A few years ago, I participated in a Church Planter’s Boot Camp.  One of the exercises we did towards the end of the week was to determine the core values of the church we would be planting (or re-planting).  A plethora of ideas began to percolate, and soon a “We Value” list came together.  Growth, discipleship and families were winners, making the top of the list.  Following were a number of items that could be summarized as “relationships”.

I certainly admit that building strong and healthy relationships is essential for ministry to be both viable and successful.  However, this is one of the most challenging, and sometimes painful, aspects of the ministry.  As important as it may be, I have made a determined effort to move it from the top of my values list.

In Philippians 3:10 Paul prayed a simple yet life-changing prayer.  Cogley’s paraphrase says “I want to know Jesus above all else”.  More than ever, I find myself yearning for a greater level of intimacy with my Lord.  As I draw nearer to Him, I know He is drawing nearer to me.  Growing more deeply in Jesus has become my priority, my #1 value.  Quite frankly, by making my relationship with Him my highest priority, my other relationships will be a blessed by default!

As pastors, we want to give our congregations our best.  Let me leave you with this thought – “The greatest gift we can give our church is the quality of our spiritual life”.

Mike Cogley
Coshocton Assembly of God

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