271. Mentoring with Parents in Mind: Building Bridges to the Home with Chad Higgins of Lifeway

271. Mentoring with Parents in Mind: Building Bridges to the Home with Chad Higgins of Lifeway

Author: Zach Garza & You Can Mentor: Faith-Based Mentoring for Churches, Non-Profits, Youth Ministers, and Teachers June 26, 2025 Duration: 38:28

In this episode of the You Can Mentor podcast, Zachary Garza and Chad Higgins of Lifeway Christian Resources explore the essential role parents play in mentoring and discipling their children. Chad shares his background in parent ministry and emphasizes the need to empower parents as the primary spiritual leaders in their homes. They discuss how mentors can build trust with parents, engage those who may be distant from faith, and remain faithful in their mentoring journey. The episode offers practical ways mentors can support families and create meaningful, transformative relationships for both parents and kids.

Check out Chad's book, Define the Relationship: Growing a Parent Ministry that Brings Families and Churches Together, here. To learn more about Lifeway Christian Resources, visit https://www.lifeway.com/.

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Takeaways:

  • Parents are crucial in the discipleship of their children.
  • Building trust with parents starts with knowing their names.
  • Mentorship extends beyond the child to the family.
  • Faithfulness in mentorship is essential for long-term impact.
  • Engaging parents can lead to exponential growth in mentorship.
  • The gospel is best communicated through relationships.
  • Understanding parents' needs is key to effective ministry.
  • Every interaction with a family can plant seeds for faith.
  • Transformation in a child's life can influence their parents.
  • Mentors should model healthy adult interactions for kids.

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Chapters: 

00:00 Introduction to Mentorship and Family Dynamics
02:42 The Journey into Parent Ministry
14:40 Understanding Parental Roles in Discipleship
20:24 Building Trust with Parents
28:01 Engaging Parents Who Are Uninterested in Faith
36:24 The Importance of Faithfulness in Mentorship

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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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