As a pastor, you are part of the body of Christ. Within the body, friendship is important, even for pastors. Pastors should have friends in the church and model friendship for the church. Friendship takes time, and the expectation of instant friendship in the church is not healthy. The lead pastor should be friendly with staff, but being a friend to subordinates is challenging. The staff needs you to be a great boss first and a friend second. If you want friends in the church as a pastor, you have to take the initiative. The more mature and older you get as a pastor, the easier it becomes to make friends in the church.

You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate.

Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve ever offered. Check out GriefShare and DivorceCare.