265. Building Life-on-Life Relationships to Make Disciples with Aric Diaz of GRIP Youth

265. Building Life-on-Life Relationships to Make Disciples with Aric Diaz of GRIP Youth

Author: Zach Garza & You Can Mentor: Faith-Based Mentoring for Churches, Non-Profits, Youth Ministers, and Teachers March 27, 2025 Duration: 42:15

In this episode of the You Can Mentor podcast, Zachary Garza interviews AD, the Men's Mentorship Manager at GRIP Outreach for Youth in Chicago. AD discusses his faith journey, his background in mentorship, and the mission of GRIP, which focuses on building meaningful, life-on-life relationships with youth. The conversation highlights GRIP's programs, such as SLAM, a sports-based mentorship initiative, and the Future Steps program, which helps prepare students for life after high school. AD underscores the importance of equipping mentors, connecting them with students, and fostering growth in both groups, concluding with inspiring stories of transformation and the role of prayer in mentorship.


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Takeaways: 

  • AD's journey from San Antonio to Chicago highlights the unexpected paths God can take us on.
  • Mentorship is about building relationships and being present in students' lives.
  • SLAM combines sports and mentorship to create a fun and engaging environment for youth.
  • The Future Steps program helps students prepare for life after high school through practical skills and career guidance.
  • Equipping mentors is essential for effective mentorship and building trust with students.
  • Understanding the gap between expectations and reality can help mentors avoid discouragement.
  • Prayer is a vital component in seeking mentors and guidance in mentorship programs.
  • Growth in mentorship is a two-way street; both mentors and mentees learn from each other.
  • Community partnerships enhance the effectiveness of mentorship programs.
  • Stories of transformation remind us of the impact mentorship can have on young lives.


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Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to AD and GRIP Outreach
06:45 AD's Journey and Background
13:23 Understanding GRIP's Mission and Programs
19:30 SLAM: Sports and Mentorship
22:05 Future Steps Program: Preparing for Life After High School
25:35 Equipping Mentors for Success
31:18 Connecting Students and Mentors
35:31 Growing and Developing Relationships
36:18 Stories of Transformation and Encouragement

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Learn more about all we do 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
241. Earning the Right to be Heard // Mentoring Minute [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:38
Earn the Right to Be HeardYou may have heard the saying “a kid doesn’t care what you know until they know that you care.” It is one of my favorite sayings because I think it is 100% accurate. I have seen many mentors get…
240. With > For // Mentoring Minute [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:26
With > ForI love youth ministry. I am the product of a healthy youth group from the 80’s and 90’s that loved me well and gave me the chance to realize my identity and purpose within a group of youth workers and teenagers…
239. Ending a Mentoring Relationship // Mentoring Minute [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:03
Ending a Mentoring Relationship WellWhat do you do whenever major life circumstances pop up that get in the way of your mentoring relationship?Maybe your mentee goes off to college or moves to a new community?Perhaps you…
238. Kindness // Mentoring Minute [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:30
KindnessKindness has that middle-child syndrome. Yes, it’s a fruit of the Spirit. But I think we have a funny relationship with the word. We know that we are to be kind. We know a few people who we would describe as kind…
237. Am I Qualified? // Mentoring Minute [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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…
236: Faithfulness Over Fruitfulness // Mentoring Minute [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:37
Faithfulness over FruitfulnessEarly on in my mentoring journey, I thought mentoring was like a math equation. A + B = CIf I showed up + Gave them some wisdom = Growth in my menteeIf I’m being honest, in my naivite, I tho…
235: IPC: Community // Mentoring Minute [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:16
-IPC is a tool to help us understand our mentee (and ourselves)Identity is WHO WE AREPurpose is WHAT WE DO Community is HOW WE BLESS AND ARE BLESSED BY OTHERSI want to paint a mental picture for you on the canvas of your…
234: IPC: Purpose // Mentoring Minute [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:17
-IPC is a tool to help us understand our mentee (and ourselves)Identity is WHO WE AREPurpose is WHAT WE DO Community is HOW WE BLESS AND ARE BLESSED BY OTHERSKing David had a high sense and value for HIS OWN identity, pu…
233: IPC: Identity //Mentoring Minute [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:03
-IPC is a tool to help us understand our mentee (and ourselves)Identity is WHO WE AREPurpose is WHAT WE DO Community is HOW WE BLESS AND ARE BLESSED BY OTHERSKing David had a high sense and value for HIS OWN identity, pu…