Developing Others as Leaders

4.1 Devotion. Elijah and Elisha

Getting Started

Mentoring has long been recognized as a way to build into the next generation of leaders. Mentoring fosters a transfer of knowledge, is key to leadership succession, and provides a built-in support system for tough times. When leaders intentionally develop others, they sharpen their own skills, reflect on what they have learned, and pass on their wisdom to others. But mentoring is not always easy.

The Bible mentions a number of mentoring relationships – Moses mentored Joshua. Eli mentored Samuel, who later mentored King Saul and King David. King David went on to become the greatest king and mentored wise King Solomon. Mordecai mentored Esther, who mentored King Artaxerxes (who funded Nehemiah’s project for the rebuilding of the wall around Jerusalem). And the prophet Elijah mentored Elisha, who later succeeded him.

The story of Elijah and Elisha is chronicled in 1 Kings 19 ( Read(new tab)  or  Listen(new tab) ). You may want to read this chapter as a backdrop.

In 1 Kings 19, one learns that Elijah spent time resting and being alone with God. During that time, God spoke to Elijah and told him he was to install two kings and his successor, Elisha. When Elijah approached Elisha, Elisha was farming, and Elijah placed his mantle around Elisha (1 Kings 19:19). A mantle was a loose shawl or cloak. By placing his mantle over Elisha, Elijah was symbolically asking him to follow him as his protégé. Elisha responded by saying goodbye to his parents and burning his farming equipment as a symbol that he was going to serve as Elijah’s assistant (1 Kings 19:21).

It must have been exciting and scary for Elijah to mentor Elisha. On one hand, Elijah shared his experience and wisdom with him so that Elisha could learn the history and context of the people of Israel. On the other hand, Elijah was preparing Elisha to take over his ministry and he would no longer be the primary voice to the Jewish people. As the two grew in their relationship, Elijah invested himself in Elisha’s future success, and Elisha honored his mentor’s approach while continuing to lead with his strengths.

Upon successful completion of this assignment, you will be able to:

· Integrate faith perspectives with personal development and professional practice as a leader.

Instructions

1. Review the rubric to make sure you understand the criteria for earning your grade.

2. Review the information in the Getting Started section.

3. You may want to refer to your personal Bible for a preferred translation.

4. Write a half-page reflection paper (Word document) that shares your thoughts on the mentoring relationship between Elijah and Elisha. What strikes you about their story recorded in 1 Kings 19? Do you have (or have you had) an Elijah or an Elisha in your life – someone who is building into you or someone who you are mentoring? Briefly share what you value most about that relationship.

5. Reflection papers are to be written in accordance with APA Guidelines (7th ed.) including format guidelines. Papers must be logical, well organized, grammatically correct, and have correct spelling and sentence structure.  Write in complete paragraphs.