Jumping in as a new mentor can feel intimidating.
Am I too old? I haven’t talked to a teenager since I was one…what do I say? What if I don’t have all the answers?
Every leader at Tacoma YFC once asked themselves the same questions! Here are some of their pro-tips:
Chuck Walle, One80 Mentorship volunteer
I can’t just give one tip:
- Listen and be a friend.
- Do work, play and life together if you can.
- Be honest in all things.
- Challenge your mentee to deeper and greater things than you think they are ready for.
- Believe in your mentee!!
- Share the truth and love of the gospel in all that you do, the Truth does not come back void.
Tim Smyth, Greater Pierce County Area Director
Continue being mentored yourself. You need to keep growing as you have the honor of helping grow others Patiently and lovingly always point back to Christ. Let them discover for themselves what the Lord is calling them to be.
Hans Brockoff, One80 Mentorship volunteer
Pray for them, strive to meet their needs; physically, emotionally and spiritually. Finally, trust God for the outcomes of all you effort and labors.
Heide Maschhoff, Orting Middle School Campus Life Site Leader
Do it anyway! Don’t let fear stop you. None of us are qualified, but through Christ we are. You never know the impact your time as a mentor can make on a kid’s life!
Susanna Sphar, One80 Mentorship volunteer
You don’t have to have all the right answers because God is strong in our weakness. Allow Him to move through you and you will be so amazed at what He will do in and through you!
SaraBeth Wadsworth, Thomas Middle School Campus Life Military site leader
I would tell a new mentor to ask God, “Okay, what’s the next step with ________?” You don’t have to know how your mentee is going to get from point A to point B. Just ask for the next way to love and invest with them and go with that.
Christy Palmer, One80 Mentorship volunteer
Be patient as you build the relationship. It takes time and joint experiences to build trust and friendship.
Ericka Wallace, Spanaway Lake Campus Life Site Leader
Keep pursuing even when it seems the person doesn’t want to be pursued (without being annoying haha). Pray so much for them. Listen more than speak.
There is a way for anyone jump in on the mission of placing caring adult leaders in the lives of young people. Click below to learn more!
