Does Having Friends Matter? Spoiler:Yes | Christine Caine’s Life & Leadership Podcast | Mattie Meese

Jesus walked alongside twelve close friends, yet when the moment of testing came, they abandoned Him—one denied Him, and another betrayed Him. He knew this would happen, but He still chose to invest in them because He saw the greater purpose.

Hi friends, I’m Christine Caine, and you’re listening to the Life and Leadership Podcast, where we have conversations with faith-filled leaders from around the world.

Gratitude in the Midst of Trials

God, I have so much to be thankful for. Even in the midst of my struggles, You are here. I believe the next generation is rising, choosing consecration over deconstruction. As followers of Christ, we are ambassadors of another kingdom. My prayer is that our time together each week empowers you to walk in your God-given purpose and follow Jesus wholeheartedly as you lead in your sphere of influence.

Welcome Back to the Life and Leadership Podcast

Hey everyone, welcome back! I’m so glad you’re here. If this podcast has been encouraging you, be sure to subscribe, leave a comment, and share it with a friend. Your support helps spread the message and reach more people. We read every comment and love hearing from you!

In fact, today’s episode is inspired by your feedback! Many of you have requested more Q&A sessions, so today, I’m answering your questions alongside our E&E Communications Manager, Maddie. We’ll be diving into an important topic—friendship.

Navigating Friendship, Leadership, and Boundaries

Friendship is a gift, but it also comes with challenges—especially in leadership. How do you cultivate and maintain meaningful friendships at different levels of intimacy? That’s a big question, Maddie!

For me, friendship is my love language. I cherish being a friend and having friends, and I love that God calls us His friends. Friendship is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, and I take it seriously. Those who know me understand how much I value long-lasting friendships. At the same time, I recognize that life is full of seasons, and friendships evolve through life’s ups and downs.

Every time we do a Q&A, I imagine this topic will come up—because friendships matter. And let’s be real, for women especially, friendships can be both a blessing and a challenge. As a mother of two daughters, ages 18 and 22, I see firsthand how friendships play a huge role in their lives.

Building Strong, Healthy Friendships

One thing my daughters have always seen in our home is that both their mom and dad prioritize friendships. Nick and I, throughout our nearly 30 years of marriage, have always valued having strong friendships.

For Nick, that means staying connected with his friends—whether it’s his weekly mountain biking group, a Bible study with other men of faith, or an annual five-day motorcycle trip through the mountains. He surrounds himself with friends who encourage and challenge him.

For me, friendships are just as essential. I have my hiking buddies, a group of 10 women I go on annual mountain treks with, and my close ministry friends who walk this journey of faith and leadership with me. Having these connections has been life-giving.

The key takeaway? Healthy friendships require intentionality. They enrich our lives, strengthen our faith, and provide encouragement in every season.

Stay tuned as we dive deeper into this conversation on cultivating meaningful friendships while leading with wisdom and grace!

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