As we read the stories of Jesus, we soon marvel at the array of characters, personalities and backgrounds that He chooses to engage. We read of kings and commoners, priests and paupers, rulers and wrongdoers. We know of farmers and felons, schemers and scorners, masters and manipulators. Truly, “there is no favoritism with God” (Romans 2:11). And a continuing theme throughout the constant stream of interactions is that of recognition — a two-way recognition. One direction of this recognition is that Jesus is able to see through the image that each person has either managed to manufacture or has inescapably inherited. He cuts through the screens and sees where their projection is sourced. He sees them for who they truly are. And this light, His light, is met with differing reactions. Some squint and squirm while others repent and find rest. The second direction of the two-way recognition is related and often comes on the heels of the first. We see it when differing individuals recognize who Jesus is. Some of the more memorable reactions mark world-changing conversions. Peter exclaims, for example, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God!” (Matthew 16:16). The Samaritan woman at the well testified, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could this be the Messiah?” (John 4:29). And after fearing for their lives within a storm-tossed ship, his disciples marveled, “Who then is this? Even the wind and the sea obey Him!” (Mark 4:41). But again, this recognition isn’t shared only by those who repent and find rest. We see some who squirm and squint at their recognition of who Jesus is. We find Pilate’s playful suspicion when asking the Jews, “What should I do then with Jesus, who is called Messiah?” (Matthew 27:22). We also hear the shrieks of demons who shout, “What do You have to do with us, Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?” (Matthew 8:29). So then, what are we to do with this two-way recognition? We are to rightly recognize Christ for who He is — the Son of God incarnate. But we’re not to stop there, for even the demons can rightly recognize Him in this regard. In light of this truth, we’re invited to be truly known and truly loved — to repent of our sin and rest in Christ’s finished work. We are to submit to His Lordship. A final implication is to clearly present Christ to others. Their reaction, as we’ve seen, is beyond our control, but we are to faithfully usher them to a recognition of who He is. A continued effort toward clarity through Scripture and the enlightenment of the Spirit is our only hope for a right response to this two-way recognition. Our pursuit and prayer is a response much like those who observed and listened to the Samaritan woman at the well. “We no longer believe because of what you said, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this really is the Savior of the world.” (John 4:42). Here are a couple questions I’ve considered in response to this two-way recognition: Who have I recently overlooked or thought beyond the reach of the gospel? What uncomfortable area might God be calling me to step into in order to clearly present Jesus as Messiah?

When we’re invited to adopt a growth mindset, we’re open and eager to subscribe. Whether it’s relational, intellectual, or financial, growth sounds great! There are actually very few areas of our life where we would consider it a bad thing. And yet, our commitment to growth is open calculated. Meaning, our intentions for growth and the effort required to obtain growth will open have an expressed aim, a desired endpoint. As long as an effort is required, we hold a metric in mind that would qualify as “enough”. There is a concept of comfort that we’re willing to work toward, but it’s with the intention of eventually ending the effort. For example, we’re willing to build a house so that we would have a house to live in. And we’re willing to invest in retirement so that we would one day be able to retire. However, the growth mindset that we endorse and embrace at FCA, pushes beyond any cradle of comfort. In this final post of my five-part series, I’m leaning into the perpetual posture of growth that consciously resists a destination. It’s our commitment to a continual cost, an ever-reaching arm, an eternal impact. Spiritually, this concept is known as perseverance and Paul speaks to its effects in Romans 5:3-4. We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. At FCA we’re convinced that anything less than a growth mindset would become a guaranteed, eventual end. Our continued existence and impact as an organization stands testament to this belief and commitment. We’ve refused to view a first down as a Super Bowl victory. We know that there will always be more effort to exert, more cost to consider, and more people to impact, and we also know that it will always be worth it. The metrics of our growth mindset embrace an ever-expanding scope that will continue to invite more investment and more involvement from more individuals. This growth mindset is the final mark of a worthy mission.

In part 3, I worked hard to convey our central mission of building relationships. That focus must be understood and maintained before moving on to our present point, an intentional plan. It’s important because we can often believe that relationships are strictly organic. They’re easily seen as essential, but are too often assumed or overlooked. We like to think that the most natural relationships are the most genuine; the ones that we feel don’t require work. Perhaps even more common, it’s believed that structure will either deprive a relationship of its sincerity or suffocate it with monotony. But in truth, healthy relationships require intentionality. As warned by the well-worn axiom, “Failing to plan is planning to fail”. So, how do we value both the stability of structure and the spark of spontaneity? In God’s revelation of Himself, through both creation and Scripture, we see incalculable structure that is also dynamic and spontaneous! Structure can be suffocating, but it doesn’t have to be. Spontaneity can be risky, but it doesn’t have to be. The deeper truth is that the two actually need each other. For example, the beauty of a basketball star is her ability to be creative, dynamic and spontaneous within the structure of the game. And while the freestyle skateboarder might take pride in his sport’s wide parameters, he still requires structured rails, ramps and judges. This guides us, then, into appreciating our dynamic and spontaneous relationships that require structured acknowledgement and investment. Our world is moving faster than it ever has before and I’m not only referring to its technological progress or global connectivity. Our days are fleeting. Months seem to dissipate like steam. Years are succinctly filed away. Because of this, we’re faced with the reality that if we desire to create experiences and spend time with others, we need to plan to do so. When it comes to investing valuable time with those that matter to us, spontaneity is often a luxury. Increasingly, it requires a focused effort. Finally, how are to we to handle our plans? Loosely. Proverbs 19:21 teaches us, Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the Lord’s decree will prevail (HCSB). Yes, we should make plans, but then subject them to the Lord. Yes, we should aim for connections, but seek the Lord’s alignment. He forever holds the authoritative audible. He’s the Great Choreographer. Our plans need to allow and sometimes expect His divine disruption. Still, we must plan. And we must plan with intentionality.

