Side by Side: Walking with Others in Wisdom and Love Paperback – April 30, 2015

Side by Side, authored by well-respected biblical counselor Ed Welch, was written for Christians to identify skills necessary to help one another (v. 11) but who are not confident doing so (p. 13). We will never lack for struggling people who need someone to come along side them to comfort, guide, admonish, or demonstrate love. Welch’s very readable and practical book is both a reminder of the importance of reaching out to others and how to do so.Especially valuable are insights into how to engage meaningful conversations (pp. 79-99) and how to give helpful comments to those who are suffering (pp. 104-110). A most valuable chapter, one that should be read and pondered by all Christians, is entitled “Help Fellow Sinners” (pp. 141-152). Since sin is our biggest problem, and rescue from it is our greatest need (p. 43), it is of utmost importance that we come along side those who are facing temptation, have sinned, or have confessed sin (p. 141). Yet, sadly, most Christians stay on the sidelines even as they watch fellow believers slip into sinful lifestyles. They are afraid of getting involved because they expect unpleasant responses when they do. But Welch points out that refusal to step up and confront those in sin “contributes to safe relationships rather than loving ones” (p. 149). Love and the best interests of others are to be our guide, not fear or anger (p. 146). Welch offers specific ways we can come along side those dealing with sin (pp. 147-152).There are a few careless and out-of-context uses of Scripture (pp. 37, 47, 52, 61, 62, 125) but nothing of major significance. Overall, Side by Side is a simple, practical, and biblical treatise on friendship and ministering to those in need.

This book helps address a significant need to inform and equip Christians to walk with others well through the most difficult times of their lives. In part one of this book Welch does an excellent job revealing how needy each of us really is as human beings. He wrote:"We spend too much time concealing our neediness. We need to stop hiding. Being needy is our basic condition. There is no shame in it—it’s just the way it is. Understanding this, accepting it, and practicing it will make you a better helper"( Pg.14)."The basic idea is that those who help best are the ones who both need help and give help. A healthy community is dependent on all of us being both" (pg.11). The second part of the book Welch explains how we are needed in the Body of Christ and gives some practical ways and helpful words to move towards others who are in need. One of my favorite quotes of the book is from chapter two is: “We could sum up our emotions this way: they usually proceed from our hearts, are given shape by our bodies, reflect the quality of our relationships, bear the etchings of both the goodness and the meaninglessness of work, provide a peek into how we fare in spiritual battle, and identify what we really believe about God.” As a biblical counselor Welch helps the reader understand our humanity better and effectively connects the truth of Scripture to the broken areas we need help with, showing the way to receive and give that help. I'm taking our community group through this material currently and I think any one working with people in ministry will find this to be a great resource. There is a helpful study guide and leaders guides to accompany leading others through this book.

This book is a beautiful reminder that, at the Church, we need each other deeply. Full of practicality and suggestive conversation prompts, Welch encourages believers to pursue Christ in unity with other Christians. Let others in, and step out of your comfort zone to get into others’ lives so that you can chase godliness and glory together.

This book is a much needed resource for the hurting and the comforters, and it highlights that we all should fill both positions. Very good book!

I purchased this book for a book study at my church. I was so blessed, by the insights of this author. practical, step-by-step details about how to help people going through a crisis. As the Body of Christ, we ought to be coming alongside hurting and struggling people and supporting and encouraging them. This book gives practical, step-by-step details about how to help people going through a crisis.

I work in college ministry, and one of my go-to ministry training books is Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands. It really is quite good. But for someone just beginning in ministry, it can be intimidating for its size and depth. What if there was something more accessible?That's why I'm excited to recommend to you Side by Side: Walking with Others in Wisdom and Love by Ed Welch. I read it excitedly straight through, then slowed down on a second read, taking notes, to make sure that I really did want to recommend it to you all. I needed it, and I benefited from it.Some quick points on why I like it:- Short, clear. The best I've read of Welch.- Very doable, the model of ministry is slowed down. Ex: there's a whole chapter (5 pages) on just greeting people.- Main point I think is: We are needy, and we are needed. So we share, ask questions, and pray. "Knowing others well enough to pray for them - that's help at its most basic and at its best." page 84- It's not a watered-down book. It still talks about sin, gospel, and suffering - all with a focus on the heart, and dependence on the Spirit.- I think it's a perfect introduction for anyone (young or old, professional or lay) beginning to do ministry. It comes with discussion questions at the end of each chapter, plus a study guide pdf and leader's guide pdf you can download online.

I love this book. Some of my friends are so gifted helping others, while I struggle with feeling awkward and clueless. With lots of prayer and slowly reading this book, the Lord has been helping me grow in this area. I have been encouraging my class at church to read this. This is the best practical book that I have read in a long time.