
The Pursuit of God in the Company of Friends, Richard Lamb. (IV Press, 2003) This book addresses the crucial connection between community and discipleship and gives biblical tools and insights to help readers deepen friendships, develop community, and grow in love for and faithfulness to God in the process. Below are some of the original endorsements the book received when it was published.
“Friendship is one of the greatest glories and joys of life. Lamb addresses it helpfully, and his book is sure to speak to the yearnings of many.” Os Guiness, Author of Long Journey Home
“Richard’s visionary and practical words mark the path to experiencing the intimacy we long for with God and others. This book has forever influenced the way I view my pursuit of God and my relationships with friends. I highly recommend it to you!” Mark Gauthier, National Director, US Campus Ministries, Campus Crusade for Christ
“Weaving together powerful biblical insight, personal stories and the context of contemporary culture, Rich Lamb demonstrates the power of community under the leadership of Jesus. This book is a must-read for those who wish to experience the richness of the vertical relationship with God through the real-life horizontal friendships he has given us.” Mark Ashton, Associate Evangelism Director, Willow Creek Community Church
“A ringing call to spiritual growth through mutual accountability in Christian community. Just the kind of help we need to overcome the ghastly individualism in American Christianity.” Ron Sider, President, Evangelicals for Social Action
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
“As a pastor who has begun ‘deprogramming’ the church in order to build deeper neighborhood-centered communities of faith, I am thrilled to find Lamb’s timely and on-target book. Readers will appreciate not only his thoroughness but also his personal commitment to pursuing God through the company of friends.”
Ken Fong, Senior Pastor, Evergreen Baptist Church of Los Angeles
“Through the centuries some very illuminating books on friendship have been written. Add to that list the unique treatment of the subject by Richard Lamb, The Pursuit of God in the Company of Friends. Addressed primarily to a young adult readership, it gives concrete, helpful counsel to all of us no matter where we are on the timeline. It will enrich our lives by deepening and enlarging those relationships with the fellow pilgrims we call friends.” Vernon C Grounds, Chancellor, Denver Seminary
“Individualism reigns supreme in our culture and has thoroughly permeated our Christian subculture; Richard Lamb’s book offers a much-needed corrective. Especially helpful are the many practical suggestions for building friendships, such as listening, asking good questions, avoiding competition and finding reconciliation. I could imagine Lamb’s book transforming the relationships (and therefore the lives) of a group on campus or in a church.” Mary Ellen Ashcroft, Professor of English, Bethen College, Author of The Temptations Women Face.
“Rich has terrific insights into the various Scriptures, which form the basis for findings in each chapter. He also has real-life illustrations liberally sprinkled throughout his flow of input. Rich has a passion about interdependence in the body. And finally, the book is very browsable. Any chapter can be read with profit apart from the whole of the book. It is clear that Rich is modeling for us throughout the whole book. He is himself one who is in the ‘pursuit of God in the company of friends.’” Robert C Clinton, Professor of Leadership, Fuller Theological Seminary
“The emerging generation longs for true community yet struggles to know how to get there. Rich Lamb speaks to this longing by giving us biblical and personal pictures, stories, and practical ideas for making spiritual friendships and authentic community a reality. Caution: Not for the faint of heart!” Rick Richardson, author of Evangelism Outside the Box
“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
“Rich Lamb has given us not only a compelling invitation to deeper and more enduring friendships, but also a sumptuous feast of biblical insights, uncommon wisdom, winsome illustrations and practical skills. We throw around words like grace, forgiveness, love, service and commitment, but nowhere do we learn their deeper meaning better than in the company of true friends. This book charts a path to build those friendships and discover new life.” Steve Hayner, Professor of Evangelism, Columbia Theological Seminary
“Rich’s book powerfully touches on our shared longing to encounter God together in community. By weaving together the biblical story, his own personal story and practical wisdom, Rich charts a trustworthy path to the kinds of relationships and relating patterns that open us to life-changing experiences with God in the company of others.” Ruth Haley Barton, Cofounder, The Transforming Center, and author of Invitation to Solitude and Silence
“Rich Lamb gives us plenty of biblical constructs of what Christian community should involve and entail, then injects them with true, personal stories. 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
