Our Mission: Making Friends
In this first week of our new series on “Our Mission,” we explore the profound theme of friendship within the church community. Drawing from biblical narratives, we discuss how the church can address the pervasive loneliness in our world today by fostering genuine friendships.
Key Biblical Passages
- Job 1:1 – The story of Job, a man of integrity who faced immense suffering.
- Mark 2:1-12 – The account of the paralytic man and his friends who brought him to Jesus.
The Mission of the Church
The mission of the church is to free people from their “grave clothes,” symbolizing the vestments of a life bound by sin, and to help them live the victorious life offered by Jesus. This mission is encapsulated in our church’s approach: making friends, meeting needs, and making disciples.
Making Friends
The concept of a “God-shaped hole” in every human heart is well-known, but Pastor Chris introduces another critical void: the “human-shaped hole.” God designed us to be enriched and fulfilled through human relationships, as evidenced in the creation narrative where God declared it “not good for man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18).
The Epidemic of Loneliness
Despite being the most connected generation, society suffers from an epidemic of loneliness. Statistics reveal that 30% of people experience extreme loneliness, with young adults aged 18-24 being the loneliest group. This loneliness leads to various societal issues, including lower educational performance and higher crime rates, as noted by Robert Putnam in his book, Bowling Alone.
Friendship in Community
Friendship takes on different forms throughout our lives, but true friendship is marked by the ability to call on someone in times of need. The church is called to fill the “human-shaped hole” by being a community where anyone can find friendship and support.
Lessons from Biblical Friendships
Job’s Friends
Initially, Job’s friends demonstrated true friendship by simply being present with him in his suffering (Job 2:11-13). However, they later failed by offering judgmental sermons instead of compassionate support, focusing on the reasons for Job’s suffering rather than seeking resolution.
The Paralytic’s Friends
In contrast, the paralytic’s friends in Mark 2:1-12 exemplified true friendship by prioritizing resolution over reasons. They went to great lengths to bring their friend to Jesus, demonstrating faith and compassion without seeking recognition for themselves.
Maxims of Friendship
- Resolution Over Reasons: Focus on helping rather than analyzing the cause of someone’s predicament.
- Service Over Sermons: Offer practical support and understanding rather than judgment.
- Compassion Over Comparison: Show genuine empathy without comparing oneself to others.
Conclusion
The church is entrusted with the mission of making friends to combat loneliness and establish credibility for the gospel message. By embodying these principles, we can point others to Jesus, who fills the deepest needs of the heart. As a church, let us commit to being a community where friendship and support are readily available, fulfilling our mission to make disciples through love and service.