A Culture of Genuine Care

From our earliest days as an apostolic movement, God shaped us prophetically that ‘we can do more together than apart’ as ‘friends on a mission together’.

Writing to the saints at Philippi, Paul provides a great insight into personal relationships within the early church, calling them his brothers, his beloved, longed for, joy and crown (Phil. 4:1), not terms used in a professional relationship. As their apostle he establishes a foundation of personal warmth, Godly delight, affectionate ambition, and ultimate commitment. Nowhere to be found are the formality and externalism which sometimes characterise the modern church.

A deeply relational culture arises from a genuine heart of care, released through leaders into the life of the church. Spiritual fathers and mothers bring care to the leaders of local churches and gather them into community with other churches. "Strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith” (Acts 14: 22). Paul's relationship with the Ephesian elders is very telling (Acts 20: 17 – 37). Such relationships would be characterised by a warm family atmosphere of genuine spiritual fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, and willing leadership accountability.

What would this look like in practice? It looks like a willing commitment to build meaningful yet purposeful relationships of the heart with brothers and sisters within our family of churches, because we consider it to be a genuinely valuable thing to do. Throughout the year there are many opportunities to gather in this way: RM Community gatherings ,Family Camps, leadership gatherings, prayer events, shared endeavours, online meet-ups, and much more. None of this is obligatory, but all of this is helpful for fostering authentic relationships between leaders and churches.

You can keep up to date with all of this by signing up for our occasional Relational Mission email updates that give details of all upcoming opportunities.

Every Blessing

Maurice

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