I know it is one of the many mantras of modern ministry. The key to all ministry is relationships. And while there is truth lurking in this anthem, I cannot help but think it has done more damage to the Kingdom than good. It was meant as a rebuke to those who thought the kingdom could be brought to bear from a relational distance, without getting dirty with real people and their real lives. And this point is well taken.
But the problem happened when we forgot what relationship the church is to have to people. Obviously no one would suggest that the relationship between husband and wife should be shared by a boss and an employee (or at least most). No we must always be careful to act in ways that are appropriate for the relationship we are talking about. So let us ask, what is the relationship the church is to have with people. Well according to the scriptures, the prime relationship between the church and people is based on interaction around sin, namely about the forgiving and retaining of sin. Yes the church is to forgive all penitent sinners and to retain the sins of all impenitent sinners.
But all too often, I hear the church saying things like well, we do not want to say that because they might leave, and then we would have no further relationship with them. To such a statement I ask, if we say nothing, what kind of relationship do we have with them? No doubt to never speaks an offensive words will likely maintain some sort of relationship, but it is not the relationship that is to exist between the church and people. Perhaps it is the relationship that a business man would want to have with clients, but let us always remember what the relationship the church is to have with people. Speak the Word. Forgive the sins of the penitent. Retain the sins of the inpenitent. The same is done in heaven.
