Relationship over Religion

Religion...isn't this basically people trying to "prove themselves" to God in some way, shape, or form!? At least that's what I see. If your goal is to honor Christ, give Him all the glory, and have His name lifted up, then that's great. So many get caught in the "ritual" of the traditional of church more than the "relationship" that they need with Christ. The emergent church is not (or should not!) about changing the message of the Gospel, but rather changing the method. We need to be relevant to the culture that we're in. As Brian Bloye, West Ridge Church/Atlanta, once told a group of us..."It's not about me, it's not about you, it's about God!" God is the only measure of what we do. Not what the church across town is doing. The church across town from me is reaching a suburban culture. I'm serving in a rural area. I'm not a huge fan of country music, however if that's what reaches the culture, than I'll do it. It's not changing the message of the Gospel, but rather the method. The main method that we need to learn is "relationships". Many say that they do this, but then surround it with programs and a salesman's mentality of doing ministry. No quotas or unrealistic goals. Relationships take time. I praise God that the ministry that God has recently brought me to sees the value of this. They have already taught me so much. Christ spent the first 1 1/2 years of His ministry by building relationships with His disciples. It wasn't till the 2nd year and a half that He plugged them into doing a little bit of ministry. What an idea!! Get to know your people before you have them do a job! That means that you have time to see their strengths and giftings. On top of this, there's more good news! If you try a method to reach those in your area (give it enough time too!) and it doesn't work, SO WHAT!!! Try something else. I put together a statement from a few mentors that I've talked with over the years. "As long as it's Scripturally correct, I'll do anything it takes to win someone to Christ. Taking Jesus as He is to people as they are to be the permanent solution for their lifes." That's it, that's the key. Hopefully I actually made sense in this first blog. Just my heart and passion for people to come to Christ through real, relevant ministry efforts. Blessings to all and be consumed with Him always!!

Until the Nets are Full!!

Mark Leist