Relationships Rule!
Human beings from the very youngest to most well-seasoned crave connection, acceptance, and acknowledgement, and more than anything the need to love and be loved. In these ever increasing busy times it seems harder and harder to do. Often, relationships take the back seat to all the things that make up our busy lives. Good or bad, connecting with others, young or old, feels like it takes more effort than ever before.
It’s evident in the discussions, emails, and inquiries we receive here at KidCheck, that in children’s ministry, relationships are the foundation for success. So, how does one promote relationships within their specific area of influence? It all starts by stepping back and taking an honest inventory of the state of our own relationships and asking ourselves a few simple questions.
- Do I prioritize time to nurture those closest to me?
- Do I encourage loved ones, staff and volunteers to make an effort to connect with others – even if they’re new or different?
- Have I learned to say “NO” to requests that don’t directly benefit those relationships most important to me?
- Am I completely present, making eye contact, and actively listening when engaging with others?
- Do I think of relationships as a two-way street of give and take? Or do I more often take than I give?
- Do my relationships reflect my beliefs and convictions?
- Do I look to change myself before trying to change others in a relationship?
If you answered “No” to the many of these questions you’re not alone! Most of us want the benefit of solid well-maintained relationships without having to do a lot of the work. Giving of ourselves is hard – it requires vulnerability, effort, compromise, and often a step out of our beloved comfort zone. Yet, the rewards for the effort are plentiful – and the more we give of ourselves and encourage others to do the same, the richer our lives and ministries become.
For a more in-depth look at your Relational Existence visit our most popular “Best Practice” article, FiveSteps to Build Relationships. It provides a step-by-step action guide on what to do next.
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