Human development studies suggest that people are more likely to make friends until we’re in our early 20s. As young people, we trust peers easily, spend more time in places that incubates friendships, and we have more time. Luckily, church is one place that all ages can make friends. Community is one of the reasons a person, or couple, or families join a congregation. Church friends are important to children and youth. By my definition, church friends are friends that people only see at church. That’s what makes church friends special!

Plus, here are 7 reasons on why church friends matter:

It’s Biblical! There are several biblical friendships worth mentioning like Kind David and Jonathan, Elijah and Elisha, and Ruth and Naomi. Even Jesus had close friends known as the disciples. Were any of these relationships perfect? Not at all, but what we learn is that we are made for each other!

Safe Space: As parents and caregivers know, school friends and neighbors can ditch their kids. They can fight, turn their backs on each other, or split up. That’s why church friends are different; they are always there. Church should be a reliable and safe space for all to feel accepted and loved.

Start Young Volunteering: Kids and students love to help! People will learn their names if they are ushering or greeting or serving communion. Parents and caregivers can help their kids and students make church friends by showing up regularly, serving together, and participating in what program is available.

Support and Comfort: I was listening to NPR the other day, and the conversation was about the how anxiety and depression has increased in young people. Church friends don’t have the same expectations as school friends or neighbors. In fact, in every youth group I have been a part of, the students have been there for each other. They can be a source of comfort and support to this

Stay on the Path! I read somewhere that kids and students who are associated with a faith community are at less risk for risky behaviors. Church friends can help kids and student stay on the path of faith, serve God’s community, and love one another.

Church Friends Can Be Intergenerational: I never said that church friends had to be the same age. Though the most common type of church friends are of similar age, people of all intergenerations can be friends. There are not too many places left where a 3 year old can befriend an 83 year old. Being intergenerational is a gift to the church!

Blessed to Be a Blessing: In the story of Abraham and Sarah we learn that we are made to be a blessing to others. We are blessed by church friends, so that we can bless others. This is my friend, Pastor Betsy Hoium, and we are church friends.