James B. Carroll

Friendship is a need that touches the deepest parts of the human soul. This is especially true in ministry. It is a need that is not simply rooted in enjoyment and companionship, but in the necessity to care well of one’s soul and survive a long–term ministry. This book seeks to persuade every modern pastor of the essential need of friendship. And not just any friendship, but a close, personal, intimate, and sacrificial pastor–to–pastor friendship that regularly turns each other’s gaze to Jesus. Friends and pastors, Michael Haykin, Brian Croft and James Carroll examine portraits of friendship in scripture and church history, before exhorting readers to modern pastoral friendships. Contents Foreword by Austin Walker Introduction Part 1: Looking Back 1. Portraits of Friendships in Scripture 2. A Pastoral Friendship (1): Basil of Caesarea and Eusebius of Samosata (4th Century) 3. A Pastoral Friendship (2): Benjamin Francis and Joshua Thomas (18th Century) Part 2: Looking Ahead 4. The Command for Friendship 5. The Blessings of Friendship 6. The Challenges of Friendship 7. Modern Exhortations to Pastoral Friendship Conclusion

Pastor, the hard work of church revitalization is a unique experience and battle ground. It can feel like you’re all alone. But the trials you face are not new. Faithful preachers throughout scriptures and church history have encountered hostility, apathy, and adversity, and continue to do so today. Brian Croft and James Carroll share their personal stories and seek to encourage you to faithfully persevere in this Spirit–empowered, God–honoring, Christ–exalting work.

At twelve years old, James Carroll became the collateral damage of his pastor father’s infidelity and his parents’ divorce. With his world completely shaken and identity in shreds, he could hardly process what was happening, let alone begin regaining normality. In Collateral Damage, Carroll, now a pastor himself, presents the specific ways in which God has worked in his life during and since that time – healing wounds, revealing sin, and restoring life. This is a highly practical book, showing the gospel as the power of God to save, to restore, and to heal.