There is always something else to do in ministry.
A lesson needs to be written. An email needs to be sent. A volunteer needs to be recruited. A calendar needs to be planned. Somebody needs the room you reserved.
And somewhere in the middle of doing all the things required to minister to people, we can actually lose sight of the people.
That’s why one of the simplest things we can do to strengthen our ministries is also one of the most important:
Build relationships.
It isn’t a new ministry strategy. It probably won’t be the title of the hottest conference breakout next year. But it may be one of the things our churches need most.
Our Calendars Tell a Story
We know relationships matter. We talk about relational ministry. Yet preparing, planning, communicating and administrating constantly compete with the important work of simply being with people.
All of those things matter. But none of them can replace knowing the people God has entrusted to us.
Paul gives us a picture of ministry in 1 Thessalonians 2:8 (NIV):
“Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.”
I love that phrase: “our lives as well.”
Paul didn’t choose between truth and relationships. He gave them both.
The Gospel was proclaimed, but his life was shared.
Start With Jesus
If we want to create a relational culture, it has to start somewhere deeper than ministry techniques.
Love Jesus.
Walk deeply with the Lord. Spend time in His Word when you aren’t preparing to teach. Pray for the people you lead – not just for your ministry to grow or your event to go well.
We cannot consistently love people out of an empty soul.
Before asking, “How can I connect better with my students or leaders?” maybe we should first ask, “How connected am I to Jesus?”
Be Prepared So You Can Be Present
Preparation and relationships aren’t enemies. Preparation actually creates space for relationships.
If you’re printing handouts while students are walking into the room, you aren’t available to them. If you’re scrambling to find supplies while volunteers arrive, you can’t stop and hear about the hard week someone just had.
Prepare early enough that when people arrive, you can be with people.
Then be present.
Walk slowly through the room. Make eye contact. Learn names. Meet parents at the door. Ask great questions – and actually listen to the answers.
Know the sibling’s name. Remember what team they play on. Follow up on what they told you last week.
Those small things communicate something much bigger:
“You are valued here.”
Be Around
Some of the most important ministry moments happen outside the church building.
Grab lunch. Get coffee. Show up at the ballgame. Attend the recital. Remember the birthday. Send a handwritten note.
You can’t attend everything. Don’t try.
But occasionally surprising someone by showing up says:
“I care about you beyond what you contribute to our ministry.”
Share Your Life as Well
People don’t need a perfectly polished ministry leader. They need a genuine one.
Let people see you laugh. Celebrate milestones. Tell stories of God’s faithfulness. Admit when you don’t know something. Apologize when you’re wrong.
Healthy boundaries matter, but so does authenticity.
Ultimately, relational ministry isn’t complicated.
Jesus walked with people. Paul shared his life with people. We are called to do the same.
So here’s the question:
Who is one person God has placed in your ministry that you need to intentionally connect with this week?
Don’t just think about them.
Text them. Call them. Show up. Grab coffee. Listen. Pray.
Share the Gospel of God — and your life as well.
State Missionary Josh Meadows serves as student ministry strategist for the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions. He may be contacted at 1-800-264-1225, ext. 2280, or (334) 613-2280, jmeadows@alsbom.org.