In the ministry we spend so much time trying to teach but rarely do you find those who truly understand that the before you can teach someone they must trust and respect you. To earn that trust to deserve that intimate respect you must spend time cultivating a relationship.
Relationships are key to everything we do. In our daily lives we have relationships with family, friends, coworkers and people that serve us in the places where we do business. It is those relationships that are fundamental to our success or failure. Consider this if everywhere you went you were an absolute jerk and everybody hated you how would that shape your life. You would probably get passed up for raises, promotions not get good service at that restaurant and eventually your rep would be such that no one would want to have anything to do with you.
Too many times as ministers and as ministry volunteers we develop this arrogant attitude towards the people we work with and develop strained relationships. I think the best example of this is the relationship between generations. There is a us against them mentality and it is tearing churches apart.
Bottom line is that before we can accomplish anything for the cause of Christ we must cultivate a relationship of trust and respect with our audience. Which means we need to stand firm in our beliefs but learn to be gentle and loving towards others
Next up- Evangelism
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