This is, perhaps, the most practically instructive and theologically challenging workshop I have ever attended. It’s been over a week since I heard Paige Benton Brown speak on the relationships required for Gospel ministry, and I am still mulling over and praying through all that I heard.

Here is the most challenging point from the workshop:

Everything about God’s relationship with us is His initiative. He is the initiator. As His ambassadors, we move towards people. Jesus never told His disciples to “be available.” He told them to “Go.” Initiate people as people and not as players in your church or ministry. Get to know them for them and not for what they can do for you.
a. Obvious: Who is immediately around you? Don’t look for new people, look at the same people with new eyes.
Jesus sent Legion and the Woman at the Well back to their people. New testimony with the same people.
Look at your relationships you would have anyway. Are they radically different relationships different because of Christ? Not just interaction, but involvement.
b. Unobvious: Not just available to them, but actively pursuing them. Leaving the 99 for the one who will never come on their own. The ones who are gonna need it most are the ones who will never approach you.
Who needs to be approached who will never approach anyone else?

We are in the service of a Seeking Savior. He does not hang a shingle, but is the Hound of Heaven.

For the rest of my notes from Paige’s workshop, click here.

If you are a believer in relationship with other people, then this is a post for you. Paige’s first point? There should be no relationships that are not ministry.