Prineville Pastor Encourages Co-Mentoring Relationships

Brian Carmack shares the biblical call to find peer-to-peer support and accountability.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 12:00pm

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In a recent column, Prineville pastor Brian Carmack discussed the importance of co-mentoring relationships, where two people of similar maturity levels provide each other with mutual support, accountability, and wisdom. Carmack shared his own experiences of having a close co-mentor in his 20s who helped him grow as a husband, father, and youth pastor, as well as a period in Bible school where he lacked that kind of peer-to-peer relationship. He encouraged readers to seek out co-mentors who can 'motivate one another to acts of love and good works' and help each other stay on the 'straight and narrow path'.

Why it matters

Co-mentoring relationships are vital for personal and spiritual growth, providing a safe space for open communication, accountability, and mutual encouragement. In an increasingly isolated world, these peer-to-peer connections can help people navigate life's challenges and deepen their faith.

The details

Carmack cited biblical passages like Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 and Proverbs 27:17 to illustrate the importance of co-mentoring, where two people of similar maturity levels can 'sharpen' one another. He shared his own experiences, describing how a close co-mentor in his 20s helped him grow as a husband, father, and youth pastor, providing deep spiritual guidance and accountability. In contrast, Carmack felt alone during a period in Bible school when he lacked that kind of peer-to-peer relationship.

  • Carmack had a close co-mentor in his early 20s.
  • Carmack attended Bible school in Dallas, Texas a few years before that, where he lacked co-mentors.
  • Carmack now has several co-mentors, including one he meets with every two weeks who serves in a similar lead pastor role.

The players

Brian Carmack

The lead pastor at Eastside Church in Prineville who wrote the column encouraging co-mentoring relationships.

Eastside Church

The church in Prineville, Oregon where Carmack serves as lead pastor.

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What’s next

Carmack encouraged readers to pray about finding a co-mentor and begin looking for someone they can trust to step into that role, emphasizing the importance of not neglecting these life-giving relationships as the return of Christ draws near.

The takeaway

Co-mentoring relationships provide vital peer-to-peer support, accountability, and wisdom that can help people grow in their faith and navigate life's challenges. In an increasingly isolated world, these connections are essential for personal and spiritual development.