Friendship at the Margins Quotes

“Locating friendship at the heart of mission involves certain assumptions -- that reconciliation with God is something for which every human being is made and relationships are reciprocal.”
― Christopher Heuertz, Friendship at the Margins: Discovering Mutuality in Service and Mission

“Life-giving ministry flows from lives that are full of gratitude to God, not with an expectation of gratitude from others. In community we can support one another, affirm contributions and yet also trust that our work is sustained by grace.”
― Christopher L. Heuertz, Friendship at the Margins: Discovering Mutuality in Service and Mission

“Real friendship involves movement in and out of one another’s worlds, but our privilege, location and busyness often make us inaccessible to friendships with people outside our world. Sometimes we don’t even see possible friends who, though not far away, are distanced from us by class or illness, status or capacity. Putting ourselves in places where people on the margins can find us involves slowing down, taking time to be where people can befriend us, and taking risks to be dependent on the kindness of strangers. Within our own churches or congregations, there are often opportunities for friendships that cross multiple boundaries if we would just notice them. We can also partner with others in ministries that are built on and open into relationships, particularly relationships that can become long-term friendships.”
― Christopher L. Heuertz, Friendship at the Margins Discovering Mutuality in Service and Mission

“If we are committed to friendship at the margins, all of us need to ask what kind of spirituality will sustain us over the long haul. When we choose to dwell in places that have been devastated by human sin or exploitation, and when we develop friendships with people who are quite different from ourselves in terms of power, resources or life opportunities, what practices will help us maintain integrity and faithfulness?”
― Christopher L. Heuertz, Friendship at the Margins Discovering Mutuality in Service and Mission

“In addition, a disturbing number of congregations make it clear that they don’t really want people whose lives are a mess (especially after they’ve become Christians), who aren’t cured of their problems quickly and completely, or who don’t successfully escape troubled circumstances. Our limited patience is evident in how we hide from those with ongoing troubles, how we avoid people with chronic disabilities and those who are dying.”
― Christopher L. Heuertz, Friendship at the Margins Discovering Mutuality in Service and Mission

“When we allow ourselves to be disarmed, we become both vulnerable and strong. The only weapons then at our disposal are those of the Spirit. We choose the way of Jesus, laying aside all the earthly resources that give us power—in order to be present to those we love.”
― Christopher L. Heuertz, Friendship at the Margins Discovering Mutuality in Service and Mission

“That’s why it is often easier to keep people who are poor at a distance—or to arrange to enter their world only through brief visits. Close proximity makes us more conscious of both abundance and lack. Friendships can move us to choose generosity over stinginess and modesty over extravagance.”
― Christopher L. Heuertz, Friendship at the Margins Discovering Mutuality in Service and Mission

“Jesus invites us to think about the people with whom we share meals. He isn’t saying that we should ignore our family and friends, but to make our circle larger.”
― Christopher L. Heuertz, Friendship at the Margins Discovering Mutuality in Service and Mission

“A focus on friendship rearranges our assumptions. What if the resources they have also meet our needs? What if Jesus is already present in ways that will minister to us? What if in sharing life together as friends we all move closer to Jesus’ heart?”
― Christopher L. Heuertz, Friendship at the Margins Discovering Mutuality in Service and Mission

“Mission in our neighborhoods or social ministry across town can be reframed when we recognize that friendship and love belong at the heart of every Christian ministry and act of reconciliation. Reconciliation requires friendship wherever we find ourselves. Friendships that cross the divisions of class, education, race, gender, ethnicity, age and ability are crucial for reconciliation and for the life of the church.”
― Christopher L. Heuertz, Friendship at the Margins Discovering Mutuality in Service and Mission