Editor’s Note: Cody graduated last week from Fuller Seminary, and as he leaves the FYI team we asked him to reflect on some final thoughts about Sticky Faith and about FYI overall. Read his Sticky Faith reflections here.

One of the first people I met working at Fuller Youth Institute, whos also been among the most constant individuals at Fuller, is Jason.

While Jasons not really around our office so much, he shows up at the right time. Hes typically the focus at really important meetings, when were talking about vision and direction. When Jasons name is mentioned, I sense the conversation becomes a little more serious and intentional.

To clarify, Jasons somewhat mythological. Hes like our Bob Sacamano.

http://youtu.be/ReT_c03eI60

Jason is the one to whom FYI directs our research-based resources . Hes a fictional, young youth pastor with a great backstory (Brad Griffin and Kara Powell have a promising future in screenplays if this whole youth ministry thing doesnt work out). Jason exists for FYI to have a face, story, and emotion behind our work. Of course, FYI serves women and all sorts of leaders and parents, but nonetheless as we’re making decisions about our research and resources, we often think about Jason and others like him. We even have a 2 page description of Jason - what car he drives, what his family is like, what his needs and victories are.

But hes also there for another big reason. The future of the church depends on what we offer to Jason now. Max De Pree writes:

Leaders are also responsible for future leadership. They need to identify, develop and nurture future leaders Effective leaders encourage contrary opinions, an important source of vitality. I am talking about how leaders can nurture the roots of an institution, about a sense of continuity, about institutional culture. ((Max DePree, Leadership Is an Art, p.15.))

In my current season of life, I really see myself in Jasons shoes. Future leadership is in critical need of development and nurture. Im really thankful for what FYIs doing because I need it.

And so does the future of the Church.