Connecting or Correcting?

This Summer, we are GATHERING DIFFERENTLY by hosting Watch Parties. Hundreds have volunteered by opening up their driveways, garages and back patios for friends to experience the love of God.  These parties are simple - just add friends! Our building remains closed, but the church is WIDE OPEN. Good thing we’re not named Building Church; we are named Mission Church!  

I am so encouraged by the stories I continue to hear of how God is at work in and through these Watch Parties. Elvis and the Church have left the building and for those who don’t yet know Jesus, this is REALLY good news. 

Today, I want to share with you 4 reasons I choose to connect instead of correct. 

1. You can win the argument but lose the friend.

2. Correction can end the conversation.

3. People come back to places they feel loved and safe to ask questions.

4. A strong connection builds the strength needed to endure correction.

For these 4 reasons and more, I choose connection over correction. My caveat is this: when the relationship is ready, I certainly do not hold back correction.  I DO, however, focus on creating connection instead of correction. This value is one held near and dear as part of the Alpha Course. It’s one of the many reasons people feel so welcomed and loved at Alpha and at my Watch Parties. As you host Watch Parties, if you’re filling them with friends who do not yet follow Jesus, you will be tempted to correct them.  May I suggest you focus on connecting instead. 

For more information on hosting your own Watch Party, click HERE.

Onward!

#WeAreMissionWednesday