So you’ve got a mentoring relationship started, but it seems to ebb and flow a bit. Sometimes it’s great, sometimes it’s flat. That’s normal. Part of your job as a mentor is to be a cheerleader. You need to show that the mentoring time is worth sticking to in the long run. Here are some tips:
Tip #1: Send a prayer text
You’re praying for your mentee, right (Commitment #2)? Let them know about it. Send out a quick text every once in a while to let them know what you’re praying for. Something like: “prayed for you today” or even more specific: “praying for your relationship with your dad”.
Tip #2: Send a random topic
Look for a topic that might be interesting to them, even though you might not cover it together in conversation. This shows them that your pursuit of God goes beyond your structured time, and so can theirs.
Tip #3: Send a book or music
Invest in them. Show them they matter. Expose them to your favorite Christian author or worship band.
Tip #4: Do something fun
Mentoring isn’t just about intentional conversations. If you’ve never done it, just hang out and do something fun together. Show them that they’re not just a “project” to you. You value their friendship.
Discussion Questions:
- Watch the video together or invite someone to summarize the topic.
- What is your initial reaction to this video? Do you disagree with any of it? What jumped out at you?
- Which of these tips will you do in the next month or two?
- What other tips do you have for motivating your mentee?
- Write a personal action step based on this conversation.
Ministry Tools:
