Your cart is currently empty!
There’s a line every youth leader walks—between guidance and overreach, between mentoring and meddling.
Sometimes we cross that line without even realizing it.
We see a youth struggling, pulling away, or making choices that worry us. Our instinct is to jump in with advice, correction, or testimony. But too often, our urgency becomes noise—and youth tune us out.
If we want to truly guide youth along the covenant path, we have to learn to listen first. Deeply. Without judgment. And without rushing to fix.
Why Listening Is the Core of Gospel-Centered Mentorship
In a world where everyone’s shouting, a youth who is quietly asked, “How are you really doing?” feels seen.
Mentorship rooted in the gospel doesn’t begin with teaching. It begins with connection.
Jesus didn’t chase every person He healed. He invited. He asked questions. He saw people.
Think of the Savior’s pattern:
“What would you have me do for you?”
“Whom do you seek?”
“Do you love me?”
Each question opens the door for relationship—before instruction.
3 Principles of Mentoring That Respects Agency
1. Listen for the Story Beneath the Words
If a youth is sarcastic, withdrawn, or angry—it’s not just behavior. It’s a story. Often pain. Sometimes shame.
Resist the urge to correct the surface. Ask yourself: What might they be trying to protect?
Your quiet presence can often say more than any speech.
2. Don’t Solve Problems They Haven’t Asked You to Fix
Unsolicited advice feels like control. Instead of saying, “You need to…”, try:
- “Would you be open to an idea?”
- “What’s worked for you before when that’s happened?”
- “Is there anything I can do to help?”
This builds trust and spiritual strength for teens, rather than just compliance.
3. Invite Youth to Take Small Leadership Steps
Mentoring doesn’t mean doing for them—it means empowering them.
Assign a small task:
- Welcome someone at the door
- Share a scripture next week
- Organize part of an upcoming LDS youth activity
It shows them you see their value. And it’s one of the best ways to gently guide their growth.
Keywords: lds youth leadership ideas, spiritual strength for teens, youth relationship building activities
Mini Activity (4–8 Min): Listening Triads
Break youth into groups of three. One person shares something about their week. One listens silently. One observes.
After 1 minute:
- The listener reflects what they heard (“I heard you say…”)
- The observer gives feedback: “Did they feel heard?”
Switch roles. Fast, meaningful, and insightful.
The Best Mentors Listen Like Christ
You don’t need to be the wisest, flashiest, or most experienced adult in the room. You just need to be consistent. Curious. And safe.
When a youth trusts you to listen, they’re far more likely to trust you to lead.
👉 Want help mentoring with confidence?
Our Forged in Faith Mentor Toolkit includes 1-on-1 conversation guides, reflection cards, and assignment suggestions that make mentoring feel natural, not forced.
Leave a Reply