“Richard Lamb eloquently argues the crucial point that being friends and being intentional partners in the expansion of Jesus’ kingdom are not only not at odds, they’re inseparable. May many thousands of people freshly experience that most fulfilling kind of friendship as a result of this book.” Dave Schmelzer, Pastor, Vineyard Christian Fellowship of Cambridge
“It is hard to imagine any topic more central to the heart of Christian faith and life than ‘pursuing God in the company of friends.’ Rich Lamb’s message is deeply rooted in the gospel and nicely illustrated by real-life stories. Here is a gifted writer and insightful teacher serving up a powerful, attractive alternative to the dominant cultural ethos of ‘pursuing self-interest by using others.’” David W Gill, author of Becoming Good: Building Moral Character
“Guided by biblical principles and informed by his own ministry experiences, Rich Lamb has produced a wonderful work that challenges the reader to see discipleship as a communal endeavor. This is an excellent resource for those who serve today’s emerging generation that expresses a deep yearning for spiritual formation as well as authentic community.” Peter Cha, Assistant Professor of Practical Theology, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
“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
“The Pursuit of God in the Company of Friends is one of those books that comes at just the right time. It is clear that as our culture moves increasingly into a postmodern mindset, the whole question of Christianity as a community looms ever larger. How do we grow as people via Christian community? Richard Lamb tackles this important subject with rare insight based on a wealth of personal experience. His book combines biblical insights, classical sources, practical suggestions and, most importantly, numerous stories that bring alive these concepts for us.” Richard Peace, Robert Boyd Munger Professor of Evangelism and Spiritual Formation, Fuller Theological Seminary
“It is a happy fusion when an author writes on a topic because it is biblically important, applies it in a creative, fresh way without distorting or trivializing Scripture, and does so just at the time when contemporary society needs and values the subject. Rich Lamb does just this when he writes on friendship and community. He is insightful, incisive, honest and engaging. He is present in his own story neither as hero nor as villain, and certainly not as fool, but as an experienced friend.” Walter Liefeld, Professor Emeritus of New Testament, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
“Richard’s visionary and practical words mark the path to experiencing the intimacy we long for with God and others. This book has forever influenced the way I view my pursuit of God and my relationships with friends. I highly recommend it to you!” Mark Gauthier, National Director, US Campus Ministries, Campus Crusade for Christ
“Weaving together powerful biblical insight, personal stories and the context of contemporary culture, Rich Lamb demonstrates the power of community under the leadership of Jesus. This book is a must-read for those who wish to experience the richness of the vertical relationship with God through the real-life horizontal friendships he has given us.” Mark Ashton, Associate Evangelism Director, Willow Creek Community Church
“A ringing call to spiritual growth through mutual accountability in Christian community. Just the kind of help we need to overcome the ghastly individualism in American Christianity.” Ron Sider, President, Evangelicals for Social Action
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
“As a pastor who has begun ‘deprogramming’ the church in order to build deeper neighborhood-centered communities of faith, I am thrilled to find Lamb’s timely and on-target book. Readers will appreciate not only his thoroughness but also his personal commitment to pursuing God through the company of friends.”
Ken Fong, Senior Pastor, Evergreen Baptist Church of Los Angeles
“Through the centuries some very illuminating books on friendship have been written. Add to that list the unique treatment of the subject by Richard Lamb, The Pursuit of God in the Company of Friends. Addressed primarily to a young adult readership, it gives concrete, helpful counsel to all of us no matter where we are on the timeline. It will enrich our lives by deepening and enlarging those relationships with the fellow pilgrims we call friends.” Vernon C Grounds, Chancellor, Denver Seminary
“Individualism reigns supreme in our culture and has thoroughly permeated our Christian subculture; Richard Lamb’s book offers a much-needed corrective. Especially helpful are the many practical suggestions for building friendships, such as listening, asking good questions, avoiding competition and finding reconciliation. I could imagine Lamb’s book transforming the relationships (and therefore the lives) of a group on campus or in a church.” Mary Ellen Ashcroft, Professor of English, Bethen College, Author of The Temptations Women Face.
