237. Am I Qualified? // Mentoring Minute

237. Am I Qualified? // Mentoring Minute

Author: Zach Garza & You Can Mentor: Faith-Based Mentoring for Churches, Non-Profits, Youth Ministers, and Teachers June 6, 2024 Duration: 5:32

Am I Qualified?


When people consider starting a mentoring relationship with a child, one question that seems to always pop up is “Am I qualified?” 


After all, investing into the life of a child is a big deal.


But I think we are asking the wrong question. Instead of asking Am I qualified?”, start asking “Am I a couple steps ahead of my mentee?”


If you are, then you have something to offer. 


Mentoring is not about having all the answers. It’s about allowing someone to accompany you on the journey of life. It’s about entering into someone else’s world and allowing them to enter into yours. This takes a large amount of courage and humility. 


Show them every part of your life. The good and the bad. Let them observe how a Christian handles everything that this world throws at you. 


John Maxwell said “If you want to impress people, tell them about your successes. If you want to impact people, tell them about your failures.”


All of us are a work in progress. The goal is not perfection or having all it all figured out. The goal is to become more like Jesus. 


I hope you are learning new things in all areas of your life. Professionally. Physically. Relationally. And most importantly, spiritually. 


1 Corinthians 11:1 says “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”


As a a mentor, following the example of Christ looks like this:

  • Christ loved unconditionally.
  • He forgave his enemies. 
  • He accepted people, just like they were. 
  • He spend time with God the Father
  • He pursued the things of God instead of the things of this world. 


So are you a couple steps ahead of your mentee in life?

Are you doing your best to follow Christ?

Are you willing to allow your mentee into your life and give them an example to follow? 


If the answer to all of those questions is “yes”, then I believe you are qualified to mentor. 


And I am confident that the Lord can use you to poisitvely impact the life of a child. Because the Lord loves to use the most unassuming characters to do his work. 


Moses was given up at birth and a murdered a man. 

David was a shepherd boy.

Mary had a demon and Paul persecuted Christians. 


All were used mightly by God. 


If God can use them, then he can surely use you. 


One of my favorite scriptures is 1 Thessalonians 5:24 “He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.” And if you are watching this video, I’d say there is a pretty good chance that you believe God has called you to make disciples through mentoring. 


It was God who called you. And he is faithful. He will surely do it. How kind of him to let us have a front row seat as we watch him impact the life of your mentee. 


You Can Mentor.   


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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…