, your investment will make a significant impact.
• Seek Out Mentorship:
  If you are seeking to grow in your faith and leadership, find a mentor who can guide and support you. Look for someone whose life and ministry inspire you and approach them with humility and openness. Express your desire to learn from their experiences and be ready to commit to the journey of growth.
• Join or Form Small Groups:
  Small groups are the heartbeat of communal spiritual growth. Join an existing small group at your church or consider starting one. These groups provide a safe space for mutual accountability, prayer, and study of Scripture. They are fertile ground for mentoring relationships to flourish.
• Invest in the Next Generation:
  Identify potential leaders within your community and invest in their development. Create opportunities for young people to take on responsibilities, learn from experienced leaders, and grow in their faith. Encourage them, support them, and let them know that you believe in their potential.
• Commit to the Handoff:
  The handoff is not a one-time event but a continuous process. Commit to regularly assessing and renewing your mentoring relationships. Stay engaged, be adaptable, and continually seek ways to support and empower those you mentor.

Lighting the Way Forward: A Call to Mentorship and Legacy Building

By embracing the call to mentor and be mentored, we can ensure the continuity and vitality of our faith communities. The church is too precious, and our calling too significant, to wait any longer. Start the handoff now. Let’s build a legacy of faith and leadership which will endure for generations to come.

Who are your Elijahs? Reach out to them and express your gratitude. Who are your Elishas? Begin investing in their journey today. Together, let’s light the way forward.