Biblical mentorship for young men
What an outstanding article by the Wall Street Journal that highlights a crucial need for today’s young men struggling to find direction, purpose, and a path forward. Life Tabernacle Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, recognizes the weight of that challenge and has stepped up in a practical way. They’ve launched a mentorship program that teaches both life skills and biblical values, reaching teens who might otherwise be overlooked.
Under the leadership of Pastor Tony Spell and youth pastor B.J. Holt, the program trains young men in tasks like mowing lawns, changing tires, and managing finances; all skills that build confidence and independence. But just as importantly, they ground these lessons in Scripture and a life of faith.
“God designed men with an innate desire to be a provider, even if that’s just providing for themselves and being productive. So when they’re not fulfilling that, they do feel lost.” – Youth Pastor B.J. Holt
The program builds on key Scripture verses that talk about the need for men to train the next generation in how to be a man, according to The Bible.
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.” Ecclesiastes 9:10 (LSV)
This verse captures the spirit of their work: not just doing tasks, but doing them with intentionality and strength drawn from God.
Many of the young men in this program come from fatherless or low-income homes, situations that too often leave them feeling adrift. Programs like this remind them that they’re not alone and that their lives have value and purpose. Boys must have mentors to guide them. Scripture is clear:
“Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 (LSV)
But mentorship isn’t only about teaching tasks – it’s about older men living out a model for younger men to follow. Paul outlines this clearly:
“Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance. … Likewise urge the younger men to be sensible; in all things show yourself to be a model of good works, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in word which is irreproachable.” Titus 2:2, 6–8 (LSV)
Mentorship is generational. It’s not just about helping today’s young men – it’s about equipping them to do the same for others in the future.
“And the things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” 2 Timothy 2:2 (LSV)
While some have misused Philippians 4:13 (“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me”) as a blanket promise of personal success, Paul was actually speaking about enduring all circumstances – in need or in abundance – through Christ’s strength. That’s the kind of perseverance these young men are being taught to seek.
“Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” 1 Corinthians 16:13 (LSV)
At its core, this mentorship program isn’t just about teaching young men how to succeed — it’s about showing them how to live faithfully, work diligently, and lead humbly.
In a time when many feel lost, this kind of steady guidance is more needed than ever.
If you’re like me, you might need a little motivation from time-to-time as we “do life” as men. Here’s a curated playlist on Spotify that might encouarge you (especially no. 6).