Free Christian Youth Sermons -10 Characteristics of Successful
Mentors
www.CreativeSermonIdeas.com
www. Creative Youth Ideas .com
According to a study of Big Brothers, Big Sisters in the USA, one of the largest mentoring organizations in the world
www.CreativeSermonIdeas.com
www. Creative Youth Ideas .com
1. Be a friend• Don’t act like a parent• Don’t try to be an authority figure• Don’t preach about values• DO FOCUS ON THE BOND
www.CreativeSermonIdeas.com
www. Creative Youth Ideas .com
2. Have realistic goals and expectations• Focus on overall development, not
performance and change• Center initial goals on the relationship itself• Emphasize friendship over performance
www.CreativeSermonIdeas.com
www. Creative Youth Ideas .com
3. Have fun together• Youth spell love – TIME• Informal activities lay the foundation
for formal ones• Shared activities become great
discussion starters
www.CreativeSermonIdeas.com
www. Creative Youth Ideas .com
4. Give your protégé voice and choice in deciding activities
• Help them to explore possibilities and then make their choices
• Listen more than you talk• Question more than you Preach
www.CreativeSermonIdeas.com
www. Creative Youth Ideas .com
5. Be positive• Praise and encouragement build
self-esteem• Be supportive rather than critical –
focus on solutions rather than problems
www.CreativeSermonIdeas.com
www. Creative Youth Ideas .com
6. Let the protégé have much of the control over what the two of you talk about
• Don’t push, be patient• Be sensitive and responsive to cues• Let them know that can confide in you
without you becoming judgmental
www.CreativeSermonIdeas.com
www. Creative Youth Ideas .com
7. Listen• Let youth vent without criticizing them• When you listen they see you as a
friend, not an authority figure
www.CreativeSermonIdeas.com
www. Creative Youth Ideas .com
8. Respect the trust your protégé places in you• Respond in ways that show you understand. This is
not the same as agree• Reassure the protégé that you are there for them• Advice should not be dispensed but mutually
discovered
www.CreativeSermonIdeas.com
www. Creative Youth Ideas .com
• If you have to convey concern or displeasure, do it with caring and understanding
• Sound like a friend not a parent… youth easily discern the difference
www.CreativeSermonIdeas.com
www. Creative Youth Ideas .com
9. Remember your relationship is with the youth and not the youth’s parent
• Maintain cordial contact, but you are not there to be a spy for parents. You are there to be a champion for the youth
www.CreativeSermonIdeas.com
www. Creative Youth Ideas .com
• Keep your focus on the youth• You are not there to bring about
the parents wishes, but to help the youth discover their potential
• Be non-judgmental about the family
www.CreativeSermonIdeas.com
www. Creative Youth Ideas .com
10. You are responsible for building the relationship
• Take responsibility for making and maintaining contact
• Don’t expect adult to adult relationships
www.CreativeSermonIdeas.com
www. Creative Youth Ideas .com
Get Help on Your Youth Sermons
Creative Sermon IdeasThis 100 Page e-Book Includes All The Help You Need To Prepare Powerful, Life-Changing Youth Sermons That Will Turn Your Preaching Around And Make Your Youth Sit Up And Listen! Includes 7 Complete Sermons.–> I want More Youth Sermon Ideas…
www.creativesermonideas.com
www.CreativeYouthIdeas.com