Relational Apostolic Input
05 Feb 2010
Liz and I have spent the last six days based in Eastbourne. We have been working into King's church, a church that has known remarkable blessing in recent years, especially in the area of growth gathering between 600-700 each Sunday. I have been working with the church for a couple of years now, slowly getting to know the elders and key leaders, plus what makes the church "tick"! However, it has been throughout this week that I have been able to truly get to know the church and it raises again the issue of how vital is is for apostolic ministry to remain relational. I am planning to do a lot more "longer" trips with the churches that I am working with as I am not convinced that a one off visit twice a year really gives me a handle on things.
To be "amongst the churches” and not just with the elders, makes apostolic ministry a lot more accessible and meaningful.
May apostles never become distant figures at conferences or too busy to relate. We need to find creative and workable ways to ensure that apostolic input stays close, real, ongoing and non-professional. I trust that my serving Eastbourne will go on being all those things. Helping churches become missional is our number one passion, but relationships, being family is a very close second. You can never have one without the other.
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