I’ve called myself both at different times: a spiritual momma and a mentor. I’ve used those words when talking about my church kids, my girls, and the teens I’ve had the honor of walking with. But lately, I’ve been thinking more about it—what’s the actual difference between being a mentor and being a spiritual momma? 

And have I done both? 

The short answer is: yes. 

But the heart behind the two roles is what sets them apart. 

🟪 A Mentor: Guiding for a Season 

A mentor is someone who offers guidance, encouragement, and wisdom—usually around a specific area of life. It might be school, career choices, spiritual growth, or just learning how to navigate teenage life. 

Mentorship is powerful, but it often has a defined purpose and sometimes a season. You’re walking with someone toward a goal. 

🟪 A Spiritual Momma: Loving for a Lifetime 

But a spiritual momma? That goes deeper. 

It’s more than advice—it’s presence. It’s not just helping someone grow, it’s doing life with them. 

A spiritual momma is a steady, faithful presence. She’s someone who: 

• Offers unconditional love 

• Shows up in the everyday moments 

• Prays through the heartbreaks 

• Celebrates the milestones 

• Believes in the call on a young person’s life—even when they don’t see it themselves 

Being a spiritual momma isn’t a role I chose at first. Honestly, it just happened. One kid started calling me their second momma. Then another. And another. Until one day, I looked around and realized that God had placed me in this unexpected but sacred space: 

To be a mother to the motherless. A safe place. A cheerleader. A godly example. 

Now it’s something I pursue intentionally. 

I listen more closely. I show up more fully. I love more deeply—because I see the impact it has. 

🟪 My Heart Beats for My Kids 

I’ve heard people say, “My kids are my life.” And I get that—because mine are too. 

Not the ones I gave birth to—but the ones God gave me through His grace. The ones who walked into my life and never left my heart. 

They’re why I keep going when life is heavy. 

They’re why I keep showing up even when I’m tired. 

They’re my reason—because God gave me a purpose in them. 

And maybe that’s the real difference between a mentor and a spiritual momma: 

A mentor shows you the way. 

A spiritual momma walks it with you. 

💜 Final Thoughts: 

If you’ve ever felt called to love a young person like your own—don’t second guess that feeling. It might just be that God’s inviting you to step into the role of a spiritual momma. 

Not because you have it all figured out, but because you’re willing to love deeply and reflect His heart.