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Do you feel lonely?

Authenticity. Vulnerability. Transparency.

All three can lead to greater connectedness in our friendships – a vital part of our lives. But these relationships are in danger of becoming superficial. Do you ever experience tension between wanting to go deeper with your friendships, but being unsure of how to get there?

Why Friendships Matter

“A close friend once texted me while at an airport, explaining how odd it was that she felt alone in a crowd of people. I don’t think I told her, but I remember thinking about how often I get that same feeling. She went on to say, ‘there are people all around me, interacting with each other, having fun together: but I’m sitting here alone.’

I think that some of the loneliness I feel comes from my age. I’m not at the point where I’m completely independent, but I’m independent enough to do things on my own, go places on my own, live on my own. Sometimes I feel that I grew up too fast and that’s why I’m stuck in this awkward in-between place.”

Do your friendships go wide, but you’re struggling with how to help them grow deeper? Are you curious about faith and want to develop better connections in your friendships?

Ready To Go Deeper?

“Remember high school or college, when you worked and played with the same people every day? That’s what many of us feel the lack of as we graduate into adulthood. Our friendships are in danger of becoming two dimensional when they should be a vital part of our lives. Like many men, I grew up trying to impress male role models who weren’t easily impressed or didn’t know how to affirm me in a healthy way. 

The boy inside of us can be afraid of the men on either side of us. Problems with self-esteem and trusting others may be rooted in childhood, but they can define our lives as grown men. Men naturally compare themselves to other men which means they are prone to triggering emotions like anger, fear or a sense of isolation in one another in very particular ways.”

Are you open to learning what it could look like to become a Christian man who can nurture your friendships?

Take The Next Step

Who are the lonely?

Where are friendships found and relationships developed? See what Barna research has learned on this topic presented in an infographic format.

Cru.org Communities

Cru is a global non-profit that desires to help people take the next step on their spiritual journey. We’ve found these next steps are best taken in relational contexts within community. Explore some of them here.

The Growth Model

In his book, Changes That Heal, Henry Cloud outlines three ingredients of genuine spiritual growth and emotional health. Real change and real growth happens only in the context of truth and grace.

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