Complete Dissertaton - Final for Print with new editing - Dallas ...

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the process, David and Jonathan constantly sought each other’s best (1 Samuel
20) even at the risk of their own lives. 66
A friendship or peer relationship like David and Jonathan had represents one worth
praying for and pursuing. Stanley and Clinton call this type of peer relationship the “close
buddy.” 67 They believe Jonathan and David’s relationship epitomizes the close buddy
type of relationship.
This [close buddy] relationship is characterized by unrestricted openness,
trust, commitment, and a high sense of mutual accountability or sense of
responsibility for one another….What moves people from friends to close buddies
is a mutual commitment to the pursuit of a deeply meaningful goal. Out of this
will grow a sense of responsibility for one another that will lift each buddy to new
levels that would not be reached alone. It also provides accountability for integrity
and inner-life growth, which is vital for those who desire to finish well. 68
Barnabas and Paul represent a second example of peer relationships. Stanley
and Clinton describe this first century relationship by stating:
Barnabas was a people influencer. He saw potential in Saul (later the Apostle
Paul) when others kept their distance. Saul’s conversion turned this brilliant zealot
of orthodox Judaism to a fearless Christian evangelist and apologist. Jews and the
disciples alike feared him and were afraid to let him join them. ‘But Barnabas
took him [Saul] and brought him to the apostles’(Acts 9:27). Barnabas was not
intimidated by this brash convert, but drew him in and vouched for him.
Undoubtedly, he encouraged and taught Saul during those early days and patiently
stayed with him, knowing that time and experience would soon temper and
mature this gifted young leader….Barnabas (the mentor) knew the kind of
developmental environment and challenge that Saul needed in order to grow, and
drew him into it. 69
Barnabas illustrates a number of specific ways that mentors help mentorees. The study
done by Stanley and Clinton identifies several important ones:
1. Mentors give to mentorees:
• timely advice;
66 Stanley and Clinton, Connecting, 170-71.
67 Ibid., 180.
68 Ibid., 180-181.
69 Ibid., 38-39.