The Pursuit of God in the Company of Friends - Annotated by Richard C Lamb (Paperback)

About the Book

Unpacking the Gospel narratives of Jesus' ministry with his disciples and offering engaging stories from life today, Richard Lamb moves beyond superficial approaches to Christian community to plumb the depths of shared spiritual life.

Book Synopsis

You were not meant to walk alone.Many of us struggle to forge deep relationships with God and other people. Modern society has isolated us as rugged individuals, deceiving us into thinking we can make it through life on our own. Individualism has likewise shaped the pattern of Christian discipleship, privatizing faith and separating us from fellow believers.But we come to know God best when others help us on the way. And our friendships develop best when we seek after God together. What would it look like to pursue God not by ourselves but in the company of friends?According to the model of the New Testament, spiritual transformation takes place in the context of Christian community. By unpacking the Gospel narratives of Jesus' ministry with his disciples, Richard Lamb demonstrates how discipleship develops within the shared community life of groups of Christians. He explores a range of topics--such as spiritual friendship, hospitality, leadership, service, conflict, forgiveness and mission--in light of Christian community. Engaging stories from real-life experience show how people can form one another spiritually when their lives are tumbled against one another. If you long for more of God, deeper friendships or both, this book will help you on the journey. Discover the transforming power of discipleship in community. Join the pursuit of God in the company of friends.

Review Quotes

"The Pursuit of God in the Company of Friends offers a very practical read for those who want to see the gospel of Christ transform their relationships and their lives. A great resource for small group discussion."

--Tom Sine, founder, Mustard Seed Associates

"Community has become both a cliche and a mirage in Christian circles. We toss the word around without much understanding; meanwhile, for many of us it's elusive and unobtainable.The Pursuit of God in the Company of Friends puts flesh on bones, paint on canvas. Rich Lamb gives us plenty of biblical constructs of what Christian community should involve and entail, then injects them with true, personal stories. I was helped by both his stories of life in community and his own personal relationships.Some of Rich's stories stretch our boundaries while others affirm the good things we are already doing. 'Yet deeper, yet broader' was the quiet encouragement I felt as I read. Genuine community and friendships take work; The Pursuit of God in the Company of Friends told me they're worth it."

--Paul Tokunaga, Asian American Ministry Coordinator, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship

"For those with ears to hear, Richard Lamb offers an apprenticeship-in-print in what he calls 'a quest for the ultimate in the midst of the intimate.' Born out of years of ministry in the university and the church, the vision he sets forth is formed by the stories of Jesus and embodied in his own practices in the push and pull of life. The Pursuit of God in the Company of Friends is for all who long for the reality of God and of community, and who are willing to wonder why one so profoundly shapes the other."

--Steven Garber, Fellow and Lilly Faculty Scholar, Calvin College, and author of The Fabric of Faithfulness

"Rich Lamb's The Pursuit of God in the Company of Friends tells of the vital place spiritual friendships have played for him in knowing God. Deeply personal, very helpful. I have seen many books on friendship, and many on knowing God, but few that put them together so well."

--Leighton Ford, president of Leighton Ford Ministries, author of Transforming Leadership

About the Author

Richard Lamb served with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship for twenty-three years as campus staff and staff trainer. He is the author of The Pursuit of God in the Company of Friends and now works in business development for a research firm. He lives with his wife and two children in San Gabriel, California.