The Importance of Relationships--Social Networks

This past week I had the wonderful privilege of attending Dave Williams' Church Planting School in St. Pete Beach, Florida. It was an informative and fun week. It was also a joy to develop some new strategic relationships. Participants from six states and Jamaica joined together for a time of inspiration, preparation and impartation. It was also a great time of connected with some existing friends and creating some new friendships.

I was again reminded how important relationships are to the advancement of the kingdom. In fact relationships are all that the kingdom of God is about. Jesus said everything of importance is summed up in a relational context. He said right relationship with God and with others is what everything thing else of importance hinges upon. Relationships are vital to life and ministry. Our relationship with God, our relationship with the people of God and our partners in ministry as well as our relationship with our pre-Chrisitan contacts is what's ultimately important.

"If you want to have friends, show yourself friendly." Friendship with God and others--that's what I am tyring to stay focused on.


Successful church planting is about developing friendships and helping people build a relationship with the friend of all friends who will "stick closer than a brother." So the questions I want to ask are: Who are the new people who have recently been added to your friend list? Which of them have you facilitated becoming a part of your friend's friends list? Who have you had the privilege of introducing to your most important friend--Jesus?



Roger Stacy