When I think of a model for the developing pastor, I am drawn to study the relationship and writings of the Apostle Paul and Timothy. It is very evident that Timothy had been a student of the Apostle Paul and it is in the second letter to Timothy that Paul encouraged him to teach faithful men that which he had learned while be mentored by Paul. (2 Timothy 2:2)  One of things early in my ministry that has proved invaluable was to realize that I could reach out for help and develop relationships with men who could help guide me and teach me.  The pattern is clear that discipleship is a cycle where there is a teacher/mentor, a student/disciple, and then another student/disciple.  Paul was instructing Timothy to commit to his own heart that which he had been taught and then find faithful men, or men of faith, who will learn and be willing to teach others themselves.  What a joy it has been to sit under men such as last weeks author, Dr. Randy Sawyer, Archie Ratliff, Danny Dwyer, and A.B. Brown and soak up the truth and method that they have offered to me over 22 years of ministry life.  The characteristic that has loomed large in my mind has been that these men are real and authentic and did not cause me to feel less valuable than they and have been willing to share not only their ministry lives but also things that helped me in my personal life.  It has been exciting to experience the personal and ministry growth in my own life but also to use the things that I have learned to mentor and disciple other faithful men in the churches that I have served.  Usually, I have taken 8-12 men and had a weekly or bi-weekly Bible study and fellowship time with them.  Even more rewarding than teaching is watching these men later take a group of men and do the same.  One of the most liberating days of my life was when I fully realized the value of learning from others, older and younger.  Pastors, do not think because a man is younger or less experienced than we are, that they cannot teach us.  We can learn from everyone!  One last thought is that discipleship is proximity.  The twelve walked in the presence of Jesus as Timothy walked and spent time with Paul.  Find opportunities to actually rub shoulders with those whom you can learn from and then spend time with the men you disciple.  It is not enough just to read what others write disciple through e-mail and phone calls.  It may be difficult to spend time with a friend or mentor often but determine to make it happen as often as you possibly can.  These will be relationships that we will treasure for the rest of our lives.