209. Lessons on Longevity with Coach and Athletic Director Lanny Williams

209. Lessons on Longevity with Coach and Athletic Director Lanny Williams

Author: Zach Garza & You Can Mentor: Faith-Based Mentoring for Churches, Non-Profits, Youth Ministers, and Teachers November 9, 2023 Duration: 46:38

Effective mentoring means being in it for the long haul.  It means continuing to show up and pour into the mentee, even through the hard times, offense, and dry spells.  It means doing whatever it takes to meet the needs of the mentee.  Mentoring well means showing constant, sacrificial, self-less love for the mentee.  But effective mentoring is also draining.  Continually showing up like that can drain everything you have; especially when you don't feel like you're starting to see any fruit from your time with your mentee.  That is why longevity in mentoring is important.  It's how you can continue to press in when mentoring gets difficult.  Coach and Athletic Director Lanny Williams joins John this week to talk about the mentors in his life, the lessons he's learned in mentoring about longevity, some stories of kids he's impacted reaching out years later to thank him, and how we, as mentors, can set ourselves up to be in it for the long haul.

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…