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