1. TO STRETCH ME

I have been a part of many events that Lee Grady has organized in the past 10 years. I was surprised the first time Lee asked me to share at one of those events. It didn’t stop there. Later on Lee asked me to lead a group where I needed to pray and minster to people. I should mention that many of those people where pastors. To say that this was stretching me is an understatement! Little did I know that God was developing many spiritual gifts in me.

On our latest trip to Central Asia Lee has asked me to share at couples retreat for pastors. This was a stretch once again. I am a young minister, what can I teach seasoned pastors? Up until I needed to go up and share I was praying for God to give me a word, and He did.

Do you want to stretch someone you are mentoring? Give them an opportunity to serve! Involve them in what you do!

2. TO BE A SPIRITUAL FATHER

I felt safe to share with my mentor about what was going on inside of me. No one is perfect. But God accepts us and is ready to forgive and free us from our junk.

Many people never had someone pray with them about the most private issues that are going on in their life.

The most amazing feeling is when you go about your day and you receive a text from your mentor that he is praying for you. You feel the support and a fresh wave of encouragement to move forward!

Do you want to impact someone’s life? Develop trust with that person so you can talk and pray about their struggles.

3. TO BELIEVE IN ME

There where instances where I was pretty disappointed with youth ministry. Sometimes I used to look at the new generation and wonder what good can come out of them?

But I was wrong. I needed to learn how to look past the mistakes, past the attitude and see the gifts and the talents that people have and draw them out.

Now I understand why I was pulled into so many opportunities to serve, minister and help people. First of all it developed me!

Do you want someone that you are mentoring to become better? Learn to look past their mistakes and draw out the gifts and talents that they have

4. TO CORRECT ME

I have been corrected many times in my ministry. Sometimes it was done from the pulpit in the front of the church! I love to be corrected when it’s done in love and respect and not out of raging emotions.

Don’t get carried away with your emotion. If you want to correct someone – do it in a way that will build the person up! Do it one on one or sometimes bring a friend for support and prayer.

Do you want to help someone grow? Learn how to give constructive feedback.

5. TO USE POSITIVE WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

How many times have you heard positive words of encouragement from your parents or from your pastors? You know that majority of people will say that this is really rare?

Be the one that will bring encouragement! Use the following as often as you can:

• I am proud of you!
• Great job!
• I believe in you!
• You have what it takes!

Do you want to encourage people around you? When you meet with someone, the first thing you say should be words of encouragement.