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My name is: Tyler Williams
Describe a Relational Discipleship Moment:
It’s always interesting when they get to me during the introduction portion of a Rolesville Chamber of Commerce event:
“Hi, I’m Justin with State Farm.”
“Hi, I’m Sandy. I’m a financial planner.”
“Hi. I’m Tyler. I’m a pastor at Village Church Rolesville.”
The reactions range from surprise, to puzzlement, to appreciation. I decided to join the Rolesville Chamber of Commerce soon after moving to Rolesville two years ago. I thought it would be a good way to get to know people in the community and begin to build relationships. Perhaps God might even accomplish something through those relationships. Soon, Sandy and Justin began coming to our B3 Community Group.
Two years later, both Justin and Sandy’s families have joined Village Church Rolesville. This is a testament to the power of relational discipleship– intentionally invest in other people, become their friends, and see God’s grace work through that relationship to bring about communion. It’s friendship as sacrament—God using the fabric of our lives and the relationships we form as a channel for grace. I’m convinced that nothing tills the soil of someone’s heart for the gospel like a genuine relationship. It’s why Paul says to the Thessalonians, “We were glad to share not only God’s good news with you but also our very lives….” (1 Thess. 2:8). That’s relational discipleship.
Sandy wrote on her Facebook wall “After 26 years of living in Rolesville, I have finally found a church home.” Thanks be to God.