You Can Mentor: A Christian Youth Mentoring Podcast

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

In this episode of You Can Mentor, Zachary Garza and Norris Williams of Identity Exchange (www.identityexchange.com) explore the vital connection between identity and mentorship. Norris shares his personal journey, emphasizing how understanding our identity in Christ shapes everything we do and how societal labels can distort our self-worth. The conversation dives into the crucial role mentors play in helping youth discover their true identity beyond external achievements, highlighting the importance of hearing God’s voice to guide that process. With a focus on transformation and empowerment, they discuss how mentors can facilitate connections with God, leading to a stronger sense of identity rooted in His perspective, not societal standards. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on how mentorship can truly change lives!

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Takeaways

• Identity is not tied to what we do, but who we are.
• Curses and praises can distort our true identity.
• Hearing God's voice is essential for understanding our identity.
• Mentors play a crucial role in helping youth discover their worth.
• Self-image should be rooted in God's perspective, not societal standards.
• Facilitating conversations with God can transform lives.
• Every individual has the authority to hear God's voice.
• The importance of blessing others to counteract negative messages.
• Empowerment comes from knowing one's true identity in Christ.
• Mentorship is about guiding others to hear from God themselves.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Identity and Mentorship
08:19 The Importance of Identity in Mentoring
15:01 Jesus' Identity and Its Relevance
25:54 Facilitating Conversations with God
37:54 Empowering Mentees to Hear God's Voice
43:06 Conclusion: The Power of Blessing and Identity

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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 interviews John Shearer, leader of Academy 4, a nonprofit mentoring over 4,200 fourth graders annually by partnering with local churches to build sustainable relationships with schools and families. John shares how his cancer journey led him to nonprofit work and highlights Academy Four’s programs, which equip children with leadership skills and foster community engagement. With a focus on love, service, and long-term commitment, the episode explores how mentoring transforms both children and volunteers, demonstrating the power of intentional relationships to create lasting change. https://academy4.org/

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Key Points

• Academy Four's programs include Spark Clubs and mentoring sessions.
• The mentoring program helps children develop leadership skills.
• Parents play a crucial role in their children's education and development.
• Academy Four aims to equip parents through community programs.
• The organization has a waiting list of schools wanting to join.
• John believes in the power of community involvement for positive change. Sustainability is key for community partnerships.
• Long-term commitment leads to deeper impact.
• Mentoring is about building relationships, not just numbers.
• Volunteers often receive more than they give.
• Love and service can transform communities.
• Every child deserves to feel known and cared for.
• Effective mentoring requires intentionality and structure.
• Community engagement can break down barriers.
• Relationships are reciprocal; both mentors and mentees benefit.
• The mission is to love and serve, not to fix.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Academy Four and John Shearer
05:07 John's Journey to Academy Four
09:56 The Mission and Programs of Academy Four
15:07 Building Relationships with Churches and Schools
24:55 Building Sustainable Community Partnerships
29:54 Long-Term Commitment to Schools
35:57 The Power of Love and Service
41:48 Transformative Relationships in Mentoring
47:52 Community Impact Through 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!

Check out our website for more info. www.youcanmentor.com 

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 Noah McGuffey, Mentor Coordinator at Forerunner Mentoring in Dallas, Texas. Together, they dive deep into Noah’s inspiring journey—from his childhood experiences abroad to how those formative years ignited his passion for mentoring. Noah opens up about the powerful mission of Forerunner Mentoring, shedding light on the real challenges of recruiting mentors and the vital role of fostering strong relationships with both mentors and mentees. Whether you’re an experienced mentor or just starting out, Noah offers valuable insights on how to attract the right people, onboard them effectively, and show genuine gratitude for their commitment. Don’t miss out on these actionable strategies that can take your mentoring efforts to the next level.

