As we go through the weekend we will be focusing on friendships within the body of Christ—friendships with those who know Christ and desire to walk with others whose goal is to live for Christ. Eph 4 talks about us being one. We cannot be one with those who don’t know Christ. But what you learn this weekend about God’s call for us to be friends, our need of friends to keep us on the path, and our need to recognize the lie of the lone ranger—these things will be the foundation for what we have been talking about regarding transformissional community—going into the culture to live and share the gospel without living the culture. So as you do your assignments and talk in your groups I am asking that you talk only about your friendships with other followers of Christ.

I want to encourage you right off the bat: Do not be discouraged if at this point you find your friendships with other followers at a minimum or you just aren’t sure. The purpose is to learn God’s definition of friendship and what He is calling each of us to do right now. The things you learn will equip you to evaluate the friendships you have and give you the tools to make and keep new friends. Most importantly, what you learn this weekend will equip you to be a godly friend.

Ephesians 4: 3 (Message): You were called to travel together in the same direction, so stay together both inwardly and outwardly. Eph 4:15-16: God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love—like Christ in everything. We take our lead from Christ, who is the source of everything we do. He keeps us in step with each other. His very breath and blood flow through us, nourishing us so that we will grow up healthy in God, robust in love.