Need serious mentoring

[SomeKittens]

I talked with a close friend last night.  Some stuff came up, serious stuff that I'll wrestle with for a while.  I don't have anyone else to help.

I've heard a lot about spiritual mentoring, but never really looked into it.  Right now, I realize exactly what it means.  I could really use an experienced, strong Christian to discuss and work things out with.

If anyone's willing to take on the task of helping out some screwed up twenty-year-old, PM me.

[Sean]

Sounds like you would be benefited most by someone you can meet with in person, rather than online.  I would encourage you to ask your pastor about finding a mentor and/or spiritual(Christian) counselor.

[SomeKittens]

Sounds like you would be benefited most by someone you can meet with in person, rather than online.  I would encourage you to ask your pastor about finding a mentor and/or spiritual(Christian) counselor.

That's just the problem.  I don't really have a pastor (I attend church, but I'm the only young adult there.)  The pastor's a nice guy, but his heart's elsewhere.  This is basically the result of me not knowing where else to turn.

[Arch Angel]

I wouldn't presume to be able to offer mentoring, but the bible says that Iron can sharpen iron. If you need someone to talk to's, feel free to message me. We're the same age, and may be going through/have gone through some of the same things, too. Sometimes peer-to-peer counseling and stuff can be really useful.

I'm also no exactly new to the bible, either, so I may be able to give you some verses to help you out or something.

If not, then just know that I'll be praying for you either way. I don't exactly have the gift of intercession, but yeah. I hope things get better for you.

[Lamborghini_diablo]

I'm not a mentor either, but feel free to talk to me as well.

[SomeKittens]

Thanks for the offers, I'll consider them all.

[melike1hit]

any deacons in your church? you could try them, or look for some kind of college groups at your college when you go back, I think one group is called Campus Crucade, i know quite a few amount of people who are in that

[SomeKittens]

Like I said, my church isn't really "my" church.  I go to a Christian college, but don't feel connected to anyone there.  I'd prefer the anonymity of the internet.

[soul seeker]

Try visiting me more often.   

Seriously though, it is my calling from God to do it, but one warning....I am pretty conservative...not over the top but definitely conservative.

However, as stated already, it is hard to handle big issues online only.  Regardless of what happens, I will pray that God brings someone to help you.

[galadgawyn]

I agree about the limitations of online advice.  There is no substitute for face to face communication and someone that is in your life.  God directs us to be involved in a local church body for a reason. 

However, online counsel may be able to help get you started in the right direction in regards to your problem and in how to connect with someone in person.  The number one thing people can do for you is pray and there are already a few mentions of that.  Beyond that it is hard to help without more info.  I understand you may have a good reason to be discrete.  If you want to share more, I am also open to listen and according to what God has given me, point you toward what God wants for you.

[melike1hit]

You should know the person personally, if you do not know them how would you know weather or not they were blind.

Matthew 15:14
Leave them; they are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit."

If for example you struggle with drinking, and your mentor did but is sober for only a short while its possible you could pull him down to your level and both of you will get worst. you need to know where they are with their walk with God is.

Yes Iron sharpens Iron but I believe 1 piece of iron needs to be purer or harder then the other in order to sharpen it

[galadgawyn]

I just want to clarify something so that no one, especially Somekittens, gets the wrong idea.  All the advice to seek help in person is not a refusal to help you here or just passing it off onto someone else.  It is just good general advice for believers.  In our sinful human nature we tend to deceive ourselves and others, hide our sin, make things look better than they are, shade the truth, etc.  If someone really knows you personally, they can help get through all that to the heart of what is really going on with you. 

It can be really hard to get past guilt, shame, fear, etc. to really open up and share with someone you trust let alone with people you don't (like maybe the people at your church).  I'm guessing that is why you prefer the anonymity of the internet, because it feels safer.  You can keep some emotional and relational distance online, so that if they are negative and condemning or getting into uncomfortable areas that you don't want to deal with, then you can easily back away.  The condemning attitude is bad but the second part is good for us.  I think it is fine to start with the internet or wherever you can find Godly help; just don't stop there. 

I want to encourage you that whatever it is (circumstances, sin, belief) you are struggling with, you are not alone in it.  While God often uses other believers as a great help in our journey, you first, last and greatest help is God Himself.  I have sought help with others sometimes and forgot to first seek God.  There are some verses in Hebrews that I think would be helpful but unfortunately I don't have a Bible with me right now.  I'm thinking of the parts that talk about how God sympathizes with us, how He relates to us, and how we are to spur one another on. 

[Prof Underwood]

I agree with everyone else that finding someone who can regularly meet you in person is the best way to go.  However, if you are going to go with someone online, then I think that SoulSeeker would be a great choice.  I would also offer myself as another alternative.  Both SS and myself are almost twice your age, and have spent many years in ministry with people your age.  We both have a thorough knowledge of the Bible, and have been consistent Christians for decades.  Pray about your decision, and let me know if you're interested.