The Be-With Factor: Mentoring Students in Everyday Life

by Bo Boshers, Judson Poling

You want to make a huge, lasting difference in the lives of students, right? The Be-With Factoris a powerful, practical, and sustainable mentoring approach that does just that. It’s patterned after Jesus’ example of being with his disciples in a variety of real-life settings. It’s not another program, but it’s about reaching a generation by focusing on a few and doing life with them. Amazing things happen when you spend time with a student purposefully and intentionally—running an errand together, going to the store, grabbing lunch, letting ministry happen naturally. The impact of your faith, shown in everyday life, will transform students’ lives—and the impact on one student has the potential to reach a whole generation. Being with not only works, it’s Jesus’ way. Set forth in careful detail by two veteran leaders who live it, the Be-With factor isn’t an add-on—it’s the very heart of youth ministry. This book will help train and equip you, and once you adopt the Be-With lifestyle, it will revitalize your passion to make an eternal difference in students’ lives.

Genres: Leadership

176 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2006

Reviews

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is on the right track when it comes to priorities in youth ministry! It offers practical advice, examples, and even has a guide for how to meet with students. I found it a bit repetitive, all in all it is a helpful guide.

[Jon Robinson]

Be-With factor is a game changer

Ministry to be a very long and arduous journey but when we remember the principles that Bo brings out here in the Be-With Factor we are able to be rejuvenated and encouraged to do exactly that which we were originally called to do.

[Dava Heyen · Rating 4 out of 5]

In my opinion this book is spot on. Everyone should read it because everyone should be mentoring someone.

[Kelly Heath · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this little gem when I was looking for books on similar topics to the one I am currently working on. I recognized one of the authors from his role with Youth Specialties back in the day and thought it might be worth reading. It was!

The Be With Factor is basically a field manual for anyone interested in mentoring the next generation. It is extremely practical and is obviously written by people who actually work with teenagers. The authors have decades of experience mentoring teens, and readers get to benefit from their hard-earned wisdom.

If you are a student pastor, you should read this book. Are you a small group leader or a coach or a teacher? You should read this book. Perhaps you have a few teens in your life who God keeps placing on your heart… Yep, you should read this book!

If you are not a fan of teenagers, you can skip this one. But you should also know: you’re missing out. The teen years are the best years!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great resource for those interested in starting a mentoring program in their church or just interested in understanding how to go about mentoring someone. This book includes practical scenarios and prepares the mentor to effectively develop a relationship with their mentee. I highly recommend it to youth groups and Christian leaders who work with the youth!

[Nathan Schneider · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, along with The Master Plan of Evangelism, may be the best books on mentoring. Both are saturated with Scripture and practical. Very helpful. Consider reading this book and doing life with a few students who need an adult example.

[Christopher · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had trouble getting past some of my theological differences with the authors. There were some practical ideas given and I do appreciate the advice in looking for a student who is READY (Reliable, Excited, Authentic, Daring, Young). But in the end, "success" seemed based on methods and measured by results rather than God's grace, ordinary faithfulness to the "one another" commands within the church, and God's sovereign plan.