God is much more interested in a relationship with us than what we can do for Him. Our relationships with one another should be built on this same model.
Relationships grow where there is intimacy and accountability. Self-disclosure, the freedom to fail, acceptance and truthfulness are all essential factors in growing relationships. We see a good example of this in Jesus’ relationship with Peter and also the way He handled Peter’s failure (John 21:15-22).
Relationships are built on commitment. (God has a covenant commitment with us, which is the context in which He relates to us.) Relationships are built for the sake of the relationship and are not to be used, exploited or manipulated for selfish gain. (John 15:13; 1 John 3:16).
When relationships are built on love one for another, they become an extremely powerful and revolutionary factor in society. People identify us, and are drawn to us, and remain with us because of relationships. (John 13:34-35; Acts 2:44-47).
We believe church structure should be built on relationships, and not positions and titles – we were called to serve one another in love and not to be served (Matthew 20:24-28). These relationships are conducted on an adult-to-adult basis, and not parent-to-child or vice versa. This brings about strength, maturity and flexibility in the Church as a whole and in people as individuals (which facilitate effective functioning of every part; Ephesians 4:15-16).
Relationships are three-fold:
a) Our relationship with God
b) Our relationship with ourselves
c) Our relationship with one another.