By Aaron E. Ziebarth, Executive Director
My assistant recently attended the Christian Leadership Alliance Conference. She mentioned that the last general session was very powerful and convicting for all in attendance. The keynote speaker, a leader of an inner city ministry, talked about how important it is to invest into young leaders. He invited two young men that he has mentored to come and share what it is they need from the older generation. Both shared the need for appropriate vulnerability and shared knowledge.
But the thing that grabbed her attention most? One of these young men shared that when he became a believer as a young teen he had no support from his broken family. He began attending church and reading the Word. But he wanted someone to come alongside him in his walk. So he asked four different men in his church if they would mentor him – four. And each one said “no”, they were too busy.
He could have walked away from his faith at that time. But he chose to push through and is now leading a ministry with his wife. And he now has an older man taking the time to invest in him as a young leader.
Studies show that one of the key components to youth sticking with their faith is to have a godly mentor. I am grateful to be a part of a ministry that values mentoring relationships. I’m thankful for the countless hours Barnabas mentors spend with 4.12 students. Seventeen students graduated from the 4.12 program on May 19th and all spoke of the value of their mentoring relationships. I’m also thankful for the many conversations a counselor will have with a camper over the summer and the hours Released Time volunteers spend with children each school year. These adults are helping to ignite a generation that seeks Him.
God’s Word tells us that we are to entrust the Gospel to reliable men who will also teach others (2 Timothy 2:2). Your prayers for these relationships are vital. They are the key to raising up the next generation of godly leaders. Please join us in praying for vital mentoring relationships.
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