Friendships in Transition - Ministry Exchange (MX)

KEY FRIENDSHIPS IN KEY TRANSITIONS

Type	Transition	Biblical Example	Key Phrase	Issues Involved
*Truth Teller*	Increase in power, status, wealth	Nathan with David (post Bathsheba) 2 Sam. 11-12	"You are that man!"	Isolation Intimidation Deterioration in core convictions
*Loyalist*	Aloneness, pain, going to a "new place" (physically, spiritually, or emotionally)	Ruth with Naomi Ruth 1	"Where you go, I will go"	Accepting freely given love Being messy and unresolved in front of others
*Mentor*	Feeling "in over one's head," new responsibilities	Paul with Timothy 1&2 Timothy	"I am giving you these instructions, Timothy, my child..."	Finding or making time for one amidst new pressures Humility in asking for help
*Partner*	Given a new mission by God	Eve with Adam Genesis 2	"I will make him a helper as his partner."	Mutuality Different gifts Union over independence Shared convictions
*Past Followers*	Leaving people you've cared for and influenced	The Thessalonians with Paul 1 Thessalonians	"How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith."	Showing ongoing concern and affection Intentional visits Closure and farewells Continued influence

FRIENDSHIPS AFTER COLLEGE

WHO HAS GOD GIVEN ME?

FOR WHAT PURPOSE?

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO/ASK FOR?

1. Identify the key transitions that you will be facing in the upcoming years:

2. Which friends in your life will especially be important to help you face those transitions faithfully? Where are "friendship holes?"

3. What issues do you forsee in nurturing and/or finding those friendships?

4. What do you need to ask God to provide? What is he calling you to be intentional about?

5. Repeat these questions from the vantage point of BEING a friend to others? (i.e. ask what key transitions will 2-3 of your friends be facing, how can you help them face those transitions faithfully, etc.).