In this episode of the You Can Mentor podcast, Zachary Garza interviews Michael Morgan, founder of A Few Good Mentors, Inc. Michael shares his journey from being an FBI surveillance expert to becoming a dedicated youth mentor. The conversation explores the importance of mentoring, the challenges of recruiting male mentors, and the core values that guide their organization. Michael emphasizes the need for male role models in the community, the impact of mentoring on young lives, and the significance of faith in overcoming challenges. The episode concludes with insights on how to engage and retain mentors while addressing the evolving needs of today's youth.

https://afgmentoring.net/

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Takeaways:

• Mentoring is about caring for the next generation.
• There is a significant need for male mentors in communities.
• Succession planning is a crucial aspect of mentoring.
• Recruiting male mentors is a challenging but necessary task.
• Core values like SHIELDS guide mentoring efforts.
• Engaging mentors requires personal connection and support.
• Today's youth face unique challenges, including mental health issues.
• Education needs to be made fun to engage students.
• The impact of mentoring can be seen years later.
• Faith plays a vital role in the mentoring journey.

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Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Mentoring and Michael's Background
02:52 Transition from FBI to Mentoring Youth
06:07 The Importance of Mentoring and Succession Planning
09:00 Challenges in Recruiting Male Mentors
12:01 Core Values: SHIELDS and Their Significance
15:01 Engaging and Retaining Mentors
18:08 Addressing the Needs of Today's Youth
20:48 The Impact of Mentoring on Young Lives
24:01 Overcoming Discouragement in Mentoring
27:06 Final Thoughts and Resources for Mentors

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It would mean the WORLD to us if you would leave a 5 star rating on our pod so we can reach more people! Scroll down to the bottom the You Can Mentor page on Apple Podcasts and click "Write Review". On Spotify, go to our page, click the three dots next to the admin wheel, and hit "Rate Show". Thank you!

Learn more about all we do at www.youcanmentor.com

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

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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It would mean the WORLD to us if you would leave a 5 star rating on our pod so we can reach more people! Scroll down to the bottom the You Can Mentor page on Apple Podcasts and click "Write Review". On Spotify, go to our page, click the three dots next to the admin wheel, and hit "Rate Show". Thank you!
Also, check out our National Christian Mentoring Gathering, which is April 16-18, 2025 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. 
Learn more about all we do at www.youcanmentor.com

In this episode of the You Can Mentor podcast, Zachary Garza sits down with John Barnard to dive into their new book, The Youth Mentoring Playbook, a must-read for anyone looking to make a difference in the lives of young people. They share key insights, practical strategies, and real-life experiences that help mentors build strong, meaningful relationships. Whether you're a coach, teacher, or community leader, this book will give you the tools to guide and inspire the next generation. Tune in for valuable takeaways and a behind-the-scenes look at their journey in writing the book!

Purchase your copy of The Youth Mentoring Playbook here! 

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It would mean the WORLD to us if you would leave a 5 star rating on our pod so we can reach more people! Scroll down to the bottom the You Can Mentor page on Apple Podcasts and click "Write Review". On Spotify, go to our page, click the three dots next to the admin wheel, and hit "Rate Show". Thank you!
Also, check out our National Christian Mentoring Gathering, which is April 16-18, 2025 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. 
Learn more about all we do at www.youcanmentor.com

In this episode of the You Can Mentor podcast, Zachary Garza and Grant Skeldon dive into the significance of mentorship and discipleship, especially for young people who have faced tough challenges. They share personal stories, insights on starting a new church in Nashville, and the essential role of community in building meaningful connections. The conversation highlights the importance of creating lasting memories in mentorship and overcoming common obstacles that hinder individuals from engaging in these relationships. Zachary and Grant discuss the challenges and rewards of discipleship, touching on barriers like time constraints and feelings of inadequacy. They stress the power of sharing personal testimonies and stories as key mentoring tools. The conversation also explores the stages of discipleship, from being a learner to becoming a multiplier, while underscoring the value of hospitality and warmth in relationship-building. Ultimately, they reflect on the hard work of discipleship and its rewarding potential to make a lasting impact.

