Most weeks of all the time I’ve spent as a pastor I’ve gathered together with pastors of other churches and other denominations and we’ve prayed together and enjoyed each other’s friendship.
There have been those who have come and departed, some have stayed for longer times than others, but all who have committed into this time of gathering have expressed their appreciation for it.
Tomorrow we’ll gather again. Praying for each other, praying for the churches of our town, praying for the spread of the gospel in our town, praying for the well-being of the place where we’ve been called to live.
This article from Sam Rainer at Church Answers is written somewhat aspirationally, but it mirrors my experience of fellowship shared with those who are loved by Jesus and who work with local churches in Gospel ministry in the town where I live.
To this sample of thoughts about friendship, I’d add that friends empathetically walk with us easing our burdens and bringing comfort in our hurts.
Friends assume the best. Cooperating pastors do not assign malicious motives. They hold each other accountable. When pastors hang out, they ask edifying questions of each other rather than viewing each other with suspicion from a distance.
Friends celebrate successes. Cooperating pastors enjoy hearing about their friends making strides for the kingdom of God.
Friends help each other. Cooperating pastors pray for each other. They look out for each other. They champion the work at each other’s churches.Read the rest of Rainer’s post here.
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