Azusa Pacific University -- In Focus

When Al Castro '04 and Guy Kinnear '95, APU assistant professor of art, get together each week, these two men talk about everything from sensitive, personal issues to thoughts on the last chapel. As part of the Men's Discipleship Program at Azusa Pacific University, Castro and Kinnear hold each other accountable to maturing in their faith.

Kinnear was involved in the discipleship program as an undergraduate. When he joined the faculty in 1999, he renewed his involvement by serving as a mentor. "Meeting with Al calls my own life into a greater accountability," Kinnear said. "I am challenged to stay more involved in Scripture."

Castro echoed his sentiments. "I have been challenged in many ways and my relationship with God has grown," he said.

Students and their mentors are encouraged to meet weekly for discussion and prayer, but that is where the structure ends. The meetings take place in offices, the cafeteria, a faculty member's home, and even a bowling alley. Students gain a greater knowledge of Scripture while receiving godly counsel on a wide variety of issues.

Picture of Guy Kinnear and quote, "He has been a spiritual big brother to me."

Two men study together with an open bible on the table.

Castro appreciates Kinnear's efforts to provide a positive male role model. "He has been a spiritual big brother to me," Castro said.

Currently six pairs of faculty or staff mentors and students are involved in mentoring relationships. While the Heart-to-Heart Discipleship Program for female students has traditionally enjoyed greater success, Men's Discipleship Coordinator Jed Robyn is committed to recruiting more male students, staff, and faculty. In addition, since students already have several ministry obligations, Robyn emphasizes the practical applicability and intimacy involved in a mentoring relationship. "If you look at it as just another hour-long appointment, you are missing the point. It's about sharing your life with someone," he said.

Lawrence Witherspoon, former director of campus ministries, agrees with Robyn and Kinnear about the importance of the program. "This program serves as a constant reminder that there is somewhere for men to go and talk about their struggles and failures," Witherspoon said.

For Kinnear, being a mentor is a very fulfilling experience. "Being able to share in a student's life feeds my soul," he said.

For more information on the Men's Discipleship Program, contact Jed Robyn in the Office of Campus Ministries, jrobyn@apu.edu, (626) 815-6000, Ext. 3478.

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