Kingdom mentorship: the importance of those who guide you along the narrow path

As someone who is not from Pittsburgh, I was terrified to leave behind all the amazing mentors that I had in my corner in Virginia, including my small group leader, my discipler, the youth pastor who I served under, and the countless people who had mentored me by sharing their wisdom and their heart for Christ. However, thanks be to God, the Pittsburgh Fellows program has ensured that I have people with this same Christ-like character in my corner to walk alongside me.

One of my mentors is Bob Jamison. Bob has worked in a variety of different fields and is now currently the President for Adam's Quest, a men's discipleship ministry. The work that Bob is currently involved in is similar to what I desire for myself in the years to come. I have also been able to learn from him about the process in which he arrived there and how God worked in all of it, bringing him to his previous work as the President of Family Guidance and now his current role with Adam's Quest. Bob has not only been someone who has prayed with me and for me but also someone to look up to in how he carries himself.

Another mentor of mine has been Kris Brown, the Director of Promotions and Entertainment for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. Kris has not only offered his time and his wisdom in a very practical way that translates to my current work but also to my future goals. He has taught me how to lead others well, starting with leading my own life well. Kris has also shown a passion and a dedication towards continual growth and improvement which is second to none.

Finally, our current Director, Julie McCormick. Julie has not only been caring and loving towards myself and the other Pittsburgh Fellows, but she has done so in a truthful and honest way. Julie makes herself available to spend time with me and lovingly talk through life with me during our bi-weekly coffee get togethers. Whether discussing my walk with Christ or the work that is in front of me, Julie has been a great director, mentor and friend.

All in all, it is safe to say that God has worked through the Pittsburgh Fellows program in a beautiful way, and especially in the way in which He has put amazing mentors around me. I don’t think that I would be in the place that I am now without them, and thanks be to God, that He has used them in such a beautiful way.

-Written by Nick Bach, Class of 2026

Nick graduated from James Madison University and works at Sewickley Valley YMCA as a Pittsburgh Fellow.