by flaivoloka – from www.sxc.hu
This is the fifth in this series. I encourage you to check them all out.
# 4 Providential Relationships
When you talk to strong Christians about their faith it will always involve other people. it might begin with their godly mother, a couple from college they met, a co-worker who invited them to church, or a preacher who ministered to their marriage. All faith stories have a relational component.
For most of us, there are many individuals. I cannot write this without thinking about my family, my home congregation, friends at FHU, older preachers who have mentored me, my wife and kids, and the unwavering faith of many Seven Oak’s members who have experienced tragedy. These relationships developed my faith and still give me strength today.
I am reminded of what is said of Peter and John in Acts 4:13, “they recognized that they had been with Jesus.” When we are around people that have been with Jesus it impacts our own faith. When we see how God has worked in someone else’s life, it is easier to trust him with ours.
Some Tips for Parents
- Have godly examples into your home. I remember being influenced at a young age by a visiting preacher named Jimmy Vest who stayed at our home while he was holding a meeting. You don’t have to have the preacher stay in your home, but you do need to provide opportunities for your children to be influenced by godly brethren.
- Talk to your children about the stories of people at church. For example, you might tell them how their Bible class teacher was faithful for years by herself, though her husband never attended. Through her prayers and example she won him to Christ. Your local church is filled with faith heroes, be sure your kids hear some of their stories.
- Obviously you cannot fully choose your kid’s friends, but you do get to choose many of the environments in which they make friends. Church camps are one of the biggest faith development tools we have for our young people. Don’t just encourage, but require them to be involved in church youth activities. Send them to a Christian University if possible.
Some Tips for Churches and Their Leaders
- Andy Stanley says in the book Deep and Wide, we should not just assume this is going to happen, but churches should seek to facilitate it. Hebrews 10:24-25 speaks of considering how to stir one another on to love and good works. What is your local church doing to help develop close relationships?
- Churches need to work hard to get new members connected in relationships. Various models are used such as small groups, Bible classes, fellowship activities, and service projects. But the membership must be taught and encouraged to be inclusive. They need to look for new members and incorporate them into the life of the church.
- Organize cross-generational ministries. Too often churches don’t have enough cross-generational fellowship and involvement. The young people need to know the older people and vise-versa. When this happens faith is strengthened because of the relationships.
