Loving Relationships

Natural Church Development assesses a church in eight different quality characteristics. With this post, we will take a quick look at one of these characteristics – Loving Relationships.

Natural Church Development defines healthy Loving Relationships as: Loving relationships are the heart of a healthy, growing church. Jesus said people will know we are his disciples by our love. Practical demonstration of love builds authentic Christian community and brings others into God’s kingdom.

For leaders whose churches have this as one of their lower points, NCD offers the following starting points as a means of improving this area…

• Become a healthy individual who has the capacity to love.
• Pastors and leaders can enhance an atmosphere of love during celebration services.
• Let people regularly tell stories of their progress to love.
• Include as many groups as possible in the process of learning to love.

As the leader of the church, your people will look to you as an example of how to life their lives. If you are not a loving person, they will not be a loving congregation. You need to be conscious on how your interact with those around you and make strides to be as loving as you can.

Your people need to be encouraged to speak on how they experience God’s love in their lives. And again, you as the leader need to express that same thing to your people. Remember, you set the standard.

The more opportunities your church has to hang out as a group, the greater number of chances they have to express their love for each other. Be sure these activities are regularly scheduled. And be on the lookout for new people to your church and make sure they are encouraged to attend these activities.

As a coach, I can come alongside of you and assist your in church’s growth in this area.