The #iMentor Initiative was started to honor the investment of mentors all over the world, and to encourage potential mentors to take the initiative in starting an intentional relationship with a college student today.

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Growing up in a larger church, you would think that I could go through youth group picking the best mentors out there and entering college as the next Billy Graham.

That’s what everyone would think at least.

In reality, it was not until my freshmen year of high school that my Sunday School teacher and I began a relationship that changed my life forever. Harry Barber (yes, that’s his real name), who was my interim youth minister and incredible mentor, worked together with me every week for a year and a half as he taught me how to lead my peers at church. We did life together and I learned by watching his example.

When the new guy came to the youth group after Harry, I was apprehensive. Two years later, as I was leaving Tampa, Florida to go to college in Birmingham, Alabama, this new youth minister would become one of my best friends and mentors throughout college. Not only was he my youth minister for two years in high school, but over the past five years he has continued to pour into my life and even coach me in Student and College Ministry. Beginning next month, I will be serving on staff with him side by side.

As I think about my mentors, I could never forget my pastor… who also happens to be my dad. Not only has he mentored me in ministry, but has also mentored me at home. To follow God, no matter what, and to trust in Him.

These men listened to God’s calling and command to lead the next generation. And because of that, I am forever grateful.

Now, I mentor teenagers and college students every week and even meet with a few of them on occasion to go through life looking to God together… just like my mentors did with me.

#iMentor >> Do you?

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Mentors are just ordinary people, who avail themselves to being used by God — in the life of another — in extraordinary ways. Check out the #iMentor page and consider how God might want to intentionally use you in the life of another. I bet you’ve got a story to share!