Answers

You ask Elim experts the questions. This month, it’s Pastor Harry Goodwin of The Well Church, Wakefield

What are spiritual mentors and how do you find one?

Spiritual mentoring is a biblical practice exemplified by relationships like that of Elijah with Elisha, and Jesus with his disciples. It’s valuable for believers eager to deepen their faith journey to find a spiritual mentor. To find the right mentor, start by consulting your pastor for guidance and recommendations.

The quality of the mentoring relationship is as crucial as having a mentor, so take time to choose wisely. Remember that successful mentorship is mentee-driven – you must take the initiative to seek out a mentor and accommodate yourself to their schedule. As you invest your time and effort, they will share their wisdom, knowledge, and experience in return.

As a Christian leader what worries you most?

What worries me most is the growing addiction to being seen as ‘just’ in the eyes of the world by many Western Christians. I believe this compulsive need to showcase moral superiority is damaging the faith and the witness of many believers.

In a desperate pursuit of appearing ‘just’ to others, some people have quickly dismissed the wisdom of the Church Fathers, labelling them as ‘outdated’ simply because their era offends a modern sense of justice. Thus, in an eagerness to distance themselves from that which they don’t like, they lose their connection to church history.

This disconnection has severe consequences: some are now repeating heresies that were thoroughly addressed and settled centuries ago. Heresies like modalism, polygamy, and denying Scripture’s authority are resurging because believers are cut off from the wisdom of the past. This addiction to appearing ‘just’ has led to the throwing away of centuries of theological understanding, leaving people to stumble over questions that the Church Fathers already wrestled with.

Jesus consistently called everyone – regardless of social status – to repent of their sins. Yes, he showed striking compassion to those caught in sin but never left them there! His love always included the call to ‘go and sin no more’.

Today, in an eagerness to appear ‘just’ and love the sinner, this crucial call to repentance is widely omitted, with churches approving behaviours that fall short. Many are willingly ignoring God’s other self-described character attributes, like his holiness, justice, and righteous anger.

Following Christ requires us to humbly recognise humanity’s need for a Saviour and its need to obey God’s Word, noting that God’s character is perfect – even the parts that offend our modern sensibilities. If we are to see the wider church flourish, we all need to get back into the proud history of the church and learn from it rather than deny it or ignore it.

How can I become a spiritual overcomer?

The secret to being a spiritual overcomer is beautifully simple – it is revealed in 1 John 5. True victory comes from our love for God, which naturally leads us to obey his commands. This obedience confirms we are his children, and as his children, we inherit a victory already won for us through Christ.

We need to stop striving for what’s already been freely given. The so-called prosperity preachers are not telling the truth – victory isn’t found in our bank accounts or perfect health. Rather, it’s found in believing Jesus is the Son of God and understanding that our ultimate triumph is realised in eternity, not in temporary earthly success.

This article first appeared in Direction Magazine. For further details, please click here.