You Can Mentor 5 Minute Update

You Can Mentor 5 Minute Update

Author: Zach Garza & You Can Mentor: Faith-Based Mentoring for Churches, Non-Profits, Youth Ministers, and Teachers April 3, 2025 Duration: 5:02

In this episode, Zach shares an exciting update for the You Can Mentor podcast! The show, which started four years ago with co-founder Stephen Murray, has been dedicated to helping faith-based mentoring organizations collaborate, grow, and equip themselves with best practices. Over time, they’ve created 264 podcast episodes, a series of books, and hosted the National Christian Mentoring Gathering.

Looking ahead, the podcast is shifting gears with a new focus on quality over quantity. Zach explains that, while the podcast will still feature some familiar voices, the goal is to bring in the most valuable guests—experts in the mentoring field—who can provide listeners with practical tools and insights.

This season will also see a new episode schedule: bi-weekly episodes focusing on expert guests who can share mentoring tools to help organizations thrive. Zach also acknowledges that they’ve interviewed many of their contacts over the past few years, so re-interviews might be coming soon to catch up on what’s new with past guests.

The podcast will continue to provide resources like consulting, coaching, and downloads to support faith-based mentoring ministries. Zach encourages listeners to reach out with any questions, guest suggestions, or ideas for future episodes.

As always, the You Can Mentor team is committed to equipping and encouraging listeners to serve kids from hard places and their families. Zach wraps up by expressing love and support for all the listeners in their mentoring journey.

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…