Balance Between Relationships and Bible Study
Leader Question: How do we keep the closeness of natural relationships while not sacrificing time in the Bible?
The goal, where we’d like to see all Teams end up, is where team time is a product of a life lived in God’s Word. That is why part of our definition of success for Mission Teams is: “Helping each other experience Jesus daily.” If that is achieved, then when we come together, our focus can be concentrated on the fruit of living in Christ-centered community.
“But we have to study the Bible right?!” When we get that question, we like to ask in response, “What is the purpose of studying the Bible?”
Our answer: To reveal God, His redemptive plan fulfilled in Christ, and our response to His saving acts. The purpose of studying the Bible more is not to know the Bible better, but to know Him better. That cannot happen apart from actively entering into His redemptive plan—showing others the love of Christ.
The Gospel should be the basis for our closeness of relationships when our Teams come together, and it is through living out Christ-centered community that the truths of Scripture are revealed.
Here are 5 more practical answers that may (or may not) get to an answer as well:
Use your relationships to fuel Bible Study.
If you’ve built natural relationships, leverage that deep bond to have honest conversations about Scripture. Moving past the cookie-cutter answers will allow Scripture to be more transformative and should in turn deepen your relationships.
Use Bible Study to fuel your relationships
Nothing—no hyperbole—is as revolutionary to our view of others than the Good News of Jesus Christ. It’s more than just the Golden Rule; it’s loving even your enemies and sacrificing your life for others. When you study, never miss an opportunity to show how it reflects on your relationships with others.
Throw out “time” designations.
This is tough and will take time and patience, but whenever possible, have “ Bible Study” during natural relationship building times and during Bible Study times do relationship building activities. This will model a healthy view of Jesus being Lord over all aspects of life and living out God’s Word.
Use the Team Huddle resource.
Will keep pointing our Teams to it…but the intent of the resource is that you could use it while on mission. Theoretically as you go about helping people far from God experience Jesus by __________ , you can continue your intimate relationship with God’s Word as you go.
If you’re going to err, err on the side of natural relationships.
Many would probably disagree with me on this, but if you have to miss one way, I would miss on the side of intentionally building relationships. Personally I don’t think that even means sacrificing time in the Bible, it is applying a Biblical view of people in real life.
What are your thoughts on the question? Recommendations?