Pastoral Friendship: The Forgotten Piece in a Persevering Ministry

This book emphasizes the importance of friendship in ministry, particularly a close, personal, intimate, and sacrificial pastor-to-pastor friendship that focuses on Jesus. It explores portraits of friendship in scripture and church history and encourages readers to pursue such friendships in modern times.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 09 September 2022
Publisher: Christian Focus Publications Ltd

Friendship is a profound human need that resonates especially within the context of ministry. It extends beyond mere enjoyment and companionship to encompass the essential requirement of nurturing one's soul and sustaining a long-term commitment to pastoral service. This book aims to persuade every modern pastor of the utmost importance of cultivating a close, personal, intimate, and sacrificial pastor-to-pastor friendship. It goes beyond mere acquaintanceships to emphasize the significance of a relationship that regularly directs each other's gaze toward Jesus.

In this captivating exploration, Michael Haykin, Brian Croft, and James Carroll delve into the portraits of friendship found in scripture and church history. They offer insightful perspectives on the enduring nature of friendship throughout the ages. The authors then urge readers to embrace modern pastoral friendships, recognizing their potential for growth, support, and spiritual nourishment.

The book begins with a foreword by Austin Walker, providing an introductory note that sets the stage for the profound insights to follow. The subsequent chapters are organized into two parts. Part 1: Looking Back explores the rich tapestry of pastoral friendships throughout history. The authors present captivating accounts of notable partnerships, such as the profound connection between Basil of Caesarea and Eusebius of Samosata in the 4th century and the remarkable friendship between Benjamin Francis and Joshua Thomas in the 18th century. These historical examples serve as a testament to the enduring power of friendship in ministry.

Part 2: Looking Ahead delves into the contemporary landscape of pastoral friendships. The authors emphasize the commandment to love one another, highlighting the blessings and challenges that accompany such relationships. They offer practical insights and exhortations to pastors, encouraging them to cultivate and nurture meaningful friendships within their congregations. The challenges of pastoral friendship are explored, including the demands of leadership, the pressures of ministry, and the potential for conflicts. However, the authors also emphasize the rewards of friendship, such as emotional support, shared ministry, and a deeper understanding of the gospel.

In conclusion, this book serves as a valuable resource for pastors seeking to deepen their understanding of the importance of friendship in ministry. It encourages pastors to embrace the power of close, personal, intimate, and sacrificial relationships with their fellow pastors. Through the exploration of scripture, church history, and practical insights, the authors provide a roadmap for cultivating meaningful and enduring friendships that can strengthen and support pastors in their vital work. As pastors embrace the call to friendship, they can foster a community of support, growth, and spiritual nourishment that will impact the lives of their congregations and beyond.

Weight: 160g
Dimension: 130 x 194 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781527109162