Mentorship for Women in Ministry: More Than a Model—It’s a Movement

In conversations about mentorship for women in ministry, I’m often asked how it compares to coaching, spiritual direction, and counseling. It’s a fair question—each plays a unique role, though there’s some overlap.

But mentorship is more than a model or a ministry method—it’s a movement of formation through relationship. It’s how wisdom is passed, courage is cultivated, and leadership is shaped not in isolation but in community.

Breaking it all down

Mentorship is rooted in relationship where  mentor walks with someone less experienced to offer wisdom, support, and guidance. It’s typically long-term and focused on formation and growth.

Coaching is more structured and goal-oriented and it’s designed to help someone develop specific skills or reach clear outcomes, often over a shorter period with measurable progress.

Spiritual direction is more contemplative. It’s about deepening awareness of God, discernment, and inner formation—not achieving goals but noticing where God is at work.

Counseling supports mental and emotional wellness. This form of care is often just associated with mental health, which it is, but thankfully our understanding of mental wellness has expanded. Life brings all kinds of experiences that can affect our internal world, and sometimes we need help sorting through what’s heavy, off, or unwell. Seeking out counseling when things feel too much isn’t weakness—it’s wise stewardship.

At Awaken, we believe mentorship for women is essential for holistic leadership development in ministry which is why we don’t just see it as a program—we see it as part of a broader movement. It’s a movement toward mutuality. A movement toward multiplying wisdom and presence in leadership. A movement rooted in the rich legacy of women in Scripture. While we deeply value coaching, spiritual direction, and counseling, we currently only offer a mentorship program (you can explore that here). Still, we know these other forms of support are often a better fit, which is why we’re building a directory of trusted Spiritual Directors and Coaches connected to our BIC network.

If you serve in one of these roles—or know someone who does—we’d love to connect.

Biblical Foundations of Mentorship for Women

The value of mentorship for women in ministry is rooted in scripture, even if the term itself isn’t used. We see the exchange of this type of relationship with rich examples of women walking alongside, guiding, and encouraging one another in ways that reflect the heart of mentorship.

Naomi & Ruth, whose story is found in the book of Ruth, maps out a picture of generational mentorship and faith in action. Naomi mentors Ruth not only in navigating life after loss, but also in faith, community, and cultural customs. Theirs is a compelling redemptive story detailing Ruth’s commitment to follow Naomi’s lead and ultimately find her place in God’s story.

“Where you go, I will go… Your people will be my people, and your God my God.” — Ruth 1:16

 

Elizabeth & Mary’s story, told in the Gospel of Luke, unpacks the power of Spiritual encouragement and affirmation in a context and situation no one else could possibly have understood. Elizabeth, older and further along in her journey, affirms Mary’s calling and blesses her obedience. Their connection offers a beautiful model of mutual encouragement and spiritual affirmation between women.

“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her!” — Luke 1:45

Lois & Eunice, were the grandmother and mother of Timothy (2 Timothy 1:5). Paul acknowledges Timothy’s sincere faith, passed down from his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice. Their influence shaped Timothy’s spiritual foundation. While not mentorship in a formal sense, it’s a generational passing on of faith and wisdom.

“I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice…” — 2 Timothy 1:5

 

Leadership Development

Deborah & Jael (Judges 4–5) reveal a unique mentorship that influences through role and position. Deborah, a prophet and judge, calls others into courageous leadership. Jael, in turn, acts decisively. Though they don’t interact directly, Deborah’s leadership sets a tone for others to step into their God-given roles.

Priscilla (with Aquila) ( Acts 18:24–26) demonstrate how teaching and leadership impact growth and formation. Priscilla, often named before her husband (suggesting her prominence), helps instruct Apollos in a more accurate understanding of the faith. While not mentoring another woman here, Priscilla models that women can teach and lead others in ministry—laying a precedent for women mentoring women.

Scripture clearly captures the heart of mentorship, and not just for women, but for all as seen in the case of Timothy and Aquila. There is, however, a powerful case for women mentoring women. Sometimes it’s just more helpful to flesh things out with someone who gets it because they’ve been there and done that.

From Naomi and Ruth to Priscilla and Mary, the Bible reveals a dynamic legacy of women walking together—learning, leading, and lifting one another up. This isn’t just anecdotal. It’s a sacred pattern. It’s the biblical blueprint for mentorship.

And today, that legacy continues—not as a trend to follow, but as a Spirit-led movement inviting women into faithful presence with one another.

