Mentoring: Just be available and listen

Maybe you have considered becoming a youth mentor but have no clue how you would help a child. You may have seen videos of mentored children whose lives have been changed in extraordinary ways by professionals with outstanding talents and personality traits.

But no matter your talents and traits, your life experiences can undoubtedly have a big impact in the life of a youth; and the most valuable gift that you can give a child is time. This sacrifice shows a child that you care about them and that they matter.

There are so many young people who do not have at least one adult whom they can trust to lead and guide them in their daily decisions and goal-planning.

Just show up and listen

Think of one person who has made an impact on your life. Were they rich, educated, or influential in society? Perhaps they embodied these attributes. Most likely they were just available when you needed them, and they showed you that they were interested in your well-being.

You may think that you need long speeches and big words to impact young people, but more listening than talking is most beneficial to them.

Ask God to give you discernment in how to interact with them. Let them show you what they need. Even if the conversations are small at first, you will find that they will come to rely upon your consistent presence. You will be ready to answer their questions.

What you can do to help

In the meantime, what hobby or pastime can you sacrifice for an hour this week to mentor a child? Can you skip doing surveys for money for a few hours this weekend to help? How can your church sign on to impact our youth?

Any of the George Barna studies regarding young people and writings from the Fuller Youth Institute would be helpful to read.

We are praying for you, and we look forward to partnering with you as you make a difference in the lives of our youth.

Partner with our youth mentoring program

The City Gospel Mission youth mentoring program is looking for churches to partner with for the school year. If your church has a calling to minister to Greater Cincinnati’s youth, please email us at youthmentoring@citygospelmission.org to learn how you can make an impact in their lives.

Mrs. Antoinette H. Mosley (MDiv.), known as “Miss Toni” to her students, has served as a youth minister for over 20 years. She is the Volunteer Youth Mentor Manager of City Gospel Mission. She can be reached at amosley@citygospelmission.org