Editor’s note: this article is an excerpt from the book “Pastoral Friendship: The Forgotten Piece in a Persevering Ministry” by Michael A. G. Haykin, Brian Croft, and James B. Carroll.
Indeed, J.C. Ryle was correct in noting, “Friendship halves our troubles and doubles our joy.”1
Despite increasing connectedness, many in our culture face a growing isolation of the soul and pastors are prime candidates for this paradoxical lifestyle. But we can’t care well for the souls in our congregation if we’re weary and wandering ourselves. Even though we interact with dozens of people in our churches and social media circles, we often foster few, if any, spiritual friendships.
We hope by now you’re convinced that this instrument of grace is vital for personal growth and pastoral longevity and are ready to commit to developing God-glorifying, Christ-exalting, Spirit-empowered friendships for the sake of your soul and those under your care.
The aim of this final chapter is to encourage each pastor to consider how he might pursue his own pastoral friendships in the days ahead. We will seek to accomplish this
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