The Impact of Mentorship for Women in Ministry

What we’re seeing today in women’s ministry is more than women helping women. It’s a groundswell. A movement of encouragement, investment, and transformation. One woman’s “yes” to being mentored (or becoming a mentor) doesn’t stop with her—it multiplies.And that’s what makes mentorship for women in ministry more than a model. It’s a movement of renewal within the Church.

“I am so grateful for the impact of mentorship in my life. When I think back over the years about my own experience with Mentorship, I see many of the examples outlined in scripture. Generational mentorship, cultural mentorship, and leadership mentorship from afar, have all played a vital role in my development.”

 

One of the things I appreciate the most about mentorship is the intrinsic way it spills out and over into the broader community. Really, when you get right down to it, mentorship is a relational mechanism for spiritual growth and development. It’s a form of leadership, which is something we talk a lot about in our Awaken Cohorts.

Leadership is often misunderstood, reduced to titles or positions. While that’s a common interpretation, it’s incomplete—and can take us in the wrong direction. What if we began to see leadership not as power to hold, but as influence offered for the good of others? What if it was less about authority, and more about presence—drawing from personal experience not to control, but to guide and serve?

Leadership, at its core, isn’t about climbing higher. It’s about helping others find their way.

Doesn’t that sound like mentorship?

I don’t know about you, but that excites me!  The Investment of time, talent, and treasure, in mentorship for women in ministry creates a culture of collaboration in which the whole eco-system flourishes. This, my friends, is a win/win!

Practical Tips for Becoming a Mentor or Finding One

If you have never considered mentorship before, here are a few practical tips as you discern…

Clarify What You Need in This Season
. Are you looking for spiritual formation, leadership guidance, vocational insight, or personal support? Knowing your “why” helps you identify the right person.

Pray for Discernment
. Ask God to guide your search and prepare both you and the person He might place in your path.

Pay Attention to Character and Fruit
Look for women who are grounded, gracious, wise, and living lives of faithful presence—not just those with impressive resumes.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
. It might feel vulnerable, but asking someone to walk with you—even just for a season—can open the door to mutual encouragement and growth.

Awaken’s Mentorship Program. Called & Becoming is a space for women in ministry (and those discerning the call) to pause, reflect, grow, and be companioned along the way. There’s no pressure to arrive—just an invitation to begin.

Look Within Your Circles 
Consider pastors, professors, women leaders in your church or denomination, or those you admire from a distance. Sometimes the right mentor is already nearby.

Have you ever considered becoming a mentor?

Awaken is always looking to develop our cadre of mentors, so if you’re noticing a sense of movement about investing in another woman, then this next list of practical tips is for you.

Trust That You Have Something to Offer
You don’t need to have it all figured out. Your lived experience, wisdom, and faithfulness are enough.

Lead with Humility and Curiosity
A good mentor doesn’t have all the answers. Be a listener first, and let your guidance grow from relationship.

Make Space, Not a Formula
. Every mentoring relationship is different. Don’t worry about a rigid structure—just commit to being consistent, prayerful, and present.

Invite, Don’t Impose
If you notice someone who might benefit from your insight, gently invite rather than assume.

Mentoring works best when it’s mutual and welcomed. Stay Rooted in the Bigger Picture
. Mentorship isn’t about control or replication—it’s about coming alongside others as they discern their own path with God.

Mentorship is just like any other relationship, which means intentionality is important. Understanding your why is essential because it helps in the establishment of boundaries and the cultivation of truth in mentorship relationships.

Pursuing mentorship for women in ministry

We’ve discussed the value of mentorship for women in ministry from leadership development to the ripple effect of spiritual growth for entire faith community. If you didn’t before, hopefully you now see how a simple addition of intentionality can make such an impact!

If you’ve never tried intentional mentorship—either as mentee or mentor—then consider this an open invitation. As mentioned above, Awaken has mentorship program. Click this link to start the process, and see how this might work for you!

Maybe you already have an established mentorship in place. That’s awesome—keep at it!

A gentle nudge…would you consider becoming a mentor? Pray about it. Ask the Holy Spirit about how you might be a partner in the formational journey of a sister. Reach out, we’d be happy to help you discern what this might look like for you.

Whether you’re stepping into mentorship for the first time or considering investing in someone else, remember this…

Mentorship isn’t just about one relationship—it’s part of something bigger. A Spirit-led movement shaping leaders, churches, and communities for the better. You don’t have to be perfect to be part of it. You just have to say yes.