Empowering Relationships

We entered an exciting listening phase in our congregation.  Listening for what God is up to in people’s lives and in the world.  I am still pondering last night’s conversation with four members of our congregation.  I am hearing a strong message.  Both couples got involved in the congregations many years ago at a time when they felt relationships was the primary focus, and that a real interest was shown in what was going on in their lives.  As a consequence, they felt valued and empowered in an atmosphere of belonging.  This will not be a surprise to most.  However, somehow we often succeed in shifting the focus and energy to events, programs, and projects, or even worse, cultivating a pastor dependent environment.  Indeed, exiting challenges ahead through the difficult but rewarding work of empowering relationships!

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