Relationship Over Program

The church is, at heart, a people movement following Jesus. Often, focus is given to the 'what' of church: buildings, events, programs. We need to be careful to keep the focus on people, relationships and community. Relationships with God, other believers in those Jesus wants to reach should be the heart cry of his church, and the foundation of our focus.

The Future of Faith

 . . . We stand on the threshold of a new chapter in the Christian story.  Despite dire forecasts of its decline, Christianity is growing faster that it ever has before, but mainly outside the West and in movements that accent spiritual experience, discipleship and hope; pay scant attention to creeds; and flourish without hierarchies.  We are now witnessing the beginning of a “post-Constantinian era.” Christians on five continents are sharking off the residues of the second phase (the Age of Belief) and negotating a bumpy transition into a fresh era for which a name has not yet been coined.
  -- Harvey Cox, 'The Future of Faith'