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Takeaways: 

• Mentorship can significantly impact young people's lives.
• Creating a safe environment is crucial for trust in mentorship.
• Community is essential for effective discipleship.
• People are more open to the gospel during transitions.
• Connection is more important than content for the next generation.
• Core memories enhance the mentoring experience.
• It's important to connect mentees with caring adults.
• Showing up consistently builds strong relationships.
• Overcoming feelings of inadequacy is key to mentoring.
• Discipleship should focus on building relationships, not just teaching. Many people feel they don't have time for discipleship.
• Feeling unqualified is a common barrier to mentoring.
• Discipleship can happen in everyday life, not just formal settings.
• Your testimony can be a powerful tool for discipleship.
• Sharing failures can create deeper connections than sharing successes.
• Hospitality is key in building relationships with the next generation.
• Discipleship involves multiple stages: learner, leader, disciple maker, multiplier.
• It's important to invest in others, not just for their sake but for the sake of future generations.
• Discipleship is hard work, but it is worth the effort.
• Building relationships at the table can lead to transformative experiences.

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Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates

02:00 The Impact of Mentorship and Discipleship

04:33 Mentoring Kids from Difficult Backgrounds

07:01 Starting a New Church: Way Church in Nashville

11:53 The Importance of Community in Discipleship

17:14 Creating Core Memories in Mentorship

23:00 Overcoming Roadblocks in Mentorship

24:20 Overcoming Barriers to Discipleship

41:09 The Stages of Discipleship

46:37 The Hard Work of Discipleship

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It would mean the WORLD to us if you would leave a 5 star rating on our pod so we can reach more people! Scroll down to the bottom the You Can Mentor page on Apple Podcasts and click "Write Review". On Spotify, go to our page, click the three dots next to the admin wheel, and hit "Rate Show". Thank you!
Also, check out our National Christian Mentoring Gathering, which is April 16-18, 2025 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. 
Learn more about all we do at www.youcanmentor.com

In this episode of the You Can Mentor podcast, Zachary Garza and Brad Griffin of Fuller Youth Institute explore the impact of mentoring teenagers, with a focus on identity, belonging, and purpose. Brad, drawing from his research at the Fuller Youth Institute, stresses the importance of genuine connections with young people and fostering safe environments where they can express their thoughts and emotions. The discussion underscores the value of trust, active listening, and guiding teens toward purpose through meaningful service and community engagement.

You can checkout Brad's book, Three Big Questions here. To get free resources or find out more information about Fuller Youth Institute, visit https://fulleryouthinstitute.com/.
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Takeaways:

• Mentoring is about listening to teenagers' questions.
• Identity, belonging, and purpose are crucial for youth.
• Building trust is essential in mentoring relationships.
• Creating a safe space allows teens to be authentic.
• Helping others gives teenagers a sense of purpose.
• Mentors should not have an agenda when engaging with youth.
• Follow-up conversations show care and build trust.
• Teens often feel pressure from expectations around them.
• Community and church can provide a sense of belonging.
• God's will for our lives is broad and forgiving.

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Chapters: 
00:00 Introduction to Mentoring and Identity

07:32 Exploring Identity, Belonging, and Purpose

15:32 Building Trust and Authentic Relationships

23:20 Creating Safe Spaces for Teens

33:20 Understanding Purpose and Community

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It would mean the WORLD to us if you would leave a 5 star rating on our pod so we can reach more people! Scroll down to the bottom the You Can Mentor page on Apple Podcasts and click "Write Review". On Spotify, go to our page, click the three dots next to the admin wheel, and hit "Rate Show". Thank you!
Also, check out our National Christian Mentoring Gathering, which is April 16-18, 2025 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. 
Learn more about all we do at www.youcanmentor.com

In this episode of You Can Mentor, Zachary Garza speaks with Dominick Sanchez from Urban Story Ministries about the power of mentorship in urban communities. Dominick shares his journey from troubled youth to mentor, emphasizing the importance of understanding at-risk youth and addressing misconceptions about their behavior. He highlights the need for trained, compassionate mentors, home visits to grasp mentees’ backgrounds, and consistency in building trust. The conversation also explores conflict resolution, setting expectations, and helping youth redefine their identity. Urban Story's mission focuses on equipping local churches to support and guide young people effectively. 

https://www.urbanstoryministries.com/
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Takeaways:

• Dominic's journey into mentorship began after a life-changing experience at 15.
• Urban Story aims to empower local churches to effectively mentor youth.
• Misconceptions about behavior and salvation can hinder effective mentorship.
• Effective mentors must be called to urban ministry and receive proper training.
• Home visits are crucial for understanding the backgrounds of mentees.
• Compassion and understanding are key to building trust with at-risk youth.
• Mentorship involves consistently showing up and being present in a child's life.
• Setting clear expectations helps manage group dynamics and behavior.
• Conflict resolution requires separating the child from their audience.
• Mentors should focus on resetting the identity of the youth they work with.

