Do you have enough non-Christian friends?

 In a generation known for its connectivity, how connected are you?

Over the past seven years, a chasm has occurred in friendships.

In 2015 68% of non-Christians said they knew a practising Christian, but in 2022 that dropped to 53%.[1]

25.99 million people in the UK describe themselves as feeling lonely; occasionally, sometimes, often or always.[2]

And despite the average Brit having over 500 online friends, they would only describe 5 or less as close friends.

In the midst of all this, we know it’s the power of personal invitation that works best for evangelism, but that has to come from a place of relational connection.

So how do we reach those who don’t know Jesus, if they don’t know us?

Friendship must come first. People are not projects you need friends in life regardless and having friends who have not yet accepted Christ into their life is key for your understanding and growth.

Breaking out of your bubble may feel hard but you cannot grow in your evangelism if you’re not willing to make a new friend.

It may be time to shake up your weekly attendance at faith-focused events and start flying solo to the gym or join a local interest group instead.

Inhabiting spaces where you can meet people is the only way you’re going to meet people.

And don’t underestimate the cost of friendship. It’s cheap to click accept on a friendship request, but it costs to walk alongside someone. Invest in your friendships. Put the hard yards in, so when the hard times come you can offer hope and prayer.

One more thing. Be open about your faith from the start. Don’t start a new friendship without being honest about who you are. Drop it in, don’t go all in. In the context of casual conversation bring it up. That way when a window of opportunity to share arises, you’re not surprising them.

And if they’re not interested, still be interested in them.

Your friendships are not based on their decision to follow Jesus or join you at church on Sunday. Base your friendships on deep connection and pray for them.

To listen to a conversation with Phil Knox titled ‘Do you have enough friends’ go to APPLE or SPOTIFY

And to check out his new book The Best of Friends click HERE

Cheering you on all the way.

Written by- Marie Aitken

[1] Taking Jesus Report 2022 - https://talkingjesus.org/

[2]Campaign to end loneliness 2022  https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/facts-and-statistics/