By Rev. Kirk Lithander

In ministry, especially in missions leadership, we often talk about strategy, mobilization, vision, and outreach—but we don’t talk nearly enough about friendship. Yet the Scriptures remind us repeatedly that we were never meant to walk alone.

King Solomon writes in Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 that “two people are better than one.” Why? Because God has designed us for relationships. From the very beginning, God declared, “It is not good for the man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18). Ministry is demanding, spiritual warfare is real, and the weight of responsibility can be heavy. We need others beside us.

Why Missions Pastors Need Ministry Friends

1. Friendship multiplies fruitfulness

In ministry, two laborers with four hands and twice the strength can accomplish far more than one person alone. Missions pastors need a core team—people who share the load, pray together, and genuinely enjoy serving side by side.

2. Friendship sustains us during hardship

Solomon writes, “If one person falls, the other person can reach out to help” (Ecclesiastes 4:10). Every missions leader walks through seasons of exhaustion, discouragement, or spiritual attack. Having a true ministry friend who can lift you up in those moments is essential to long-term faithfulness.

3. Friendship protects us during spiritual battles

Ecclesiastes 4:11–12 describes travelers who rely on each other for warmth and protection—especially in dangerous places. Missions pastors often face the cold winds of spiritual warfare, opposition, and emotional strain. Close friends who pray, intercede, and stand guard with us are crucial.

Proverbs 17:17 reminds us:
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
And 3 John 1:5 affirms the encouragement that faithful companions bring over the long haul of ministry.

True ministry friendships—rooted in Christ—provide emotional, spiritual, and practical support. They help us weather storms and stay faithful to the calling God has entrusted to us.

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A Prayer for Ministry Friendships

Dear God, thank you for true ministry friends who are co-laborers in kingdom expansion, comfort in times of need, help in trouble, and warmth in seasons of loneliness. Help me also be a good ministry friend to others as we serve together to expand Your kingdom. Amen.

— Rev. Kirk Lithander
Global Outreach Pastor, Fairhaven Church, Dayton, OH
klithander@fairhaven.church

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Mark Your Calendar

2024 Church Mission Leaders Conference

Priority: Progress, Prospects & the Panta ta Ethne
📍 Galt House, Louisville, Kentucky
Registration is now open.

Peer2Peer Virtual Event – July 17

Dangerous Places, Difficult Regions: Do We Still Go?
Hear firsthand insights from workers in the Middle East and North Korea. Don’t miss it!

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Worth Checking Out

• The Missio Nexus Shop — books, tools, and resources for North American missions leaders
• From Neighborhoods to the Nations — a Desiring God article on mobilizing missionaries
• Is the 2% real? — Ted Esler’s insightful piece on the limitations of the 2% statistic

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We’d Love Your Feedback

If your church participates in a local gathering or cohort of missions leaders, let us know. We’re building an interactive map of networks across North America to help CMLs connect and collaborate.

If you are new to missions leadership (five years or less) and could benefit from mentorship, guidance, or a peer cohort, reply and let us know—we’re forming a group to support you on the journey. a local or regional missions cohort, let us know. We’re compiling a North America–wide list and plan to create an interactive map to help CMLs connect, collaborate, and encourage one another.

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Let’s Stay Strong Together

May we continue being strong and courageous, abounding in love, and always seeking deeper connection with one another—for the sake of God’s mission and God’s glory.