223. Mentoring is Baseball // Mentoring Minute

223. Mentoring is Baseball // Mentoring Minute

Author: Zach Garza & You Can Mentor: Faith-Based Mentoring for Churches, Non-Profits, Youth Ministers, and Teachers March 8, 2024 Duration: 4:34

Mentoring is Baseball


Did you know that the average of every baseball player in the hall of fame is a combined .303. That means if you hit the ball 303 out of 1,000 times, you are considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time. That’s 697 misses!


3 out of every 10 makes a great baseball player. And I could say the same is true for mentoring. 


When I first became a mentor, I wanted a home run every time. I thought my mentee would love me and tell me how great I was and earn straight A’s while getting a full ride to Harvard. When those things didn’t happen, I got disappointed. 


After a while, I adjusted my definition of success. 


  • Just hanging out wth my mentee was a basehit. A single, if you will. 
  • A smile was a double. 
  • A laugh was a triple. 
  • A solid conversation was a home run. 


I focused on plate appearances, not homeruns. I trusted that the Lord would do what he does if I just kept getting up to the plate.


3 out of every 10. If you can have a great hang out or deep conversation 3 out of every 10 times, I’d say that’ll put you in the mentoring hall of fame. 


The more swings the better, as the more you swing, the more chances you get at contact. Just like the more you hang out with your mentee, the more chances you get at connecting. 


Don’t worry about swinging for the fences or home runs. Just focus on taking your swings and seeing what happens. 


Mentoring is Baseball. 

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Please follow @youcanmentor on social media and give us a 5 star rating! If you are a part of a mentoring organization, we'd love to get to know you! Please reach out to us and we can spotlight your org on the pod or on our website. 

Contact us at zach@youcanmentor.com or at www.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
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