Relational Christianity: A Remarkable Vision of God

This work begins with a transformative idea: human existence is fundamentally relational. Relational Christianity explores how the nature of the Trinity must define the Church and the Christian spiritual life. Utilizing Scripture, Christian spiritual tradition, and philosophy, Pinkham and Gruenberg paint the picture of a Trinitarian, Jesus-centered Christianity, led by the Father and explored in interpersonal oneness. In this view, God’s intimate, unifying love is the theological river that runs through the landscape of biblical revelation and through God’s movement in history.
This work of Trinitarian practical theology suggests that the relation between Father, Son, and Spirit should shape and guide all Christian interactions—with God, with others, and with self. In the paradigm of relational Christianity, the formation of genuine personhood and identity are based upon relational connections—first with the Trinity, and second with God’s family. The shape of the new covenant community must reflect the Father’s nature. Church culture must prioritize relationship in the same way the Trinity does.

Wesley M. Pinkham (Wess) holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Literature and Philosophy from Seattle Pacific University, a Master of Arts in Educational Ministries from Wheaton College, a Master of Education in Adult Education and Higher Educational Administration from the University of British Columbia, a Master of Divinity and Master of Theology in Church Administration and Homiletics from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and a Doctor of Ministry in Church Change Agentry and Conflict Management from McCormick Theological Seminary. He did postgraduate work in Higher Adult Education for the EdD degree at Northern Illinois University (one year) and for the EdD in Adult Education and Higher Educational Administration at the University of British Columbia (three years). Shiloh University conferred the Doctor of Literature Degree (DLitt) in June 2019. Wess brings new meaning and power to the term "master communicator." His relational and transparent teaching and writing style assists students and readers in discovering life-changing truths. Wess brings a dynamic, holistic approach to relational theology. He is a leader and educator with six earned degrees, plus the DLitt honoris causa. Wess served for twelve years as a senior pastor, a youth minister, and a minister of Christian education. He was an administrator and associate professor at Wheaton College graduate school for six years and served for seven years as Academic Dean, Senior Vice President and professor at Dominion College, an undergraduate liberal arts school. He served for fifteen years at The King's University, Los Angeles, as an accreditation specialist in the capacities of Dean of Assessment, Dean of Institutional Effectiveness, and Dean of Doctoral Studies. Wess served as Vice President for Academics and Dean of Doctoral Studies at Shiloh University for four years. He served there as a trustee. Prior to retirement, he served for one year as Vice President for Academics at The New International University in Bellevue, Washington.


Jeremiah Gruenberg works as a speaker, coach, and consultant on authenticity in the corporate, church, and family settings. He also hosts The God Experiment podcast. Jeremiah holds a BA in English from the University of California, Los Angeles, an MDiv from Shiloh University, and a DPhil in theology from South African Theological Seminary. His articles have been published in God and Nature, and Journal of Spiritual Formation and Soul Care.



Marty Folsom (PhD, Otago, New Zealand) is the Executive Director of the Pacific Association for Theological Studies. He has taught theology in the Seattle area for over twenty years. He is also a popular speaker on relational themes. This book, Sharing God's Life, completes his Face to Face trilogy: Missing Love (2013), Discovering Relational (2014).