The Pursuit of God in the Company of Friends

by Richard W. Lamb

You were not meant to walk alone. Many of us struggle to forge deep relationships with God and other people. Modern society has isolated us as rugged individuals, deceiving us into thinking we can make it through life on our own. Individualism has likewise shaped the pattern of Christian discipleship, privatizing faith and separating us from fellow believers. But we come to know God best when others help us on the way. And our friendships develop best when we seek after God together. What would it look like to pursue God not by ourselves but in the company of friends? According to the model of the New Testament, spiritual transformation takes place in the context of Christian community. By unpacking the Gospel narratives of Jesus' ministry with his disciples, Richard Lamb demonstrates how discipleship develops within the shared community life of groups of Christians. He explores a range of topics--such as spiritual friendship, hospitality, leadership, service, conflict, forgiveness and mission--in light of Christian community. Engaging stories from real-life experience show how people can form one another spiritually when their lives are tumbled against one another. If you long for more of God, deeper friendships or both, this book will help you on the journey. Discover the transforming power of discipleship in community. Join the pursuit of God in the company of friends.

Genres: Christian Living, Spirituality, Christianity, Relationships, Christian, Nonfiction

240 pages, Paperback

First published August 31, 2003

Reviews

[Ann Yeong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great reflections on the role and importance of community and friendship among disciples. I feel it would have been even better if there was greater emphasis on what it means to have Christ at the centre of a friendship/community and the primacy of solitude with God as the necessary foundation for Christ-centered friendships. Nonetheless, this book is still a great read and I would highly recommend it!

[Joel Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book on one of the most relevant topics of all time: friendship. This was published twenty years ago, but I see the topic as increasingly relevant in our era of cell phones and social media. There is real value in true friendship, and our greatest example of it is Jesus. Richard Lamb explores the topic deeply, looking at many facets and dimensions through a Biblical and very practical lens (there are charts!). I definitely felt refreshed and inspired to invest more in the people in my life, towards the greater hope we have in the community of God.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is an awesome book to study with a small group. We had so many great discussions out of this book and I really feel like it brought us closer together as friends and gave us ideas of things to work on.

[J. Wootton · Rating 2 out of 5]

An under-realized book on a consequential subject. About 50% "fluff." Would benefit greatly from very stern style editing.

That said, the fluff makes for smooth reading. At least the book introduces why & how Christianity emphasizes the cultivation of quality friendships.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh. This was ok. Another title could have been "Friends Make or Break Your Faith Post-College," though that is not catchy at all. It's written to folks in a different life-stage than I am, which is probably why I didn't think it was all that spectacular or eye-opening.

Lamb's main point is that who you're friends with post-college makes all the difference in having a healthy spiritual life. Community with similar vision, goals, and lifestyle will make or break your post-college faith. While this feels like a no-brainer to me, I also acknowledge that I joined an intentional Christian community immediately after college; I did not experience some of the pain and loneliness college graduates feel when they transition from their college Christian fellowship to churches/"the real world."

[Cherrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took me an entire year to finish the book? It really shouldn't have but I wanted to have ample time to let things soak and take notes along the way. And to read other non-serious things along the way. Book is meant to be taken seriously and to invoke immediate action and change of outlook towards Friendship with a capital 'F'. Really convicted me to seek and invest in community with other believers running the race of life.

[Xanthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

it's true: i got it free at an intervarsity conference. probably my favorite IVP book ever. it's just really really encouraging without the uneccesary melodrama of a certain Christian author whose name starts with an M and ends with Axlucado.

[Brent · Rating 3 out of 5]

A practical work directed at 20-somethings, blending advice on personal communication, conflict, and group interaction.