244. Invitation to Invite

244. Invitation to Invite

Author: Zach Garza & You Can Mentor: Faith-Based Mentoring for Churches, Non-Profits, Youth Ministers, and Teachers October 10, 2024 Duration: 30:34

Ok. We got 5 asks. Our heart in all of this is to see you thrive. So here we go...

Would you please:
- Follow us on social media @youcanmentor to spread the word about Christian mentoring.
- Check our books on Amazon.
- Share the podcast with your mentoring friends
- Give us that 5 star rating to help us out
- Come to the National Christian Mentoring Gathering and Join the monthly Learning Labs.

Ok. That's a lot. I'm done. :)

Back to the show notes.

Invitation to Invite


We get it. Sometimes it’s hard to hang out with your mentee and feel good about it. Maybe you don’t have a ton in common. Even if you do have a ton in common, it can be hard to strike up a conversation with a kid. 

So what do you do to build the relationship?

There is a temptation to always do the “cool” thing. Take them to the movies, putt-putt, a professional sports game… We get that. But that’s hard to pull off and doing it more than a few times a year will leave you broke. 

So what do we do?

Here’s a trick. Invite them into your life. Whatever you are doing, just invite them along. Because our kids want our attention more than they want the “cool thing”.

When you:

Go to the grocery store

  • Mow the yard
  • Wash the car
  • Run errands

The best mentors invite their mentee into their everyday life. They just do life adn invite their mentee to do it alongside them. That’s life on life. No extra effort needed. Just invite


That’s Jesus. Jesus invites. He says “Come…”

Invite your mentee to join your life. What’s the worst that happens? You get rejected by a kid. You can handle that. 

Besides, You never know if they will say yes. And you never know what connection will happen if they say yes. Just keep inviting. 

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! 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…