"Scriptural discipling exerts a power that is, even now, gravely undervalued. Support for this claim comes from an unusual source, Albert Bandura of Stanford University. Using the terms 'behavior modification' and 'imitative learning,' he illustrates, through personal research, the contrast between what we might describe as professional instruction and mentoring. He explains that behavioral modification requires us to learn by doing, failing, and doing again under the competent professional. On the other hand, imitative learning happens under the influence of long association with a few significant and admired persons.

"As a result of imitative learning, Bandura says, we acquire 'large, integrated patterns of behavior,' without having to form them by 'tedious trial and error' methods. He concludes that we 'learn most from those we regularly associate with, and from those we admire.' (Albert Bandura quoted in Robert H. Watermann Jr., The Renewal Factor. New York: Bantam Books, 1987, 4-5)

"Since imitative learning is obviously the equivalent term for discipling or mentoring, we may conclude that 'large, integrated patterns of behavior' (values, principles, wisdom, insight) are imparted by discipling/mentoring. Suddenly a unique contrast emerges between the effects of the group, and the effects of more personal mentoring: The group builds personhood, while mentoring builds character.

Harold L. Longenecker, Growing Leaders by Design: How to Use Biblical Principles For Leadership Development, (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Resources, 1995), 34.