“Rich has terrific insights into the various Scriptures, which form the basis for findings in each chapter. He also has real-life illustrations liberally sprinkled throughout his flow of input. Rich has a passion about interdependence in the body. And finally, the book is very browsable. Any chapter can be read with profit apart from the whole of the book. It is clear that Rich is modeling for us throughout the whole book. He is himself one who is in the ‘pursuit of God in the company of friends.’” Robert C Clinton, Professor of Leadership, Fuller Theological Seminary
“The emerging generation longs for true community yet struggles to know how to get there. Rich Lamb speaks to this longing by giving us biblical and personal pictures, stories, and practical ideas for making spiritual friendships and authentic community a reality. Caution: Not for the faint of heart!” Rick Richardson, author of Evangelism Outside the Box
“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
“Rich Lamb has given us not only a compelling invitation to deeper and more enduring friendships, but also a sumptuous feast of biblical insights, uncommon wisdom, winsome illustrations and practical skills. We throw around words like grace, forgiveness, love, service and commitment, but nowhere do we learn their deeper meaning better than in the company of true friends. This book charts a path to build those friendships and discover new life.” Steve Hayner, Professor of Evangelism, Columbia Theological Seminary
“Rich’s book powerfully touches on our shared longing to encounter God together in community. By weaving together the biblical story, his own personal story and practical wisdom, Rich charts a trustworthy path to the kinds of relationships and relating patterns that open us to life-changing experiences with God in the company of others.” Ruth Haley Barton, Cofounder, The Transforming Center, and author of Invitation to Solitude and Silence
“Rich Lamb gives us plenty of biblical constructs of what Christian community should involve and entail, then injects them with true, personal stories. 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
“Richard Lamb eloquently argues the crucial point that being friends and being intentional partners in the expansion of Jesus’ kingdom are not only not at odds, they’re inseparable. May many thousands of people freshly experience that most fulfilling kind of friendship as a result of this book.” Dave Schmelzer, Pastor, Vineyard Christian Fellowship of Cambridge
“It is hard to imagine any topic more central to the heart of Christian faith and life than ‘pursuing God in the company of friends.’ Rich Lamb’s message is deeply rooted in the gospel and nicely illustrated by real-life stories. Here is a gifted writer and insightful teacher serving up a powerful, attractive alternative to the dominant cultural ethos of ‘pursuing self-interest by using others.’” David W Gill, author of Becoming Good: Building Moral Character
“Guided by biblical principles and informed by his own ministry experiences, Rich Lamb has produced a wonderful work that challenges the reader to see discipleship as a communal endeavor. This is an excellent resource for those who serve today’s emerging generation that expresses a deep yearning for spiritual formation as well as authentic community.” Peter Cha, Assistant Professor of Practical Theology, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
“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
“The Pursuit of God in the Company of Friends is one of those books that comes at just the right time. It is clear that as our culture moves increasingly into a postmodern mindset, the whole question of Christianity as a community looms ever larger. How do we grow as people via Christian community? Richard Lamb tackles this important subject with rare insight based on a wealth of personal experience. His book combines biblical insights, classical sources, practical suggestions and, most importantly, numerous stories that bring alive these concepts for us.” Richard Peace, Robert Boyd Munger Professor of Evangelism and Spiritual Formation, Fuller Theological Seminary
“It is a happy fusion when an author writes on a topic because it is biblically important, applies it in a creative, fresh way without distorting or trivializing Scripture, and does so just at the time when contemporary society needs and values the subject. Rich Lamb does just this when he writes on friendship and community. He is insightful, incisive, honest and engaging. He is present in his own story neither as hero nor as villain, and certainly not as fool, but as an experienced friend.” Walter Liefeld, Professor Emeritus of New Testament, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School