One of my core values: ministry takes place in the context of a relationship. I was watching the news this morning; a shooting at a downtown bar. It occurred to me, most shootings take place in the context of a relationship. Think about it. Not all, but most murders, violence, molestations, kidnappings, and other personal crimes take place in the context of a relational connection.
On the positive side, nurture, growth, discipleship, transformational leadership, healthy change, and healthy lives are all accomplished in the context of relationships. We really do need one another. Our spiritual growth comes in a context of a relationship with God (John and Paul were obsessed with "knowing him") and with others.
When we approach spiritual community like a trip to the grocery store; just run in, get what you need and dash back out and get on with your lives; the purpose of coming together in a spiritually nurturing community is lost. The incarnation was about relationship with the creation.
Back to the shootings and the negative: when relationships are unhealthy, unbalanced, self serving, and in a negative broader context the outcomes of the relationship/connection are negative. Unhealthy conflict arises and people get hurt. The God-designed purpose of relationships is to bring health and transformation.
Leaders must consider relational contexts. If you do not build, encourage, and facilitate healthy life-giving relationships you will not have a context for transformation, discipleship, positive change, or growth.
The development of relational contexts is simply non-negotiable. Lets' make sure we build healthy contexts (i.e. small groups, one on ones, mentoring, coaching, etc.) and work at it so we can experience God's design for growth, health, and nurture.
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