How God Uses Ordinary Men to Mentor Boys in Extraordinary Ways

Leave a Comment / KOZ Blog | Mentoring Boys Outdoors & Outdoor Ministry Resources / By TJ Greaney

There’s something about a quiet Texas evening that invites reflection. Sitting on a porch, watching the sun dip below the horizon, you can’t help but think back on where things started and how far they’ve come. This week’s KOZ Raw feels a lot like that—less of a lesson plan and more of a story unfolding in real time.

From “I Could Never Do That” to Showing Up

Before Kids Outdoor Zone ever became what it is today, there wasn’t a grand vision or a well-thought-out strategy. There wasn’t even much confidence. In fact, there was a moment standing outside a youth room full of teenage boys thinking, “I could never do that.” The idea of leading, connecting, or even holding a conversation with teen boys felt overwhelming—like stepping into a world that didn’t make sense. There were no clear answers, no training, and no sense of being “ready.”

But God has a way of moving forward anyway.

From Uncertainty to Impact in Mentoring Boys Outdoors

Not long after, an opportunity came along—nothing fancy, just a small group of boys on a hog hunting trip. Somewhere between the dust, the laughter, and the quiet of the night, there was a sense that something more was supposed to happen. Sitting around a campfire, listening to the boys joke and talk among themselves, the same question kept coming up: “What in the world am I supposed to say?”

Looking back, the words themselves don’t even stand out. What stands out is the feeling—being unsure, out of place, and still choosing to stay. That’s really where KOZ began…not with perfect teaching or polished delivery, but with presence. Just a man sitting with some boys, willing to engage, willing to care.

That’s still the heart of KOZ today.

Why Stories Matter More Than Perfect Words

Sure, now there’s curriculum. There are tools, guides, and resources that help leaders step into those moments with a little more direction and those are incredibly valuable. But over time, something even more important begins to happen. The lessons stop coming from the page and start coming from your own life. Your stories, your failures, your growth, your understanding of God, become the bridge that connects.

Boys aren’t looking for perfection, they’re looking for something real.

One of the simplest and most powerful ways to create that connection is by asking questions. Not complicated or deeply theological ones, just simple, human questions that invite conversation. Things like, “What’s your favorite memory?” or “What’s something you enjoy doing?” can open doors that lectures never will. When boys start talking, you begin to see what’s really going on beneath the surface.

What Boys Don’t Always Show You

The boy who seems to have all the right answers, who says “yes sir” and can quote scripture, might actually be playing it safe, giving the responses he knows people expect. Another boy might joke constantly, always laughing, but using humor to cover something deeper. Even as men, we recognize this pattern in ourselves. We all have ways of protecting what’s really going on inside.

That’s why stories matter so much.

It’s easy to throw scripture at someone and expect it to land, but more often than not, it doesn’t connect the way we hope. What does connect is hearing someone say, “Here’s what I went through, and here’s what God showed me in it.” That kind of honesty speaks a language boys understand. It invites them to lower their guard and step into something more real.

Just Show Up

Of course, this kind of leadership doesn’t come naturally to everyone. There are moments where growth feels uncomfortable, where you’re pushed into learning in ways that don’t fit your personality. Maybe it’s sitting through something that feels boring or engaging in a way that doesn’t come easy. But those moments matter. They shape you, stretch you, and prepare you for the boys you’re leading.

None of it is meant to be done alone.

One of the strongest encouragements this week is simply to stay connected with other men. Gather around a fire, share a meal, talk honestly about what’s going on. Those moments of fellowship aren’t extra, they’re essential. They keep you grounded, encouraged, and ready to pour into the boys you’re leading.

At the end of the day, KOZ has never been about having it all figured out. It’s about showing up, being present, asking questions, listening well, and sharing honestly. It’s about trusting that God will meet you in those imperfect moments and do something meaningful through them.