If you were to eavesdrop on our Fuller Youth Institute (FYI) office conversations or peek at our email, you’d recognize that hardly a day goes by without one of us saying, “Go, team!”
More than a mere slogan, those two words reflect our belief that it takes an enthusiastic, committed team to equip young people with the lifelong faith they need.
I am so grateful to God for the FYI staff, who pour their hearts and souls into all of our projects.
One of my top ministry privileges is getting to dream, work, and learn alongside Brad Griffin, Jake Mulder, Haley Smith, Irene Cho, Matthew Schuler, Daniel Kim, Davin Tang, and Art Bamford.
The research in this book never would have happened without the vision and hard work of Dr. Cameron Lee, Dr. Krista Kubiak Crotty, Dr. Chap Clark, Dr. Scott Cormode, Dr. Cheryl Crawford, Dr. Erika Knuth, Dr. Chloe Teller, and Meredith Miller.
A special thanks to Tim Galleher for spending his sabbatical interviewing amazing parents around the country and capturing their insights and stories.
We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to the parents and students we’ve interviewed over the years, who shared their experiences, hopes, and struggles.
You have made me — and, I’m praying, will make every reader of this guide — a better parent and a more committed follower of Christ.
Along the way, a host of respected friends, parents, and grandparents reviewed the manuscript, giving pivotal suggestions.
I’m grateful to Steve Argue, Roger and Lilli Bosch, Chris and Maggie Brandow, Dave and Robyn Coates, April Diaz, Lisette Fraser, Cindy Go, Amy Grable,
Jeff and Jenny Mattesich, Meredith Miller, Adam and Nancy Stiles, Angel Ruiz, and Albert Tate for their honest feedback.
The thoughtful editorial hand of Sandy Vander Zicht at Zondervan and the compelling vision of Greg Johnson at WordServe Literary Group have helped this Sticky Faith guide move from an idea to a reality.
FYI wouldn’t exist without the visionary support of our advisory council, executive committee, and passionate supporters.
We are especially grateful to those who have financially invested in our mission, including (but not limited to) Dale and Mary Andringa, Barbara Bere, Jim and Judy Bergman, Max and Esther De Pree, Brian and Linda Prinn, Sam and Betsy Reeves, Roy and Ruth Rogers, Mike and Valerie Volkema, Scott and Obaida Watt, Marion Wells, Dale and Cindy Wong, the Lilly Endowment, Inc., the Stewardship Foundation, the Tyndale House Foundation, and the Vermeer Charitable Foundation, Inc.
A special thanks to my dear friend, mentor, and coach, Wally Hawley, whose belief in Sticky Faith fuels both me and our team.
I’m so grateful for the support of our extended family, especially my mom, who has pointed me and our kids toward God our entire lives.
Saving the best for last, I love being part of the Powell Team.
Nathan, Krista, and Jessica, your honesty, wisdom, and love of fun inspire me every day.
Dave, you are the partner God intended for me, and you far exceed my greatest dreams.
Nothing feels real until I share it with you.
