This past week I learned a new phrase – “relational capital.” It sounds complicated, but its actually quite simple. Think of it in the terms of a bank account, with the currency being trust. As we grow our relationships with people, the amount of trust we have “in the bank” grows. When we make a mistake, a withdrawal occurs, but usually only a little, still leaving some trust in the relationship.
So, what does this have to do with church? Well, the thought of the day is, many pastors have lost their relational capital with their congregations during this past year. In other words, as decisions centering around the pandemic occurred, and months passed by, church members have lost faith in their pastors. I’m not sure what to say about that. Of course, as a pastor, it hurts me to hear. Yet, I am also aware that it is occurring. Not everyone has been happy with the way things were done, or not done. Requirements placed upon us that church leaders must enforce, inability to be in closer connection with one another, and a myriad of other things have led up to it. For it all, I am truly sorry. If I have lost your trust, I apologize.
I’ve also considered this concept in a couple of other ways as well. First, how are our churches relational capital with our community? How much trust do we have deposited with the people whom God has called us to serve? I’m not talking about ourselves, but the thousands of others that make up the community in which we live? Do they trust us, or is our account running in the red? I believe this is the big wake-up call for churches all across America today, one in which we really need to pay attention and start figuing out how to resolve.
But, perhaps, before we can consider doing that, we also need to take a moment for personal reflection (this is Lent after all). How is our relational capital with Jesus? Are we fulfilling our obligation as disciples, making deposits into our eternal account of life, OR are we continuing to make withdrawals through our lack of obedience and commitment to the relationship?
Ponder all these things this week. I’d love to hear your thoughts. Give me a call, send me an email or a text. Let’s talk about how we can increase our deposits and rebuild our relational capital together.
Pastor Steve
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples,
if you have love for one another.”
(John 13:34-35, NRSV)