Pastors

Recently I spoke at a ministers' conference, and following one of the sessions, one pastor confessed, "You know, I've never had a best friend. I've been so busy working for the Lord that I've never found the time."

You could hear the lonely longing in his voice. I felt it inside, because ten years ago I'd felt the same way. I was considered a successful youth leader and teacher, I was trying to live the Christian life as best I understood it, and yet I felt lonely. Things weren't rotten; I wasn't in a state of desperation. But something inside me said, There's got to be more to the Christian life than this. I feel alone.

I didn't know what I was looking for. I certainly didn't think I was looking for a relationship of accountability. But such a friendship found me.

Surprised by friendship

I was working with Young Life at the time and met a guy named Rob, a young, rising business executive from the right side of the tracks. I grew up on the wrong side of the tracks. He was single; I was married. ...

You have reached the end of this Article Preview

To continue reading, subscribe to Christianity Today magazine. Subscribers have full digital access to CT Pastors articles.

Log InSubscribe

Already a CT subscriber? Log in for full digital access.