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Takeaways

• Noah's upbringing overseas influenced his passion for mentoring.
• Forerunner Mentoring aims to fulfill the potential of young boys without father figures.
• Building relationships is key to successful mentoring.
• Recruiting the right mentors is a continuous challenge.
• Church partnerships are vital for mentor recruitment.
• Mentors need to feel supported and valued to remain engaged.
• The onboarding process is crucial for mentor confidence and safety.
• Expressing gratitude to mentors enhances their experience.
• Transformative stories often emerge from mentoring relationships.
• Creating a culture of appreciation is essential for retention.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
03:03 Growing Up Overseas and Its Impact
05:46 The Role of Mentoring in Noah's Life
09:02 Forerunner Mentoring: Mission and Challenges
12:06 Recruitment Strategies for Mentors
14:45 Building Church Partnerships
18:02 Creating Positive Experiences for Mentors
19:55 Onboarding Process for Mentors
26:02 Retaining Mentors and Building Relationships
30:00 Stories of Transformation
38:59 Expressing Gratitude to Mentors

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If you are a mentoring leader, check out the You Can Mentor learning labs. We are a monthly leadership cohort that surrounds you with equipping and encouragement from other mentoring leaders. For an hour each month, we discuss a topic that will help you be a more equipped and encouraged leader. We have two cohorts: one for executives and one for program directors. 

Check out our website for more info. www.youcanmentor.com 

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 podcast, John and Zach discuss the "motorcycle metaphor" to highlight important lessons about mentorship through John's experience riding motorcycles with his 18-year-old son. Here are the key takeaways:

1. Communication is Key: Effective communication is vital for mentoring, especially when introducing new experiences to a mentee. This includes preparing them beforehand, offering guidance during the experience, and debriefing afterward. It's crucial to anticipate challenges and communicate clearly about what to expect.
2. Superpower Observation: Mentors should be observant, noticing both verbal and nonverbal cues from their mentees. Just as John had to be extra aware of his son's safety while riding, mentors need to be attuned to their mentee's feelings and behaviors, sensing when something is off and offering support.
3. Modeling Learned Habits: Mentors should be mindful of their actions, as mentees often imitate them. John observed his son mimicking his riding posture, reminding him of the power of modeling positive habits. Mentors should lead by example, as mentees will often do what they see, not just what they hear.
4. Being Intentional: Preparation and intentionality are essential for effective mentorship. This means being intentional in conversations, actions, and even in how mentors approach situations with their mentees. It's about being present, clear, and thoughtful in every interaction.

In summary, effective mentoring requires communication, observation, intentionality, and modeling good habits. Mentors should guide, observe, and lead by example while always being prepared to learn from their own mistakes and offering grace when things go wrong.

This episode is packed with actionable tips that will take your mentoring to the next level. Whether you’re mentoring in your community, at work, or at church, these insights will make a real impact.

👉 Tune in now to learn how you can mentor like a pro!

💥 Don't forget to subscribe, share with your team, and give us that 5-star rating!

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If you are a mentoring leader, check out the You Can Mentor learning labs. We are a monthly leadership cohort that surrounds you with equipping and encouragement from other mentoring leaders. For an hour each month, we discuss a topic that will help you be a more equipped and encouraged leader. We have two cohorts: one for executives and one for program directors. Check out our website for more info. www.youcanmentor.com 

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 sits down with Annie and Dennis from Club Christ Ministries in Las Vegas, an organization dedicated to mentoring kids and transforming communities. Annie, the Program Director, and Dennis, the Henderson Center Director, share powerful stories of how their work provides hope and support to kids facing challenges like violence and poverty.

Through tutoring, leadership development, and spiritual guidance, Club Christ Ministries is creating a safe space for kids to grow academically, emotionally, and spiritually. You’ll hear inspiring accounts of kids discovering their potential, breaking cycles of hardship, and embracing their faith—all thanks to the consistency and love of mentors.

This episode is a moving reminder of how one mentor can make a lasting impact, not just on a child’s life but on future generations. Don’t miss this conversation, and find out how you can be part of the mission to transform lives through mentorship.

Listen now, and visit youcanmentor.com for resources and ways to get involved! Give us that 5 star rating and share this episode with your friends. Thanks!

In this episode of the You Can Mentor podcast, host Zachary Garza welcomes Andy Paul, a youth pastor from Salem Baptist Church in Georgia. They discuss the importance of mentoring in youth ministry, sharing personal stories and practical tips for connecting with young people. Andy shares his journey into youth ministry, the significance of radical hospitality, and the unique challenges and opportunities of mentoring in rural communities. The conversation emphasizes the value of showing up for kids, building relationships, and the lasting impact of mentorship.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
10:35 The Role of Mentoring in Youth Ministry
16:08 Mentoring in Rural Communities
28:16 The Impact of Mentorship on Youth