--- title: Friendship date: 2023-01-24T15:22:00+00:00 author: Rosa Hutchings canonical_url: "https://www.eauk.org/what-we-do/initiatives/friendship" section: Pages --- #### We dream of a thriving church full of genuine friendships across generational and cultural divides We were created to connect, crafted for community, designed with unity in mind. With God and with others. It is central to our understanding of the gospel, to the way we follow Jesus and has profound implications for our physical, emotional and spiritual health. And yet, we don’t seem to talk about it very much. We believe friendship matters and, as a church and a world, we need it more than ever. That’s why we are creating a wealth of resources to speak up and listen well in this area. Friendship matters for discipleship. We cannot follow Jesus alone. The church needs deep, authentic relationships so that we might thrive as Christians. > The antidote to loneliness is friendship. We were made for it. And it is worth celebrating. ![Phil Knox](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![Phil Knox](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) **Phil Knox**Evangelism and missiology senior specialist Friendship matters for evangelism. The most significant human relationship in someone becoming a Christian is a friend. We don’t become friends with people to convert them, but we recognise that through this connection, the Kingdom grows exponentially. Friendship matters for unity. One of the beautiful facets of the church is that it unites people of every age, ethnicity, background and story. The gospel calls us to be friends with those who are different to us. This is a powerful antidote and witness to the fractured world around us. Friendship matters for leaders. In a volatile and unstable world, leading is increasingly challenging. Leaders who are isolated are more likely to struggle, burn out and fall. Leaders who are surrounded with friends can thrive, fight discouragement more easily and last the course, serving the church and flourishing where God has placed them. Friendship is a beautiful paradigm for the good news. Once we were enemies of God (Romans 5:10), but because of the cross and resurrection of Jesus, we have been reconciled to him (2 Corinthians 5:18) and Jesus calls his disciples friends (John 15:15). Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends (John 15:13). So welcome to the conversation. We would love you to explore the book *The Best of Friends*, enjoy the short films and blogs, use the small group resources and let us know what you think. [ ![Banner Phil4](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![Banner Phil4](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ## The Best of Friends Series Trailer ### We believe friendship matters and, as a church and a world, we need it more than ever. ](#%0A%09%09%09) --- ### Next Steps [ ](https://www.eauk.org/great-commission/resources/best-of-friends "Visit The Best of Friends book") [ ![The Best of Friends book](https://eauk.org/cdn-cgi/image/format=baseline-jpeg,quality=90,width=600,height=250,fit=contain/https://cdn.eauk.org/MicrosoftTeams-image-12_2023-02-21-140109_zprt.png) ![Microsoft Teams image 12](https://eauk.org/cdn-cgi/image/format=baseline-jpeg,quality=90,width=600,height=250,fit=contain/https://cdn.eauk.org/MicrosoftTeams-image-12_2023-02-21-140109_zprt.png) ](https://www.eauk.org/great-commission/resources/best-of-friends) [#### The Best of Friends book ](https://www.eauk.org/great-commission/resources/best-of-friends) Phil Knox explores how to cherish and celebrate the most important relationships in your life, and be the best friend you can be. 24 January 2023 [](https://www.eauk.org/great-commission/resources/best-of-friends) [ ![The Best of Friends video series](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![Banner Phil4](https://eauk.org/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,quality=90,width=400,fit=cover/https://cdn.eauk.org/Banner-Phil4.jpeg) ](https://www.eauk.org/what-we-do/initiatives/friendship/the-best-of-friends-video-series) [#### The Best of Friends video series ](https://www.eauk.org/what-we-do/initiatives/friendship/the-best-of-friends-video-series) This video series is your guide and accompaniment as you seek to put the friendship principles from "The Best of Friends" into practice. [ Find out more ](https://www.eauk.org/what-we-do/initiatives/friendship/the-best-of-friends-video-series) [](https://www.eauk.org/what-we-do/initiatives/friendship/the-best-of-friends-video-series) [ ![Request a speaker](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![Peter Lynas Speaker](https://eauk.org/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,quality=90,width=400,fit=cover/https://cdn.eauk.org/Peter-Lynas-speaker.jpg) ](https://www.eauk.org/what-we-do/request-a-speaker) [#### Request a speaker ](https://www.eauk.org/what-we-do/request-a-speaker) Invite a speaker from the Evangelical Alliance to your church or event [ Find out more ](https://www.eauk.org/what-we-do/request-a-speaker) [](https://www.eauk.org/what-we-do/request-a-speaker) ### Friendship Jesus' Way: article series ##### A four-part series in the lead up to International Friendship Day, 30 July, on why friendship is something we should all be investing in as followers of Jesus [ ![Friendship Jesus' Way: Why friendship is part of the God story](https://eauk.org/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,quality=90,width=400,fit=cover/https://cdn.eauk.org/iStock-1289142883.jpg) ![I Stock 1289142883](https://eauk.org/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,quality=90,width=400,fit=cover/https://cdn.eauk.org/iStock-1289142883.jpg) ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/why-friendship-is-part-of-the-god-story) [#### Friendship Jesus' Way: Why friendship is part of the God story ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/why-friendship-is-part-of-the-god-story) In the lead up to International Friendship Day, Phil Knox sets out this four-part series on why we should all be investing in friendship as Jesus followers [ ![Phil Knox](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ](/author/phil-knox) [ Phil Knox ](/author/phil-knox) 03 July 2023 [](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/why-friendship-is-part-of-the-god-story) [ ![Unconditional friendship](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![I Stock 1267079105](https://eauk.org/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,quality=90,width=400,fit=cover/https://cdn.eauk.org/iStock-1267079105.jpg) ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/unconditional-friendship) [#### Unconditional friendship ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/unconditional-friendship) In this second instalment of the four-part series 'Friendship Jesus' Way', Liz Carter explores why friendship shouldn't be measured against societal norms [ ![Liz Carter](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ](/author/liz-carter) [ Liz Carter ](/author/liz-carter) 10 July 2023 [](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/unconditional-friendship) [ ![Friendship on the frontline](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![I Stock 696601150](https://eauk.org/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,quality=90,width=400,fit=cover/https://cdn.eauk.org/iStock-696601150.jpg) ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/friendship-on-the-frontline) [#### Friendship on the frontline ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/friendship-on-the-frontline) Dr Dave Benson, in the third segment of the series, Friendship Jesus' Way, explores how we can make friendship a priority even in a fragmented world [ ![Dr Dave Benson](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ](/author/dr-dave-benson) [ Dr Dave Benson ](/author/dr-dave-benson) 17 July 2023 [](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/friendship-on-the-frontline) [ ![How friendship with Jesus changes us](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![Woman praying](https://eauk.org/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,quality=90,width=400,fit=cover/https://cdn.eauk.org/Woman-praying.jpg) ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/how-friendship-with-jesus-changes-us) [#### How friendship with Jesus changes us ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/how-friendship-with-jesus-changes-us) Amy Boucher Pye, delivers the final instalment of the Friendship Jesus' Way series, and challenges us to examine are you Martha or Mary? [ ![Amy Boucher Pye](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ](/author/amy-boucher-pye) [ Amy Boucher Pye ](/author/amy-boucher-pye) 24 July 2023 [](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/how-friendship-with-jesus-changes-us) ### More articles and inspiration [ ![Friends, Romans & collaboration | Authors' conversation: Phil Knox and Andrew Ollerton](https://eauk.org/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,quality=90,width=400,fit=cover/https://cdn.eauk.org/Video-Dynamics-large-card-image-600-pixel-width-3.png) ![Video Dynamics large card image 600 pixel width 3](https://eauk.org/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,quality=90,width=400,fit=cover/https://cdn.eauk.org/Video-Dynamics-large-card-image-600-pixel-width-3.png) ](https://www.eauk.org/resources/what-we-offer/videos-and-podcasts/friends-romans-collaboration-authors-conversation-phil-knox-and-andrew-ollerton) [#### Friends, Romans & collaboration | Authors' conversation: Phil Knox and Andrew Ollerton ](https://www.eauk.org/resources/what-we-offer/videos-and-podcasts/friends-romans-collaboration-authors-conversation-phil-knox-and-andrew-ollerton) Phil Knox sits down with fellow author and theologian Andrew Ollerton to chat through their latest releases and their heart for friendship and Jesus [ Watch now ](https://www.eauk.org/resources/what-we-offer/videos-and-podcasts/friends-romans-collaboration-authors-conversation-phil-knox-and-andrew-ollerton) [](https://www.eauk.org/resources/what-we-offer/videos-and-podcasts/friends-romans-collaboration-authors-conversation-phil-knox-and-andrew-ollerton) [ ![Why is friendship good for me?](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![I Stock 1293388093](https://eauk.org/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,quality=90,width=400,fit=cover/https://cdn.eauk.org/iStock-1293388093.jpg) ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/why-is-friendship-good-for-me) [#### Why is friendship good for me? ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/why-is-friendship-good-for-me) Phil Knox, as part of his friendship series, explores the importance of friendship and the impact it can have on our health [ ![Phil Knox](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ](/author/phil-knox) [ Phil Knox ](/author/phil-knox) 19 January 2023 [](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/why-is-friendship-good-for-me) [ ![Building friendships with introverts: An extrovert's guide](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![I Stock 925527916](https://eauk.org/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,quality=90,width=400,fit=cover/https://cdn.eauk.org/iStock-925527916.jpg) ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/building-friendships-with-introverts-an-extroverts-guide) [#### Building friendships with introverts: An extrovert's