Relationships

Yesterday was one of the greatest days for me in recent memory. Monday is our weekly pastoral staff meeting, and we decided to do something a little different than assemble around a table in my office.

Since the remaining hot days are numbered, we had a pool party! That's right, a working pool party. I grilled hamburgers, brats, and hot dogs. Combine that with potato salad, baked beans, watermelon, a little Ricardo music and... come on! We ate together, and then went through our staff meeting--poolside.

Later, our families joined us for fun in the sun and more food. Smith, Ethan, & Joe had water wars. Braeden practiced his underwater somersault. Brock & Brody had fun on the slide. None of us can figure out why Pastor Ryan didn't get in water. We shared, laughed, teased one another, prayed and ate... lots. In short, we made memories. Later on that day, I sat back and watched the team God has assembled. And I was thankful for their devotion to Christ and to the people of our church. I thought about their faithfulness and hard work, and was reminded how important relationships are in life and ministry.

Nothing of value is created by a team of one. The Bible places high value on relationships. Moses had Aaron. David had Jonathan. Jesus had an inner-circle of Peter, James and John. And Paul may have developed the most meaningful and lasting relationships of all (see Ro. 16:1-16).

Ministry best happens in the arena of close and personal relationships. Developing people and sharing life together are more important than simply "doing church" together. I love our staff and thank God for allowing me to serve with them.