Starting Over

[dustin4life]

Why is it so hard for people my age to make new christian friends? I have a lot of friends but none of them are christian. I stopped hanging out with them and have been trying to make new christian friends but i have yet to me some one... Is there an easy way?

 

[moerunamida]

If you find out, let me know. I am struggling with the same thing you are! God bless! I'll be your friend!

 

[twiststheoak]

THAT IS TRUE. I have been surrounding myself with God and hanging out with my family most the time. Other than that I go to church and get involved with their weekly schedule (bible study, worship team, and I mentor for the youth group), and those kinds of things have brought me great friendships. They didn't all take off quickly but with a little patience a trust and a bond will start and you will realize that you not only have friends, you have companions, or better yet a brother/sister. I had a buddy tell me "You want christian friends? GO WHERE THE CHRISTIANS ARE!!" . What he said had some sort of a brilliance to it. I hope this helps. God bless you.

YBIC,
J

P.S. You can find a whole lot of friends here at CF.

 

[Astreya]

Hi,
Thought that may be one of my experiences will help you somehow...
Cannot say that I have a lot of Christian friends except of friends at my church, but about one year ago I got acquainted with several new people about my age at the conference for Christian businessmen.
After the conference we continued to keep in touch, invited each other to visit our churches, and even decided to start studying one Bible course and praying for each other. So, now I can say that we have good firendly relationships...
Will be glad to be one of your firends

 

[Beautiful Fireball]

Here is a good place to meet friends. Yeah it is only online, but I do talk to quite a few people from here, and one I even met IRL.

Church is another good place, but then again, unfortunately not many people in our age range are too interested in attending church. Im amazed at how hard it is to find a good, solid group for my age.

But yeah, I do get your frustration. The majority of my friends are not Christian, and that makes it hard.

 

[myisaac]

I went to Bible college so I was surrounded by some beautiful believers for 5 straight years. Since I've graduated and moved away (almost three years ago) I have had such a problem finding people I enjoy. I'm trying to let go of "finding" friends in effort to be my own best friend. I want to grow in friendship with my family. Also I have come to find things in God's creation that I can find friendship in. But yeah, I really miss all that fun strength in numbers stuff.

 

[white dove]

Why is it so hard for people my age to make new christian friends? I have a lot of friends but none of them are christian. I stopped hanging out with them and have been trying to make new christian friends but i have yet to me some one... Is there an easy way?

It can be difficult, I understand. Even within the church walls, you may still feel discouraged as there may exist boundries, such as cliques and well, cliques. Let me reassure you, though...not everyone who attends church is a snob, just as not everyone who attends church is a saint. We all need God...and as you find yourself desiring to be closer to Him and relying upon His counsel, He will open the doors to you and open the floodgates where loving friends are concerned. Don't get me wrong, you may be bitten a few times. But, if you persevere and truly seek to draw closer to God and His wisdom, He will reward you. Seek Him and all other things will be added.

The christian friends that I have now I met through a bible study - an all-girls' bible study. I am incredibly blessed to know these women. When I went through mixed (or co-eds), any friendships I made fell through the floorboards and the b.s.'s didn't continue. I am actually amazed the b.s. I originally joined has grown to about 15 new ladies. We had to split up the group, it got so big. That is an amazing work of God...and He has blessed our genuine motivations to each grow further in Him. That is the whole point to having christian friends - to grow and to help each other grow.


Good luck in your search.

 

[PeculiarTreasure]

I know what you mean. I myself have no close friends either except one which I don't get to see that much.

I think there is such a need for programs in the church for people our age. It's so hard to find anything like that these days. Especially if you're like me and not in school or anything. It's really hard.

 

[white dove]

I know what you mean. I myself have no close friends either except one which I don't get to see that much.

I think there is such a need for programs in the church for people our age. It's so hard to find anything like that these days. Especially if you're like me and not in school or anything. It's really hard.

Can you try suggesting some programs? Maybe if the church sees a need, they will provide. Maybe you can start one.

 

[Bubba1301]

I have found that churches that have sports competitions with other churches can help build friendships.

For example, when I was just a child my parents moved to a new church and got involved with the Volleyball teams there. They not only got to meet others from within the church, but they got to meet people from other congregations as well. The competition varied out on the court, but after the games many people often chatted and went out for food / drinks later.


Or, if you are already involved in your church, try starting something that could bring people your age together at church - or mention the idea to the preacher or who ever is in charge of social events in the church.

In any case, I have found it not very beneficial to not do anything, or to let the fear of stepping out to meet people hold you back. Kudos for your desire to get out and make new friends

 

[white dove]

I would also encourage you not to automatically refrain from hanging out with those who are not christians. If you are new to the faith, then perhaps you might feel it to be spiritually beneficial for you to surround yourself with more believers than not. However, as your faith continues to grow and mature, you will feel more comfortable hanging out with others whose views differ from yours. That is not to say you will "do as they do," but instead, demonstrate the true character of godliness, not self-righteousness. Your heart is in the right place though.

 

[PrincessK]

Not all non-christians are bad people you can become friends with them. Just because someone is a christian that doesn't mean that they would make a great friend. I am not what most people would consider a christian because I have not been baptized and I don't attend church every Sunday and I feel that I am a good person.

 

[seehimcoming]

youth conventions .......christian conventions .... visit different churches... pretty simple.. majority of my close friends are very strong young and middle aged chrsitians.

 

[seehimcoming]

But i still recommend making friends with non chrsitians as top priority because as christians it is our duty to spread His word and help others(non christians) using the gospel.

 

[Keenan]

Sometimes it's really hard to make friends in the church. I agree with everyone else check out the other church-run programs. Alpha, bible study, teams etc. Then when you actually do go to church your familiar with a few people.

I don't know how different churches are but socializing is a big part of mine and most church-goers are nice enough to say Hello and strike up a conversation. Even though I'm standing there with my coffee and bible looking half asleep and out of place.

 

[BoarderDave]

I hear ya.. I think most people here are here because of this reason..

My suggestion is church youth groups. My old hometown church had a great youth program, and I never participated in all the great things they all do. Sadly, I didnt realize how much fun I would have until I had already moved away. Started talking to a few of those people from the youth group online, and now Im kicking myself wishin I could hang out with all them and go on the trips and stuff.

Find good college groups at your church; Im sure you'll find Christian friends..

 

[mina]

I agree it's hard to make friends , or new friends. Bleh and meh