So I’ve got a secret; I’ve only recently begun to understand the meaning of true fellowship within a big friendship group.

We’ve all got incredible, close and loyal friends that have stood by our sides through thick and thin, but there’s something different about being part of a good Christian friendship group. When it works well, it’s kind of like an orchestra made up of a lot of different instruments that God is conducting, making the greatest sounding melodies. So… here are 7 Types of Friends You’ll Find in a Every Church Group.

1. The Responsible One

They’re practically the parent of the group; they’re always the ones to start tidying any mess the group’s made in public places or after your youth meeting. You already know their mental age is at least 5 years ahead of yours and you look at them in hope that one day you’ll get your life together like them…just not now cos ain’t nobody got time fo dat. They’re the ones you call up when you’re in serious mess because they’ll obviously know how to save you through all their years experience and wisdom… even though they’re the same age as you. “He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.” Proverbs 13:20

2. The One That Just Can’t Hold It In

The joy of the group; this friend’s most likely a massive extrovert with a very recognisable laugh that you probably heard ten blocks away from the restaurant where you’re meeting the group. This is the friend that brings life to the group and their zeal for God can motivate you to have a prayer meeting any time and in any place! Even though they may be the source of constant background noise, it’s almost painfully noticeable when they’re not around and you love them just the hyper way they are. “Faithful friends are life-saving medicine; those who fear God will find them.” Wisdom of Sirach 6:16

3. The Future Abouna/ Tasoni

Everyone basically knows it apart from them! It’s just a waiting game to see when the day will finally come… but first they just need to get married. You’ve already assessed in your mind how comfortable you would be, on a scale of 0-10, to confess to them in the future and they’ve passed with an excellent 9.5! They most likely have an incredible singing voice, know the psalmody inside out and read a minimum of 3 spiritual books a week. “Those who fear the Lord enjoy stable friendship, for as they are, so will their neighbors be.” Wisdom of Sirach 6:17

4. The Blunt One

They’ll set you straight when everyone else around you is too embarrassed to say anything, and you’ve learned to appreciate that because you know it’s out of love. Their compliments always tend to mean that much more than other people’s because you know they tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. And when you want an honest opinion on how your first sunday school lesson went, you know they’re your friend of choice. You know you can count on this friend to give you the spiritual wake-up call you’re in need of to get back up on your feet and start doing your Quiet Time properly again. “Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.” Proverbs 27:5-6

5. The Quiet Pillar

This is the friend that doesn’t talk much or vocalise themselves as often as the rest of the group; but when they’re about to speak you know pure words of wisdom are about to be unleashed! They think before they speak and you admire that about them. They may not have the voice but you know they have the heart; this is the friend you love sharing from the Bible with and you know that when you leave them, you’re always going to be full of peace. “Consider the blameless, observe the upright; there is a future for the man of peace.” Psalm 37:37

6. The Polar Opposite

You could have never even seen yourself befriending this person if they weren’t in the same big friendship group as you! But through them you’ve grown to appreciate people’s differences and individuality. Being their friend has taught you that being different isn’t necessarily a bad thing at all! Over time you’ve both actually grown to appreciate eachother’s strengths and that’s a special bond you hold on to. “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.” 1 Corinthians 12:12

and last but not least… 7.The Encourager

You know this friend’s got your back no matter what. They’ve always got the right words to tell you when you’re in need of support and they push you to be the best version of yourself that you can be, because they believe in you! “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11

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I hope you enjoyed this lighthearted blog post! May we always surround ourselves with positive Christian friendships that influence us and mold us into the best versions of ourselves that we can be. And may we learn to be good friends to the special people around us that deserve the best from us.