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Chapters:

00:00  Introduction and Background

02:47  Dominic's Journey into Mentorship

04:08  Understanding Urban Story and Its Mission

06:09  Misconceptions in Urban Youth Mentorship

08:06  Qualities of Effective Mentors

10:45  Tools for Mentoring at-Risk Youth

14:38  Dominic's Personal Story and Passion

18:34  Advice to Young Dominic

22:27  The Role of Mentors in Conflict Resolution

24:27  Managing Group Dynamics and Behavior

32:20  The Importance of Compassion in Mentorship

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It would mean the WORLD to us if you would leave a 5 star rating on our pod so we can reach more people! Scroll down to the bottom the You Can Mentor page on Apple Podcasts and click "Write Review". On Spotify, go to our page, click the three dots next to the admin wheel, and hit "Rate Show". Thank you!
Also, check out our National Christian Mentoring Gathering, which is April 16-18, 2025 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. 
Learn more about all we do at www.youcanmentor.com

In this episode of You Can Mentor, Zachary Garza speaks with Alyssa Bryant from Save Our Youth, a mentoring organization in Denver, Colorado. Alyssa shares her journey from the music industry to her role as Marketing and Events Coordinator. They discuss the organization's mission to instill God-given worth in young people, the impact of mentoring, and the various programs supporting youth aged 10 to 17. She highlights the importance of creating fun experiences for mentees, the rigorous mentor recruitment process, and the long-term value of mentorship. The episode ends with a call to action for potential mentors to get involved.

https://www.saveouryouth.org/mentor/
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Takeaways:

• Alyssa transitioned from the music industry to mentoring.
• Save Our Youth has a waitlist of over 90 kids.
• The organization focuses on instilling God-given worth in youth.
• Mentoring relationships average 52 months in duration.
• Events are designed to create memorable experiences for youth.
• The recruitment process for mentors includes background checks and interviews.
• Mentors are supported by mentoring specialists throughout their journey.
• The organization provides scholarships and resources for youth transitioning to adulthood.
• Fun experiences are prioritized to build strong mentor-mentee bonds.
• Save Our Youth encourages community involvement and volunteerism.

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Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Save Our Youth

06:25 Alyssa's Journey to Save Our Youth

12:10 The Impact of Mentoring on Youth

18:01 The Mentor Recruitment Process

24:54 Creating Lasting Mentor-Mentee Relationships

28:12 Supporting Youth Beyond 18

31:24 Call to Action for Potential Mentors

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It would mean the WORLD to us if you would leave a 5 star rating on our pod so we can reach more people! Scroll down to the bottom the You Can Mentor page on Apple Podcasts and click "Write Review". On Spotify, go to our page, click the three dots next to the admin wheel, and hit "Rate Show". Thank you!
Also, check out our National Christian Mentoring Gathering, which is April 16-18, 2025 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. 
Learn more about all we do at www.youcanmentor.com

In this episode of You Can Mentor, host Zach talks with Kent Evans, founder of Manhood Journey, about the role of mentorship in fatherhood. Kent shares how a mentor shaped his teenage years and emphasizes the power of asking questions over giving answers. They explore the dangers of mentoring, the importance of humility, and how mentors should guide mentees in building decision-making skills. The goal is to transition from mentor to friend, creating a space where both mentor and mentee learn from each other.

https://manhoodjourney.org/

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Takeaways: 

• Mentorship can profoundly impact personal development.
• Finding mentors who embody the qualities you aspire to is crucial.
• Asking questions is more effective than providing answers in mentorship.
• The best mentors learn from their failures and experiences.
• Mentors should aim to help protégés solve higher-order problems.
• Life experiences shape our understanding of mentorship.
• Building relationships with protégés can lead to lifelong friendships.
• Effective mentorship involves guiding others to think for themselves.
• Biblical principles can provide a foundation for fatherhood and mentorship.
• Mentorship is a continuous learning process for both mentors and protégés. Mentors should focus on asking questions instead of providing answers.
• It's crucial to help mentees build their own decision-making frameworks.
• Avoid the mentality that your way is the only way to succeed.
• Recognize that every individual has unique experiences and insights to share.
• Ego can hinder effective mentoring; humility is key.
• Mentoring is about guiding, not dictating paths.
• Encourage mentees to consider the impact of their decisions on relationships and community.
• Learning can happen in both directions in a mentoring relationship.
• Every person you meet has something to teach you.
• Mentors should model the behavior they wish to see in their mentees.

