Man in the Mirror is a resource we often point to since we share the same vision for men’s ministry. They released a fascinating article in 2012 about mentoring younger men . . . and elephants.  

What can elephants teach us about the importance of mentorship?

Turns out it’s more than you might think. 

A CBS news story from 2000 revealed a problem that arose in South African wildlife parks. Rhinos were being mysteriously killed, and they discovered that young elephants, who had been separated from their elders, were to blame. 

When older male elephants were brought in to show the younger animals how to behave, the problem was diffused. 

The young males needed role models. “I think everyone needs a role model, and these elephants that left the herd had no role model and no idea of what appropriate elephant behavior was,” said Gus van Dyk, Pilanesberg Park’s field ecologist. 

Our focus at Noble Warriors this month has centered around discipleship, mentoring, and small groups. In other words, we’re talking a lot about the crucial relationships men need to develop with each other for the purpose of spurring one another on toward godliness. Just like the young elephants, we need role models to show us the way. 

Check out Mentoring Younger Men to read the story of the elephants and how we need to apply it to men’s discipleship. 

“It takes a man to teach a man how to be a man. And God has ordained that His best men invest in other men.” 

And the things you have heard me say in the presence of reliable witnesses, entrust to other men who will also be qualified to teach others. 2 Timothy 2:2 

Check out another great resource by Man in the Mirror:  

The Man in the Mirror: Solving the 24 Problems Men Face by Patrick Morely, Executive Director of Man in the Mirror