Are you too important?

Recently I was in a discussion with Dr. Kara Powell about some of the findings they are uncovering with their transitions project. There are so many great insights that will emerge from this study that will help many youth leaders shape the way we integrate our programs. One of the findings for me wasn't a surprise at all because I am convinced that youth pastors are some of the greatest people on the planet. When asked why they go to youth group, the number one answer that emerges is because students like their youth pastor. More than friends, music, games, etc., they like their youth pastor. On the surface that is a very nice compliment. Most of us in youth ministry need affirmation like that from time to time. However, for me it is also a warning: are we too important to their faith development?

Recently, when I spoke at the Orange conference, I used a phrase that I think needs to be developed further. I mentioned that in order for us to develop a healthy service mentality in our students we have to cultivate the ability to get out of the way. If our long term goal is to develop adults who are able to grow in their faith through interdependent relationships then we need to begin to sow into that process when they are students. We need to expose them to many relationships that will help them along their journey. 

E. Stanley Jones has been credited as saying, "To know Jesus means that you are to introduce Him to others and let Him walk with them from there." A part of our job is to be able to allow students to see Jesus through us, but then to move so He can journey with them directly. Could it be that too many students feel so secure in the faith and hope we offer to them that they never learn to hold fast to Christ directly? Are we too important?