In God’s kingdom, influence is never accidental. We are not just called to succeed, we are called to be the role model who helps others rise. That is the heartbeat of The Mentoring Mandate.

Jesus made it clear in Matthew 28:18–20: mentoring is not optional. It is not for a special class of gifted people. It is the assignment for every follower of Christ. We shine, and then we help others shine, without fear, insecurity, or comparison.

One of the most striking truths from the message is this: no one shines forever on the field. At some point, the crowd cheers for someone else. The only way to stay relevant is to invest in others. In God’s kingdom, raising people doesn’t dim your light; it multiplies it. When you choose to be the role model, your impact grows even after your season changes.

Chronological order is not destiny order. Just because you arrived on the scene first doesn’t mean someone you mentor cannot leap ahead. God, in His sovereignty, raises whoever He chooses (Romans 9:15–16).

That’s why we must never underestimate the people we mentor today. You have no idea what God is building in them. Your privilege is to shape that journey.

Mentoring is how the gospel spreads. It’s how kingdom influence multiplies. It’s how God turns ordinary people into leaders (Acts 4:13). If you choose to be the role model, lives will change because of your yes.

Jesus has already sent you (John 20:21). You don’t need permission.

And remember: the fact that you suffered under poor mentoring is not a license to repeat the cycle. In God’s design, mentoring raises people, not breaks them.

Before you lead nations, lead your own household. Before you influence crowds, influence the people closest to you. Abraham’s blessing (Galatians 3:14) includes the mandate to raise others, to speak life, call things forth, and multiply righteousness.

When you choose to be the role model, your success multiplies. Your leadership deepens. Your fulfillment grows. And God uses you to shape lives that will outlive your own.

Mentoring is not just something you do, it is who you are sent to be.

An excerpt from the sermon by Pastor Boye Oloyede, on Sunday, November 30, 2025.

Watch this sermon here