Helping Your Child Find Mentors in Faith and Life
Bible Verse
20 Wise friends make you wise, but you hurt yourself by going around with fools. Proverbs 13:20
God is God of all things (Colossians 1:16-17). He is the God of heaven and earth, solar systems and rainforests, spelling bees and times tables, choir rehearsals, and basketball drills. And he invites us—parents, children, families— to be part of his great story of restoring the world.
As parents, we have a special calling: to help our children see God’s presence in every part of life—their gifts, passions, and the people around them. But we don’t have to do it alone! God has given us a community filled with mentors who can guide and encourage our children in their faith and talents.
How to find a mentor for your child
1. Recognize Their God-Given Gifts
Take time to notice what excites your child. Ask:
- Do they love building, creating, or designing?
- Are they gifted in music, dance, or art?
- Do they enjoy helping others and making people feel welcome?
- Are they drawn to nature, science, or problem-solving?
Pray and ask God to open your eyes to the gifts he has placed in your child. When you see those gifts, tell your child and help them find opportunities to grow!
2. Share Experiences and Learn Together
Many kids discover their passions by doing things with their families. Try new things together—bake, garden, paint, fix, build, or explore. You don’t have to be an expert—just be willing to learn alongside them!
Watch Kids Corner’s Kids in Action series, and you’ll see stories of talented kids whose parents were open-water swimmers, jugglers, and musicians. In the series, families have worked together crafting snow forts, performing with puppets, and caring for people without homes.
If your child shows interest in something outside your skill set, introduce them to people who can teach them. Look for clubs, classes, or groups where they can develop their talents.
3. Find mentors with a personal connection.
Some of the best mentors come from everyday relationships—a family friend, a coach, a teacher, or a neighbor. Think about people in your child’s life who
- Have skills or experiences your child wants to learn.
- Are encouraging and supportive.
- Share your family’s faith and values.
Church groups, sports teams, art classes, and 4-H clubs are great places to find mentors. Teachers, youth leaders, and local volunteers can inspire and guide your child powerfully.
Check out these Kids in Action stories of kids mentored by a mechanic, a horse trainer, and a flight instructor.
Teachers play essential roles in these stories—they create art with photography, encourage zero-waste in their classrooms, and explore Scripture together.
4. Pray for the Right Mentors
God loves to bring the right people into our lives at the right time. Pray and ask him to connect your child with mentors who will encourage them in their faith and talents.
God created us to live in community, and our children grow best when surrounded by people who believe in them. By helping them build strong relationships with mentors, you’re giving them support, encouragement, and a deeper understanding of how God is working in their lives.
You are not alone. Parenting is a big job, but God is with you—guiding you as you guide your child. You are creating a safe, loving community for them to grow, explore, and discover who God made them to be. Keep going, keep praying, and watch as God works in your child’s life in amazing ways!
Ron VandenBurg
Senior Producer of Children’s Ministry at ReFrame Ministries
Ron VandenBurg joined the ReFrame Ministries team in 2014. He plans and develops projects specifically for the spiritual formation of children. Before coming to ReFrame, Ron taught middle school for 27 years. Ron completed a M.Ed. degree in Teaching, Learning, and Development at Brock University. Ron and Rachel have four fantastic adult children and one grandchild and reside in Ontario.
