We are not elitist, but open to anybody becoming part of our fellowship. In this respect, Jesus made an important distinction between friends and servants. Servants follow the whims of their master without knowing why they are commanded to do what they are told. Friends, on the other hand, know what Jesus is doing. Just as the love between husband and wife deepens when they become one another's best friends, so the friendship we have with one another is more than just good feelings.
Friends act in one another's best interests.
I am pleased that some of my best friends are members of this congregation. In fact, I have always thought of all the members of our Church Family as friends. I hope you think of me as a friend. However, there is a difference between being a pastor and being a friend. That's the change we will have to negotiate together over the next few months and years.