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It was a beautiful summer day at camp. We sat under a pavilion by the water, watching the sailboats. In pairs, we explored the Bible. 

Using text from the 'Companions in Christ' series, we explored the spiritual practices that shape us into faithful followers of Jesus Christ.

We asked ourselves questions, such as:  When was the last time you spoke with someone or listened to someone about their spiritual journey?  Who is praying for you on your spiritual walk and holding you accountable in love with encouragement? 

The questions were designed to evoke an understanding of the importance of spiritual friendship and sacred companionship. As we shared, there was a startling realization that listening to someone else's story is often an even more immense blessing than speaking about our own experiences.

This blessed and sacred work of speaking and sharing about the spiritual journey took place in pairs for a reason.  When done two by two, there is a kind of connection that allows each person to be equally responsible for the tasks of listening and speaking. 

We have good scriptural precedent for the practice of doing things two by two.  In this passage from Genesis, Noah and his three sons entered the ark with their wives.  With them, God called animals and birds, 'two and two of all flesh in which there was the breath of life,' to come and enter the ark (Genesis 7:13, 15). 

Yes, we could say that in this context the two were required simply for reproduction of the species, but isn't there more to it than simple biology?  Jesus sent out his disciples two-by-two in Luke 10:1.

 Isn't it true that something profound happens to us spiritually when we are encouraged by, and accountable to, another person who is committed to our journey over the long haul? 

Isn't it true that we are immeasurably blessed by accompanying another on their walk of faith?  Could we go so far as to say that indeed God created us to be in these kinds of Christ-centered relationships?

This is a message that carries particular relevance for us who follow the way of Jesus in these times.  Many observers of the culture are noticing that people have more and more contacts listed in their cell phone directories, more and more 'friends' linked to their MySpace.com page, and fewer and fewer people with whom they can really share their deepest thoughts and dreams. 

The Discipleship Adventure calls us to maintain faithful connections, and this model of koinonia may be one of the most precious gifts we can give not only to ourselves but also to the world that aches for meaningful relationships.  Noah was not alone.  Being called by God into ministry - as we all are at baptism - and being sent out into the world with the Gospel are not meant to be solo vocations.  Who are you talking to these days?  Who is walking by your side?  Let's pray that God will join us together as sacred friends.

The Rev. Rebecca Iannicelli is pastor of Centenary UMC in Shady Side.