DISCIPLEMAKING IS MORE than just passing on knowledge and information. It is about life transformation and this best takes place in the context of trusted relationships. Three components are required for trusted relationships to develop. First, space. Adequate space is required to grow the relational trust and intimacy to a point where we can truly be available to listen to and receive from one another without judgment and suspicion. Second, a slower pace. Relationships, much like plants, grow at a slower pace than our busy modern city life would allow. Often, we are impatient in wanting them to develop quickly and unwilling to pay the price in terms of time and energy to nurture the growth. Third, skilful work. Cultivating intimacy takes knowledge and skill. Knowledge of various human temperaments and how to grow our emotional intelligence. Skills to listen well and relate appropriately with other people. The pandemic has revealed to us as a church that while we may be good at passing on knowledge and wisdom, we may not have done so well in developing a broader base of strong, trusted relationships among church members. While there is deep trust between the church board and the pastors, and between the pastors and the lay leaders, we need to work harder on growing this beyond these leadership groups and across the generations. It will certainly take a lot of time, effort and intentionality. Perhaps this pandemic season is just the awakening needed for us to repent of our superficiality and offers us the opportunities to grow a great number of genuine, grace-filled and godly relationships.