The Candace Cameron Bure Podcast Episode: Priscilla Shirer - Taking Discipleship Deeper: How Do You Find a Mentor? Release Date: January 21, 2025

Introduction: Embracing Life’s Rollercoaster Together

The episode kicks off with Candace Cameron Bure (Speaker A) welcoming Priscilla Shirer (Speaker B) to season eight of The Candace Cameron Bure Podcast. They emphasize the theme that "life is like a rollercoaster, but it's better when we go through it together," setting the stage for an in-depth discussion on mentorship and discipleship.

The Importance of Mentorship in Faith and Life

Candace introduces the episode’s focus on discipleship, particularly exploring how to find and cultivate meaningful mentor relationships. She highlights that mentorship isn’t confined to any age, suggesting that both young adults and individuals at different life stages can benefit from having mentors.

Biblical Foundations: Elijah and Elisha

Priscilla draws a parallel from the Old Testament, referencing the relationship between Elijah and Elisha (03:30). She explains:

“Elijah literally goes and finds Elisha. It’s almost like the responsibility is on him to go look for an Elisha, and he's looking for a guy that's already working. So when he spots Elisha, Elisha is plowing a field... He's doing what’s in front of him to do.”

This example underscores the proactive nature required in mentorship, emphasizing that seeking a mentor involves recognizing and valuing the industriousness and resourcefulness of potential mentors.

Personal Stories: The Impact of Mentors

Candace’s Mentor: Maria (07:53)

Candace shares her personal experience with Maria, a successful television personality in her church. At a pivotal moment when Candace was 16 and contemplating a career in broadcast journalism, Maria played a crucial role by:

• Guiding her through the television industry
• Helping her create headshots and submit resumes
• Facilitating connections with agents in Houston

Candace reflects on the enduring relationship, stating:

“She was instrumental in... turning the tide of my life... and she was instrumental in that.”

Candace’s Friend: Chalene (08:03)

Candace discusses her friendship with Chalene, a bold advocate for Jesus who mentored her during her teenage years. Chalene’s approach included:

• Inviting Candace to lunch and engaging in deep conversations about faith
• Encouraging Candace to explore her relationship with Jesus authentically

Candace emphasizes the profound influence Chalene had, not just on her faith journey but also on her personal growth.

Priscilla’s Mentor: Tammy Maltby (13:22)

Priscilla recounts her relationship with Tammy Maltby, a spectacular homemaker and family friend. Tammy’s mentorship involved:

• Demonstrating hospitality and homemaking skills
• Teaching Priscilla practical aspects of creating a welcoming home
• Personally hosting and guiding Priscilla through the nuances of being a gracious guest

Priscilla highlights how Tammy’s small gestures, like leaving muffins and candles for guests, deeply impacted her approach to homemaking and hospitality.

Finding and Asking for a Mentor (02:11 - 05:40)

Priscilla emphasizes the importance of being proactive in seeking mentorship. Key takeaways include:

• Recognize Potential Mentors: Look for individuals excelling in areas you wish to grow, whether in faith, marriage, business, or personal integrity.

• Seek Divine Guidance: Pray for discernment to recognize mentors within your existing community, such as your local church.

• Approach Respectfully: Start with simple questions or requests, and be open to how the potential mentor can accommodate your needs, even if it begins with small steps like answering a few questions via email.

Priscilla advises that mentorship is a two-way street, where both mentor and mentee can learn and grow from each other’s experiences.

Listener Questions: Building Emotional Intimacy and Coping with Grief

Gaining Emotional Intimacy in Marriage (20:04 - 26:14)

Question from Tammy: “How do you gain emotional intimacy in your marriage? What does it look like for you?”

Priscilla responds by suggesting:

• Seek Godly Couples: Observe and learn from couples who exhibit strong emotional connections through their body language and interactions.

• Intentional Conversations: Utilize tools like conversation starter cards or adopt the 5-5-10 rule, where each partner has dedicated time to share without interruption, fostering deeper understanding and connection.

Candace adds the importance of framing discussions in the first person to avoid defensiveness, promoting a healthier dialogue focused on personal feelings and desires.

Coping with Grief (Addison’s Question) (26:43 - 29:40)

Question from Addison: “My grandma just passed and I have had a hard time grieving. Do you have any advice on how to recover or allow yourself to grieve?”

Priscilla advises:

• Allow Yourself to Feel: Embrace the emotions that come with grief without rushing the healing process.

• Trust in God's Grace: Rely on spiritual strength, allowing God the space to work through your grief at His pace.

• Engage in Spiritual Practices: Even when lacking motivation, continue to connect with God through simple acts like listening to Bible podcasts or taking walks with devotional content.

Building Community When Family Isn’t There (29:40 - 33:22)

Question from Jackie: “Who do you turn to when your own family isn't there for you?”

Priscilla emphasizes the importance of:

• Community Engagement: Build relationships within your church and local community where mutual support and encouragement are foundational.

• Active Participation: Contribute your gifts to the community, fostering meaningful connections and finding your purpose through service.

Candace reinforces that being part of a community is essential for emotional and spiritual support, highlighting the role of local churches in nurturing lifelong friendships and support systems.

Evangelism: Sharing Faith Without Being Pushy (33:22 - 36:39)

Question from Amanda: “I struggle with how to talk to my family and friends about Jesus without coming across as pushy or judgmental. Any tips?”

Priscilla advises:

• Rely on the Lord: Trust God to provide natural and organic opportunities to share your faith without forcing conversations. As she states:

  “Do not worry about what you are to say... the Holy Spirit will give you the words” (34:01).

• Authentic Living: Let your actions and demeanor reflect your faith, making it easier for others to be curious and open to conversations about Jesus.

• Seize Natural Opportunities: Be receptive to moments when others show interest or vulnerability, using those times to share your faith authentically.

Candace adds that embodying your faith naturally can attract others, creating opportunities for meaningful and non-intrusive evangelism.

Closing Remarks and Resources (36:39 - End)

Candace and Priscilla wrap up the episode by offering listeners valuable resources:

• Free Gift: A personal prayer guide available at candice.com.

• Recommended Reading: Priscilla’s book, I Surrender All.

• Engagement: Encourage listeners to submit their questions for future episodes.

Candace closes with an uplifting message:

“Be grateful all day, every day.”

Notable Quotes

• Candace on Mentorship:
  “It's always important to have mentors for my life.” (02:11)

• Priscilla on Elijah and Elisha:
  “Elijah notices that and then says, let's walk together. You're worth investing in.” (03:30)

• Candace on Personal Growth:
  “She was instrumental in... turning the tide of my life... and she was instrumental in that.” (07:53)

• Priscilla on Emotional Intimacy:
  “Huge deal. That's discipleship. That's mentoring at its finest.” (16:12)

• Priscilla on Evangelism:
  “Do not worry about what you are to say... the Holy Spirit will give you the words.” (34:01)

Conclusion

In this enriching episode, Candace Cameron Bure and Priscilla Shirer delve deep into the essence of mentorship and discipleship, drawing from biblical examples and personal experiences. They provide actionable insights on seeking mentors, building emotional intimacy in relationships, coping with grief, fostering community, and sharing one’s faith authentically. Through heartfelt conversations and practical advice, listeners are encouraged to embrace mentorship as a vital component of their spiritual and personal growth journeys.

For more information and resources mentioned in this episode, visit candice.com.