The Harvard Study of Adult Development, the longest in-depth study of human life ever done, started in 1938 by following the lives of 724 participants. The study later expanded to include more than 1,300 of their descendants. The researchers have used various tools to isolate factors which contributed to longevity, overall health, and quality of life. They have reached one clear conclusion: good relationships lead to health and happiness.

While it’s interesting to consider the outcome of a study like this, those of us who follow Jesus should not be surprised. Relationships are at the heart of the gospel. God took the initiative to create humankind and then, when our relationship with him was broken by sin, sent his Son as the means to restore our relationship with him. Relationships are also at the heart of the church. The simplest definition of the church is a fellowship on mission. Fellowship is a powerful word describing the mutual connectivity, accountability, and support among believers. And, perhaps most importantly, God designed families as a well-spring of deep, rewarding relationships. Relationships matter—to God, in the church, and among families.

The sad reality is relational disconnects mar too many churches and families, often because our relationship with God is not what it needs to be. Sadly, these interpersonal relationships are often a source of pain rather than the nurturing safe-havens they were designed to be. But thankfully, when our relationship with God is healthy, renewal in those other relationships is always possible. Here are three choices to help make this happen.

First, practice forgiveness. People close to us can hurt us the most deeply. In the most vulnerable relationships, there is also the greatest potential for painful misunderstanding or conflict. To maintain meaningful relationships, over the long haul, requires a healthy dose of forgiveness (Matt. 18:21).

Second, demonstrate patience. People can be annoying, and nothing is more frustrating than trying to relate to someone behaving in a dysfunctional or disconcerting way. These people can get on your last nerve—especially if you live with them daily or go to church with them weekly. To sustain meaningful relationships, even when people grate on you, requires patience (Eph. 4:2).

Third, show kindness. A friend has this sign in his work area—“Kindness spoken here.” He has made an intentional choice to speak kindly, and to delay abrupt responses to difficult people until he can do it appropriately. Choosing kindness isn’t faking it with a Hallmark-card type attitude. Choosing kindness is a spiritual discipline (Gal. 5:22).

Relationships matter. They are the key to a long, satisfying life. Meaningful relationships must be nurtured. It takes intentional choices, often in critical moments, to prioritize relationships over ego, money, selfish ambition, and a host of other relationship killers. Make these choices today, as a spiritual discipline, and as an investment in your long-term quality of life.


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Perspective: SBC 2023

Dr. Iorg discusses what unites the SBC in light of next week’s annual convention.

Jeff Iorg
President
Dr. Jeff Iorg is the president of Gateway Seminary. Prior to his service at the Seminary, Dr. Iorg was the Executive Director of the Northwest Baptist Convention for almost ten years. He was also the founding pastor of Greater Gresham Baptist Church in Gresham, Oregon, and has served as a pastor in Missouri and a staff pastor in Texas.

Intentionality

 The greatest problem in our world is lostness. The only solution to lostness is the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Jeff Iorg
President
Dr. Jeff Iorg is the president of Gateway Seminary. Prior to his service at the Seminary, Dr. Iorg was the Executive Director of the Northwest Baptist Convention for almost ten years. He was also the founding pastor of Greater Gresham Baptist Church in Gresham, Oregon, and has served as a pastor in Missouri and a staff pastor in Texas.

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Lead On Podcast
June 4, 2023

“Life is Curriculum”: How Leaders Grow after Seminary

Dr. Iorg encourages leaders to continue growing after Seminary. He identifies seven ways to cultivate and work towards spiritual maturity. 

Lead On Podcast
May 28, 2023

Dealing with Angry People

There is a lot of anger in the world right now and a lot of that anger is spilling over into the church. This week Dr. Iorg discusses different ways to engage with and disciple angry people in your ministry.


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Spirituality of Jonathan Edwards | JEC at Gateway Seminary

Dr. Chris Chun hosted a digital symposium with Dr. Michael Haykin and Dr. Robert Caldwell to discuss Edwards’ spirituality, devotional life and theological impact in American Christianity.

Chris Chun
Professor of Church History | Director, Jonathan Edwards Center
Dr. Chris Chun is the professor of Church History and the director of Jonathan Edwards Center at Gateway Seminary. Chris’ doctoral research at St. Andrews University was focused on the eighteenth-century Edwardsean Baptists in Britain. He also has served as president of The Evangelical Theological Society (Far West Region).

Faculty Dialogues: Dispensationalism or Not

In this episode of Faculty Dialogues, Dr. David Rathel and Dr. Paul Wegner held a live discussion on their views on dispensationalism.

David Rathel
Associate Professor of Christian Theology
Dr. Rathel is the associate professor of Chrisitian Theology at Gateway Seminary. Prior to Gateway, Dr. Rathel supplied pastoral care to churches in the United States and Scotland, served as an Adjunct Professor of Theology and Philosophy for the Baptist College of Florida, and provided teaching assistance for the University of St Andrews.

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