guide ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/building-friendships-with-introverts-an-extroverts-guide) Phil Knox shares why friendship is a gift for all of us, no matter who we are [ ![Phil Knox](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ](/author/phil-knox) [ Phil Knox ](/author/phil-knox) 02 January 2023 [](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/building-friendships-with-introverts-an-extroverts-guide) [ ![The power of hello](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![I Stock 1299587762](https://eauk.org/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,quality=90,width=400,fit=cover/https://cdn.eauk.org/iStock-1299587762.jpg) ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/the-power-of-a-smile) [#### The power of hello ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/the-power-of-a-smile) In the lead up to World Hello Day, Phil Knox shares how a brief encounter coupled with even the smallest act of kindness can make a massive difference [ ![Phil Knox](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ](/author/phil-knox) [ Phil Knox ](/author/phil-knox) 17 November 2022 [](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/the-power-of-a-smile) [ ![Three ways to be a better friend this Christmas](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![I Stock 1288777613](https://eauk.org/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,quality=90,width=400,fit=cover/https://cdn.eauk.org/iStock-1288777613.jpg) ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/three-ways-to-be-a-better-friend-this-christmas) [#### Three ways to be a better friend this Christmas ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/three-ways-to-be-a-better-friend-this-christmas) Phil Knox shares how we can use the opportunity of Christmas to reconnect, reconcile and reach out [ ![Phil Knox](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ](/author/phil-knox) [ Phil Knox ](/author/phil-knox) 06 December 2022 [](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/three-ways-to-be-a-better-friend-this-christmas) [ ![Standing on the shoulders of giants](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![Untitled design 11](https://eauk.org/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,quality=90,width=400,fit=cover/https://cdn.eauk.org/Untitled-design-11_2022-09-27-102639_wdtj.png) ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/standing-on-the-shoulders-of-giants) [#### Standing on the shoulders of giants ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/standing-on-the-shoulders-of-giants) Why befriending people of different ages makes you stronger (and what it says about the church) [ ![Phil Knox](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ](/author/phil-knox) [ Phil Knox ](/author/phil-knox) 28 September 2022 [](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/standing-on-the-shoulders-of-giants) [ ![Five ways to befriend people beyond your church walls](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![Priscilla du preez m KJ Uo Z Py70 I unsplash](https://eauk.org/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,quality=90,width=400,fit=cover/https://cdn.eauk.org/priscilla-du-preez-mKJUoZPy70I-unsplash.jpg) ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/five-ways-to-befriend-people-beyond-your-church-walls) [#### Five ways to befriend people beyond your church walls ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/five-ways-to-befriend-people-beyond-your-church-walls) To befriend those in our communities, we need to rediscover the joy in connection, and the “thrill of people”, writes evangelist Rev Mark Greenwood [ ![Mark Greenwood](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ](/author/mark-greenwood) [ Mark Greenwood ](/author/mark-greenwood) 28 July 2022 [](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/five-ways-to-befriend-people-beyond-your-church-walls) [ ![Why I'm celebrating International Friendship Day](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![Kate kalvach Yt2 T Shn Q9w unsplash](https://eauk.org/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,quality=90,width=400,fit=cover/https://cdn.eauk.org/kate-kalvach-_Yt2TShnQ9w-unsplash.jpg) ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/happy-international-friendship-day) [#### Why I'm celebrating International Friendship Day ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/happy-international-friendship-day) This Saturday is International Friendship Day – Phil Knox loves friendship and thinks it’s worth celebrating [ ![Phil Knox](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ](/author/phil-knox) [ Phil Knox ](/author/phil-knox) 28 July 2022 [](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/happy-international-friendship-day) [ ![How to be a great friend: look at the Easter story](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![I Stock 1468385726](https://eauk.org/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,quality=90,width=400,fit=cover/https://cdn.eauk.org/iStock-1468385726.jpg) ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/how-to-be-a-great-friend-look-at-the-easter-story) [#### How to be a great friend: look at the Easter story ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/how-to-be-a-great-friend-look-at-the-easter-story) The world is in desperate need of good friendship. Phil Knox explores what the Easter story shows us about the kind of friends we are called to be [ ![Phil Knox](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ](/author/phil-knox) [ Phil Knox ](/author/phil-knox) 03 April 2023 [](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/how-to-be-a-great-friend-look-at-the-easter-story)