Mentoring

SOUND THE BATTLE CRY: BECOME A MENTOR

February 20, 2006

You can play a crucial role in a young person's life by becoming a mentor.

Aaron grew up in a very volatile home. He had four fathers, three of which still live their lives from one prison sentence to the next. He had always hoped for a dad, someone he could love and trust, but every time, he was disappointed. At age fifteen, Aaron determined to live for Jesus Christ against all the odds. At this point, he needed the input of Godly older males more than ever. The commanders of his school's ROTC program became some of those men as well as his pastor and a volunteer in the local church he started to attend. Through these mentors, he began to understand the abundant life and true love that God had for him.

Just before summer, 14 year old Megan started showing up at church. She was from the poor area of town and looked uneasy around the other kids in the youth group, not really knowing anybody. The youth pastor, however, noticed her and offered her a scholarship to attend youth camp, where she surrendered her life to Jesus Christ.

The joy of God is evident on her face, and she is finally starting to get acquainted with others in the youth group. Right now, her life is in one of the most tender, moldable stages it will ever be in. What she learns about Christ from his followers within the next few months will be pivotal to her understanding of Him for the rest of her Christian life.

The problem is that she has no support to go home to, and she has nothing but the same despondent group of friends to return to at school on Monday. Unless someone steps in and significantly renews her mind by the teachings in God's word, she is in danger of never fully realizing her freedom in Christ and fully escaping the grip that the world has had on her.

Boys like Aaron and girls like Megan are waiting for a mentor just like you.

"Like me?" you may ask. "Yes, like you." As you know, most homes in America today are not providing the love, security and sound truth that every teenager craves. This causes emotional wounds, insecurity and doubt. It causes teens to fear that if people really knew them, then they wouldn't be accepted. Because of that, many of them are being lured into traps like eating disorders, cutting, popularity, isolation, witchcraft, alcohol and premarital sex.

This is a time in their life when they need affirmation and truth spoken into them by older people they can look up to. If Truth can take root in their core and form their identities, America will have a free and healthy generation of young people. This is our responsibility.

"Well," you might ask, "how do I get started?"

First, familiarize yourself with the youth at your church. Make a point to talk to them before and after services or when you walk past them on your street. Remember Aaron? Well, one of his current mentors greeted him before church service one day and just kept talking to him week after week. They have a fabulous relationship now, and it all started by showing interest and creating small talk.

Don't be afraid to just start talking; teenagers are some of the most social people you will ever meet. Taking initiative will not only help you determine who to mentor, but it will also help break down some hidden barriers.

Another way to get involved is by attending your church's youth group and helping out at youth events. The adults that youth talk with the most are the ones that work with them week after week. They are also the ones who make the most impact in their lives. Ask if you can be a part of the Sunday school classes once a month or so. Sit in on them and listen, and maybe even add your input every now and then. Not only does this communicate that you love them, but it helps to gain their trust.

The next thing to consider is what age group to focus on. Middle-schoolers will most likely be dealing with their sense of identity as worldly pressures start sinking in for the first time. This is when most youth begin a downward spiral away from the church.

A typical high school student will need a lot of practical advice for how to deal with society. It's important to be real. Seniors in high school seem to be in a completely different world. They are dealing with becoming an adult and making life-altering decisions for the first time. This is when wise counsel, vision and a heart like God's heart are pressing needs in their lives. Rapidly developing people are in all of these age groups, but the real development that should be taking place is a transformation into the likeness of their God.

Above all, pray. Everyone can identify with a certain age group or type of person. Ask God to show you how He has gifted you, and who He wants you to mentor. He has worked mightily in your life, and He wants to teach and disciple others through you. Prayer is the only way to unleash the power and blessing that God already has stored up for this new relationship. Believe that God will do incredible things as you pray.

You are equipped to take action, there are youth all around you, and now is the time to act. Make it your goal this week to speak to three different youth. Remember to take the initiative, engage in their lives, and keep trying. You may have a position in their lives that no one else can fill. Determine which age group you want to seek out, and pray that God would reveal the right person or group to mentor. You can even give your youth pastor and school teachers a call this week to see how you can get involved. And don't give up seeking, praying and loving.

Remember Aaron? Because of the example, time, love and input of the mentors in his life, they built a foundation of truth that has caused him to become an honorable man of God. Aaron continues to seek out mentors to this day, and with this support system, his life will faithfully and forcefully advance the kingdom of light. But Megan is still waiting. Carefully consider this question: Who is the Aaron or the Megan in your life that God has called you to?

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