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Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:11 The Importance of Mentorship

09:41 The Dangers of Mentoring

12:41 Being the Answer Man

19:56 Upgrading Problems in Mentorship

20:15 The Role of Questions in Mentoring

24:25 Building Decision-Making Frameworks

26:40 Avoiding the 'My Way' Mentality

34:49 The Importance of Trading Seats in Mentoring

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It would mean the WORLD to us if you would leave a 5 star rating on our pod so we can reach more people! Scroll down to the bottom the You Can Mentor page on Apple Podcasts and click "Write Review". On Spotify, go to our page, click the three dots next to the admin wheel, and hit "Rate Show". Thank you!
Also, check out our National Christian Mentoring Gathering, which is April 16-18, 2025 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. 
Learn more about all we do at www.youcanmentor.com

In this episode of the You Can Mentor podcast, Zach Garza interviews Mike McGarry, a seasoned youth pastor and theologian, about the critical role of mentoring in youth ministry. They delve into the importance of presence in mentoring relationships, discipleship, and how to assess a mentee’s spiritual relationship with God. Mike highlights the significance of identity in Christ, emphasizing the need for youth to understand their role as image bearers of God. The conversation also explores the challenges and strategies of mentoring youth in a spiritual context, touching on the awkwardness often felt in initiating conversations about faith, selecting the right biblical texts, and practical tips for overcoming barriers to spiritual discussions.

Throughout their dialogue, Zach and Mike stress that mentoring requires intentionality, authenticity, and vulnerability, especially when it comes to building relationships that foster spiritual growth. They discuss how mentors can guide young people, particularly those without reliable adult figures in their lives, by providing meaningful affirmation, support, and insights into Christian doctrine. The conversation highlights that spiritual vitality is essential for a healthy faith and that every youth should have a mentor to help them navigate their relationship with God.

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Takeaways:

• The ministry of presence is foundational in youth mentoring.
• Building relationships is key to effective youth ministry.
• Discipleship is a slow process requiring intentionality.
• Understanding Christian doctrine is essential for youth.
• Spiritual vitality is crucial for a healthy faith.
• Mentors should assess their mentees’ spiritual relationships.
• Identity in Christ is central to mentoring.
• Prayer should be the first step in mentoring.
• Authenticity and vulnerability strengthen mentoring relationships.
• Every youth should have a mentor guiding them in faith.
• Mentors should highlight positive traits in mentees that reflect Christ.
• Opening the Bible can help ease awkward conversations about faith.
• It's important to meet with mentees with the expectation of discussing faith.
• Awkwardness in spiritual conversations is common but can be overcome.
• Asking about prayer requests can lead to deeper discussions.
• Choosing engaging biblical texts is crucial for effective mentoring.
• Insecurities can hinder mentorship; submit them to God.
• Mentors should avoid comparing themselves to other adults in mentees' lives.
• Meaningful affirmation is more impactful than empty flattery.
• Mentors play a vital role in guiding youth towards a relationship with God.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Youth Ministry and Mentoring
09:48 Understanding Discipleship and Spiritual Growth
21:58 Identity and Being Created in God's Image
28:38 Navigating Mentorship Awkwardness
36:16 Choosing the Right Biblical Texts
45:41 The Unique Role of a Mentor

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It would mean the WORLD to us if you would leave a 5 star rating on our pod so we can reach more people! Scroll down to the bottom the You Can Mentor page on Apple Podcasts and click "Write Review". On Spotify, go to our page, click the three dots next to the admin wheel, and hit "Rate Show". Thank you!
Also, check out our National Christian Mentoring Gathering, which is April 16-18, 2025 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. 
Learn more about all we do at www.youcanmentor.com