3. We prefer programs over relationships. When Jesus called His disciples, He appointed them “so that they would be with Him and that He could send them out to preach” (Mark 3:14, emphasis added). Jesus’ first desire was for a relationship; the work of the ministry was secondary. Today we have switched this—our focus is on the work, and the importance of relationships is minimized. One pastor recently told me that in his denomination, ministry has been reduced to what he called “the ABCs of Attendance, Buildings and Cash.” When ministry becomes a business, you know you have abandoned true discipleship.
