Show interest
Take time to get to know each other as human beings
Image by Sophie Killingley of Perish + Fade
As human beings our deepest longing is to be seen, known, and understood. As Christians we believe we are seen, known and understood by God and we try to model this heart attitude of God towards others. In Christian ministry lots of things can get in the way of this.
by Rev Tina Hodgett
Our narrative of scarcity can get in the way: we don’t have time to do the careful listening, relaxed chatting, practice of curiosity, sharing times of recreation together. At least we think we don’t.
Our theological positioning can get in the way. We don’t want to get into conversation where we will hit differences of belief and opinion, so we avoid conversation to avoid conflict, or conversations that will challenge our thinking.
Our fear of being not enough can get in the way. We can feel that others are more favoured, more honoured, more powerful, more accepted than we are and allow feelings of envy or resentment to limit the possibility of real relationship.
In fact, real relationship creates a foundation on which God the Holy Spirit can build amazing things. Taking time to listen, ask questions, or waste time with your pioneer or parish advocate colleague builds trust, compassion and the possibility of honest conversations. Understanding the other’s theological drivers can inform the shape and direction of missional activity in new ways and enrich the offer to the wider community. Paying prayerful attention to our own inner wounds, fears, and emotional responses within ministry relationships can only enable us to grow into greater maturity. In sharing our inner life (at our own pace, as we are ready, when it feels safe) we develop a mutual trust and interdependence that flows out into the whole ecosystem ¬– church, community, world.
Find out about how Pioneering Parishes courses can help develop relationships within churches and worshiping communities.
