Mentors are needed today in the Church. These trusted counselors, guides and encouragers are needed to help bond the family of God and to prepare to pass the baton to the next generation. The young people in our congregations need support just like a beautiful climbing rose bush needs a piece of latticework.

Let's look at a few action steps to get us started in the significant process of becoming mentors.

1. Pray about being a mentor. Ask God to give you a servant's heart and wisdom.

2. Pray about whom to mentor. Ask God to direct you to the individual who needs to be mentored by you, with whom you would be most compatible. Get to know the parent or parents and see what they think, and how they feel you could be most helpful. (Of course, parents should be completely involved in the decision to have a child mentored and should always provide proper supervision.) Perhaps you can start with an activity such as building models with the young person, sewing or practicing sports.

3. Develop a listening ear. Talk with the young person each week. Start off slowly and patiently; give the new relationship time to bloom. Ask him or her questions about his or her week and about specific interests.

4. Remember, the mentor is there to serve. The word "I" should rarely come up in the conversation. Asking questions and listening is the job of a mentor. A bond will grow over time, which is when you can step in with godly love. Pray that your words can be fitly spoken (Proverbs 25:11) to the young person.

5. Pray for the one you are mentoring. When you begin, the young person may have a hard heart. God can break down that wall. Devoting time to him or her in your prayers is critical to the bond that you are developing. Let the young person know that you are praying for him or her daily.

6. Contact the individual during the week. Send an e-mail or make or buy a small card. When you encourage the young person in the middle of the week, he or she knows for sure that you really did listen. Asking about the chemistry test or the tough professor goes a long way in mentoring.

No matter our age or our circumstance, we all remember the fact that growing up isn't easy. Instead of judging and condemning our youth, try being a positive mentor. A mentor is a prime example of the love described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8.