The Power of Mentoring

Yesterday, I announced an awesome competition through Ave Maria Press.  It’s a chance to go deeper into my new book Rebuilding Youth Ministry.  Three winners will be chosen and each one will have the opportunity to sit down with me one on one via Skype for 3 one hour coaching sessions. (To learn more click HERE)

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One of the reasons I love this promotion is because it allows me to do something I love, pouring into other youth workers.  I’m excited to pay forward what I’ve received from so many experienced youth ministers.

Whether or not you participate in the promotion coaching is something every youth minster needs because it:

GIVES YOU ACCOUNTABILITY TO GROW

To grow as a leader you need to know how to:

• Cast Vision
• Set Goals
• Consistently Communicate
• Delegate Responsibility

Unless you are a self motivator you need someone to focus on what’s important.  With accountability you can receive the hope, insight and reassurance you need to grow as a leader.

REMINDS YOU THAT YOU ARE NOT ALONE

There will be times when you just need to vent.  A good coach will let you vent and get the frustrations off of your chest and then encourage you to move forward.  They will be there to pick you up when you fall.  It’s a great reminder that God is on your side.

PROVIDES WISDOM YOU CANNOT ATTAIN ON YOUR OWN

Does not matter how smart you are you do not know everything.  And even if you do know everything you will not always have the perspective to see things fully.  A good coach can provide you with new tools, resources and information.  They can help you grow as a well-rounded leader.

HOW DO YOU FIND A COACH?

The best place to start is by asking around.  Certain denomination or affiliation provide mentoring services.  If you do not belong to one just ask other youth ministers in your area.

You can also search online.  My good buddy Terrace Crawford has experience in coaching through his site TerraceCrawford.com.

WHAT DO I LOOK FOR IN A COACH?

You want someone who can listen, provide you with practical steps and help you set goals.  They should have experience in the trenches of youth ministry but they do not have to be currently involved.

DO I NEED TO PAY TO FIND A COACH?

Not necessarily.  The most affordable way is to find an experienced youth worker who has the time to sit down with you and grab a cup of coffee.  Most people I know are willing to take the time and chat.

The benefit for paying for a service is that your coach will give you dedicated time and provide you with quality resources.  When your coach is not being paid the quality can still be excellent it just might be harder to work around his or her schedule.

Before you engage in coaching do the research.  In the end it’s worth it.  You and I need people who have walked the walk and lived the journey.  We need people doing life with us every step of the way.