We’ve now come to the center of our 5-part series: Part 3, Building Relationships. But this isn’t simply half court or the 50 yard line, rather it is the very heart of our mission. Everything thus far leads to this point and everything to follow will draw from this point. This is our pulse. This is our purpose. Every huddle, every sports camp, every conference, fundraiser or building campaign would become a destructive distraction if separated from this aim. We exist to build meaningful and lasting relationships to the glory of God. Our hearts echo the apostle’s, “We cared so much for you that we were pleased to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.” (1 Thessalonians 2:8 HCSB) I have a friend who notes the difference between a decision-centric ministry and a disciple-centric ministry. The first fosters the angst of a salesman who seeks to close a deal. Flush with clever marketing and emotional opportunity, an environment is created, a relationship is leveraged, and a decision is solicited. Assuming a positive outcome, that decision-maker is then trained to leverage more decisions. Conversely, a disciple-centric ministry invites others to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus. This same invitation is extended to believers and unbelievers alike. It is gentle, pa:ent and seeks conscious, costly commitment to a life under the Lordship of Jesus. Discipleship is not seen as a post-conversion training program, but the varied process of increasing intimacy with the One who calls us all to abide in Him (John 15). The disciple-centric ministry seeks to build relationships without a thought of leveraging them. If we are to truly be a disciple-centric ministry then we must be en:rely about relationships. We cannot be a people who simply share the gospel and then move on with life. We must be a people who yearn for deep relationships with others and rejoice in their deepening relationships with Jesus. This cannot be manufactured or manipulated. It is not conceived, but received. It is a journey that we’re invited into, not a trail we’re called to blaze. When building relationships, I’ve found three things that enable me to build deep and sincere relationships with others as Jesus did: By learning their love language. I apply the principles found in Gary Chapman’s The Five Love Languages by communicating my care and concern in the ways they recognize. I aim for fluency in their language of appreciation. By learning the power of presence. I open underestimate how distance can deteriorate a relationship. In our virtual and isolating world, I strive for in-person interactions whenever possible. By learning the significance of consistency. I cannot know everything about everyone and I’m not called to. But I do need to be consistent and available to respond when someone needs my help, support and prayers.

In our age of individualism and pragmatism we’re likely to have some misunderstandings about why we’d seek to create a team. We might assume it’s because a job is too big to do alone or perhaps because it requires an area of expertise in which we lack a particular skill. These can both be true, but both are also products of a culture obsessed with efficiency. Meaning, our society tends to invite others into a project only as a last resort. Our requests of others are reserved for the end of our rope; for when we see no other way. We reason that because others are already busy and further communication will only frustrate our timelines, that the project itself would be better served with as few personalities as possible. The adage is convincing: “If you want something done right, do it yourself.” At FCA, though, we believe that community is not simply for the sake of efficiency. Our eternally Triune God is a God of relationship and He has crafted us in His image for relationship. He has imprinted on us an inherent need for community. Because of this truth we’re convinced that even if the vision weren’t too big, and even if we did possess the particular skills needed, that we still ought to invite others into our Kingdom work. I’m pulling the “Jesus-card” on this one: even He enlisted a team! It certainly wasn’t a matter of efficiency. He could’ve accomplished His earthly mission as quickly as He brought galaxies into existence, but He chose to invite others into this Kingdom work. And He still does.  So, rather than stating, “we need a team to accomplish our vision”, we’re convinced, simply, that “we need a team”. At FCA we aim to involve others through prayerful invitations and help them discover how their gifts can be used for eternal purposes. As conduits of Kingdom work we continue to witness a two-fold blessing: on those pouring, as well as those poured into. To withhold this invitation, then, would be a disservice to everyone involved. The team-approach is an essential part of our "Great Co-mission”. Here are a few questions I’ve used to cultivate and clarify my team approach: Am I reducing my team approach in the name of efficiency? Am I trying to prove myself to others? Do I tend to be impatient while working with others? How can I better listen to my community? Who am I involving in my work alongside me this week?