7 Common Ways to Make Christian Friends

As Christians, building meaningful friendships is crucial to strengthening your walk with the Lord. Scripture states, “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm” (Proverbs 13:20). The verse clearly states that it is necessary to surround yourself with like-minded people who pursue godly wisdom.

Sometimes it’s not easy to put yourself out there and make new friends especially if you are new to the faith, but don’t let that discourage you, anything that is valuable takes time and dedication. So, in this post, we’re going to share seven common ways to make Christian friends.

1.   Pray for Christian Friends

Prayer is key! You pray about your dreams, hopes, and future so it’s obvious that you need to pray for Christian friends. Pray about the qualities and characteristics you would like them to have.

Some qualities can include:

• Honesty
• Loyalty
• Supportive
• Trustworthiness

Sharing the same values and morals should be something that you strive to find in friendships. You may be looking for someone who motivates and inspires you to pursue more, nevertheless pray about them. Remember that God desires for you to live a fulfilled life with purpose, and he wants to bring people to help you.

2.   Find a Local Church to Attend

The church is the first place to meet and make Christian friends. Ensure that you find a church that you connect with. For example, if you are a single youth, you may want to find a church where there are groups of young adults or if you have a family, find a church that has resources for your family.

Once you find a local church, start making personal connections with church attendees. Keep in mind that sometimes, people won’t approach you at first so you will need to take the first step.

You can meet people at church by:

• Making the effort to fellowship (converse) after the church service
• Greet people you see on a weekly basis
• Ask questions about their faith and how they began their walk with God

Be intentional when you say hello and remember people’s names, it creates an impact on them. Be yourself and be willing to give everyone an opportunity to get to know you. You don’t have to necessarily click with everyone, but you can still love them and be kind.

3.   Join a Small Group

Joining a small group or a Bible study is the best way to make Christian friends because you can share interests and values. Since small groups meet frequently, there is always time for you to get to know others on a personal level. Small groups generally have more vulnerable conversations, and people are more willing to open up about their lives.

Greet everyone in the small group and try not to pretend that you have it all together. Truthfully, everyone is there to learn about the gospel and become better people. You do not have to share your deepest secrets but be candid about your faith, people there can eventually become your greatest supporters.

When you find people you connect with, add them on social platforms or ask for their phone number, that way you can keep in touch during the weeks your small group does not meet. This is a great opportunity to build long-lasting friendships.

4.   Serve in a Ministry

Giving back your talents to your church and community is a way that Christians express their faith. Serving in a ministry is another way to meet and make new friends. You can get to know people that share the same talents and gifts. In a ministry, you will be working alongside others and will encounter moments of growth, personal relationships, and problem-solving, but don’t forget you are a team. Get involved and get to know others who support the church community.

5.   Attend Conferences or Retreats

Conferences and retreats are places to network with local Christians nearby. Usually, conferences have set schedules or events so you will need to go in with a strategy on how you will approach potential friends. Most churches attend conferences in groups which is great, but if you want to make other friends you will need to take a more proactive approach.

At conferences, you can:

• Make yourself noticeable in common areas (for example the hotel or main lobby)
• Attend different workshops
• Sit next to someone you do not know and talk about the conference

People will notice you if they see you frequently during the conference or retreat. Don’t force things or make things uncomfortable, just be real. Real friendships are investments, so you need to be willing to put in the work.

6.   Go on Mission Trips

Attending mission trips opens the opportunity to make friends globally. You’re exposed to different regions, cultures, and languages. Mission trips change your life because you grow spiritually, personally, and relationally. You form bonds with people whom you have never met.

On mission trips, you can find different things to volunteer or attend, and don’t be afraid to share your story with others. People want to be encouraged by your testimony. You will see that years will go by and still remember the special bond you created with these friends.

7.   Connect Through Social Media

Lastly, social media is a great place to find new friends from your smartphone. Some people may feel uncomfortable, but it’s a remarkable tool to connect with Christians worldwide.

You can add people from your local church on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok (etc.). Before you add someone, you should assess the content they post, this gives you a better perspective on who they are.

You’ve got this!

Friendships are an important part of our spiritual lives and finding the right people can take time, but there are many people who are ready and willing to offer their friendship. It’s time to get connected, attend different events, and meet with other Christians around the world. The Lord has called us to unite and love one another. There is joy when you surround yourself with godly people who genuinely desire to grow in their faith.