230. What is Mentoring? What is a Mentor? // Mentoring Minute

230. What is Mentoring? What is a Mentor? // Mentoring Minute

Author: Zach Garza & You Can Mentor: Faith-Based Mentoring for Churches, Non-Profits, Youth Ministers, and Teachers April 25, 2024 Duration: 8:19

All of us are here today because of our relationship with “that person”. You know, the one who made a profound impact on your life. For me, a few men made me who I am today. 


It was a man named Bob who invested into me when I was in college and helped me see my need for Jesus. It was a man named John who discipled me and taught me how to read the scriptures. It was a man named Steve who showed me the father heart of God and helped me overcome my fatherless past. 


Who got you to where you are today? Who has invested into you?


Whether it was a parent, professor, coach, or someone else, all of us are who we are today because of the investment of others.


You are here today to learn how to invest into others. You could be “that person” for your future mentee. 


There are million of kids today who could use a positive adult to come alongside them to support and love them. Some of our kids are dealing with some pretty tough challenges, such as fatherlessness, poverty, and abuse. Others could use another adult to comfort them during hard times and to pick them up when they fall down. We all could use as much encouragement as we can get. 


We believe that is the job of a mentor: 

  • To make a disciple: “Follow me as a follow Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1
    • A disciple is a follower. You follow Christ and your mentee gets the opportunity follow you. 
    • Kids will experience Jesus as they experience you. What an amazing opportunity to show them the love of Christ through your relationship. You get to teach them with your words and show them with your actions what it means to follow Jesus Christ. 
    • The bible tells us to love God, love others, and make disciples. 
    • You love God. Mentoring is an excellent way to love others. And you have the joy to disciple them by creating a relationship based on trust, grace, and truth. 


  • To fulfill potential: “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6
    • We want to be a support and guide as your mentee grows and matures. Our desire is to offer wisdom and instruction when they face obstacles in their journey. As they trek down this path of life, we are on the sidelines championing them. We have the opportunity to teach tangible skills, as well as how to navigate the emotional, mental, and relationsal twists and turns of life. 


A mentor’s job description:


SHOW UP: Showing up is the most important thing you can do as a mentor. How do you build any successful relationship? You spend time with that person.You learn new things about them and you experience life with them. You make them feel important. You make them feel valued. You make them feel like you matter. And you do that by showing up.


BUILD UP: Our desire is for our mentors to speak truth into the lives of our mentee. We want our mentors to encourage our mentees with every word that comes out of their mouth. Our words matter. Our tone matters. Our facial expressions and body language matter. We want our Forerunners to know that their mentors are for them, no matter what.


SHARE JESUS: As a mentor, you cannot give away what you don’t have. More than anything, we want our mentees to love Jesus Christ with all of their hearts. They will learn how to do that by emulating you. We are not here to produce good men. We are here to produce followers of Christ.


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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
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…