“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. You are my friend if you do what I command you”: John 15:12; 14
In the midst of growing social media communication, where tweets, Instagrams and text messages abound, the term “friend” can carry the inference that this is a person with whom one shares information; some even compete for the greatest number of people listed as “Friends” on their Facebook page.
Yet deep down, we each know that true friendship involves more than viewing a post or a picture on the computer screen in front of us.
Awhile back, a pastor who moved into the East Hamilton area began to actively seek connections with other pastors in the area. Some pastors already gathered on occasion to plan the yearly Thanksgiving service in the Ooltewah-Collegedale area. This annual service involved several churches of various denominations joining their voices to give thanks, to praise and to pray to God together.
Building on the existing connections and working with staff at The Samaritan Center, the group became more intentional about inviting other ministers to meet and spend time together. Gathering once a month for breakfast, sharing devotions and prayers, listening to and supporting one another in their particular ministries, the group began to grow friendships. Time was set aside so those gathered could share the challenges as well as the joys in their lives. By 2010, this group of ministers solidified and pursued formal recognition as East Hamilton Ministerial Association.