208. The Dangers of Taking Offense, How to Stay in the Mentoring Game for the Long Haul, and Keeping the Main Things the Main Things

208. The Dangers of Taking Offense, How to Stay in the Mentoring Game for the Long Haul, and Keeping the Main Things the Main Things

Author: Zach Garza & You Can Mentor: Faith-Based Mentoring for Churches, Non-Profits, Youth Ministers, and Teachers November 2, 2023 Duration: 43:53

Offense, or taking things personally, is one of the most common tactics the Enemy uses to tear down relationships.  When somebody feels hurt in a relationship, their tendency is to pull away and isolate, which then leads to an even greater rift between the two parties.  This is true for all relationships, but mentoring relationships have the tendency to experience this on a much more frequent scale.  Oftentimes, the mentee is testing the relationship to see exactly how much the mentor will tolerate before they leave.  Because of this, it's so critical that a mentor can navigate the mentoring relationship without taking offense; because offending things WILL happen.  Zach and John are together on the podcast this week to talk through the dangers of taking offense, some practicals on how to avoid becoming offended in the mentoring relationship, how to stay in the mentoring game for the long haul, and what it looks like to focus the relationship on the main things.

Purchase John's Book:
Mephibosheth! The Search for Identity, Purpose, and Community


Purchase the You Can Mentor book:
You Can Mentor: How to Impact Your Community, Fulfill the Great Commission, and Break Generational Curses

youcanmentor.com 


Hosted by Zach Garza, You Can Mentor: A Christian Youth Mentoring Podcast is a conversation for anyone guiding young people within a faith context. This isn't about abstract theory; it's a practical resource built for the real challenges faced by youth ministers, church volunteers, teachers, and parents. Each episode focuses on the tangible aspects of building relationships that matter, offering grounded advice on how to listen, encourage, and walk alongside the next generation. The core of this podcast is a shared belief that effective mentoring flows from a foundation of loving God and loving others, aiming to make disciples right where you live. We delve into the questions you actually have, because your input directly shapes the discussions. Many episodes are crafted from real questions submitted by listeners, making the content immediately relevant to your own mentoring relationships. Whether you're navigating a difficult conversation, seeking creative ways to connect, or looking to sustain your own spiritual health while pouring into others, this space is designed to equip and encourage you. The goal is to see Christian mentors not just manage, but truly thrive in their vital roles. Tune in for honest stories, actionable strategies, and a sense of community, all aimed at helping you cultivate a more meaningful and impactful mentoring practice.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

You Can Mentor: A Christian Youth Mentoring Podcast
Podcast Episodes
292. Why People Don't Mentor with Derrick Sier with Restore OKC [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:32
This episode of You Can Mentor tackles the real reasons people hesitate to step into mentoring—and boldly dismantles every excuse holding them back. Through honest conversation and practical wisdom, Zach and Derrick reve…
288. Your Pain Becomes Your Passion with Dena Petty of Mentors Care [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:53
In this episode of You Can Mentor, Zach welcomes Dina Petty, founder and executive director of Mentors Care, a school-based mentoring program serving at-risk high school students across North Texas. Dina shares her power…
287. If You Stay, They Will Come with Jerrod Gunter from RiotStarter [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:04
In this episode, Zach sits down with Jerrod Gunter, founder of Riot Starter, to discuss mobilizing students to respond to cultural tension with prayer, purpose, and the gospel. Together, they challenge mentors to move be…
285. Four Tensions Every Mentor Must Navigate with Matt McGill [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:35
In this episode of the You Can Mentor podcast, Zach sits down with Matt McGill—a veteran ministry leader with 30+ years of experience serving in roles like youth pastor, teaching pastor, and executive pastor. Matt is als…
284. From Trauma to Purpose with Bobby "Pops" Lopez With Passion SoCal [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:26
On today’s episode of You Can Mentor, we’re joined by special guest Bobby Lopez from Passion SoCal, who shares his heart for mentoring youth in Los Angeles communities impacted by drugs, gangs, and homelessness. Bobby re…
283. Watch Your Mouth with Derrick Sier [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:15
In this powerful conversation, Zach sits down with his friend Derek Sire from Restore OKC to talk honestly about race, culture, and mentoring across differences. They unpack how easy it is for mentors (especially white m…