Developing Meaningful Relationships
Could you imagine a church family where no one feels disconnected, but everyone feels welcomed? Where, instead of relational distance, there is supernatural closeness. Where the epidemic of loneliness is met by a community marked by gospel-shaped friendship. What if, by the end of next summer, River City became such a place?
Picture it. Imagine what would happen if each of us opened their arms to someone new, seeing a stranger become a friend. And each of us pulled someone close, seeing a friend become a close friend. This is not beyond us, but it is also not up to us alone. God has opened His arms wide to us in Jesus. He has called us friends and made us His family. And now, as recipients of His uncommon welcome, we are called to welcome one another with that same love.
Romans 15:7 - Welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
By August 31, 2026, River City Church will increase our capacity to form meaningful relationships where gospel transformation can take root by equipping every person to take three intentional steps:
- Make room in their lives for relational investment
- Open their arms to someone new, seeing at least one stranger become a friend
- Pull someone close, helping at least one friend become a close friend
When the Church lives deeply together, the world takes notice.
Acts 2:42-47 - They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers ... And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
Everyday Practices for Relationships
MAKE ROOM
Practice 1: Intentionally make time for relationships
OPEN YOUR ARMS
Practice 2: Take Initiative
Practice 3: Ask Thoughtful Questions
Practice 4: Show Generous Hospitality
PULL SOMEONE CLOSE
Practice 5: Embrace Rhythms of Presence
Practice 6: Pursue Gospel Reconciliation
Practice 7: Practice Vulnerability
Definitions
Stranger - Someone on the fringe of our relational network, like a neighbor we barely know or someone new to River City.
Friend - Someone we spend regular time with, where deeper trust and care begin to grow.
Close(r) Friend - Someone with whom we share genuine transparency and vulnerability, trusting them with our true selves. These are friends who know where you are most afraid and where you are most alive.