Youth Mentors

The Skin of Christ

There are few things more exciting than walking beside a young person and watching as he or she takes in the surrounding world. Spending time is important, yet God also desires us to be purposeful in our actions.

What to look for in a mentor:

  1. A mentor gives unconditional love. Youth often feel unloved and are often unsure of many things. Helping them experience God's unending love and seeing Him as love, not just as a ruler, is the best thing you can do as a mentor. Be an expression of God's love.

  2. A mentor listens and hears. Allow youth to express what they feel or think. Often they have the answers within themselves and all they need is someone willing to listen and to help them discover the answers for themselves.

  3. A mentor is genuinely human. Youth need to see adults who have doubts, struggles with faith, worries, tears, pain, hope, love, and joy. They need to know life continues to throw curves at you whatever your age, yet you can live through it and even enjoy it, with God's help.

  4. A mentor is a prayer partner. Praying for the youth that you mentor has incredible power when offered in faith. (James 5:13-16)

  5. A mentor helps youth reflect and learn from their experiences. You can help youth process their experiences. Ask about the significance of certain events in their lives. Listen for lessons they've learned and help them realize the wisdom from each event.

  6. A mentor supports parents. Encourage and foster communication between the youth and parents. Support parents by reinforcing much of what parents have taught their children.

  7. A mentor is an advocate for youth in the church. Help youth feel a part of the church. Help the church see the value of youth. Talk positively about young people to help others see beyond outward behaviors to the image of God dwelling within.

  8. A mentor is there for caring support. Encourage youth when they are faced with a difficult task, walk with them as they learn from their mistakes, and let them know there is an adult in whom they can trust and depend.

  9. A mentor helps youth learn about responsibility. Youth need to experience responsibility - and to face the consequences resulting from their decisions.

  10. A mentor helps youth develop healthy self-esteem. Feeling good about ourselves helps us to better serve God. Give good, informative feedback as youth succeed or fail.

  11. A mentor is a suffering servant. Walking with youth through times of pain and growth hurts. Mentors need to put the youth first in the relationship, seeking to serve him or her.

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