Friendship continues to be the avenue through which the vast majority of people come to Jesus and join the church. This has been validated in scores of surveys among both Seventh-day Adventists and the larger Christian community. One of the most important things that the church can do is to encourage members to develop skills in making and caring for friends.

Friendships Don’t Just Happen! is a very practical and well-written book on this topic. It’s written by an Adventist but published by one of the major secular publishers in America—Turner Publishing Company—for general release in major bookstores.

The author, Shasta Nelson, is from the new generation of young adults who are pioneering new businesses that succeed in the marketplace and faithfully witness to the good news about Jesus Christ. Nelson has appeared on the Today show, has been featured in the New York Times and the San Francisco Chronicle, and has appeared on Martha Stewart’s radio program.

The book includes three sections: the first on making friends, the second on “turning friendly people we meet into friends that matter,” and the third on how to keep friendships alive and meaningful. It is strongly spiritual as well as practical. It would make a great discussion book for a small group or a textbook for a class on friendship evangelism. It may be of particular interest in women’s ministries groups. 

This book could easily be the basis for a seminar offered to the community, because it’s not loaded with “insider” language and provides practical help for the average person. You can get a copy from any of the major online booksellers or chain bookstores. 

Help for Couples

There are couples in your local church that need help with their relationships. This may not be obvious when everyone comes to church dressed in their best—including an acceptable “Sabbath face”—but it’s a reality. Nancy and Ron Rockey are a pastoral couple fully qualified as family counselors who have been addressing this need for decades through their weekend seminars and retreats and materials. They recently published Heart Connection: Science Reveals the Secrets of True Intimacy, which includes discussion questions at the end of each chapter. There is a related workbook for couple retreats or groups.

This can be a helpful tool for any pastor faced with couples who need assistance, as well as material for a Family Life Seminar in the community. You can get copies at www.fixablelife.com or by calling (888) 564-2046.