Referring to the church as "family" may sound cliche to some. It's one thing to say we have a church family, but another thing altogether to live as though that's true. Another reaction some may have to "church as family" is to turn and run the other way! We all know how dysfunctional our own families can be. But what if church as family actually led us to the risen Jesus, "the way, the truth, and the life" (Jn 14:6)?
Church as family, centered around Jesus, has the power to free us from anxiety, depression, discontentment, fear, greed, self-interest, and loneliness. But it will cost us, particularly our own interests. This may sound ridiculous in a culture that propagates individual freedom above all else, especially when it comes chasing our own desires. This isn't Christ's vision for the church.
Here are a few thoughts...
First, in Acts 2:42-47 we see a radical community that "devoted themselves" to one another, "sold property and possessions," "had everything in common," and met together daily. It was through this community that, "Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles."
This was a selfless, radical, community of disciples that actually witnessed God move in their midst! It was because of all this "the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."
We've had the joy of being part of a church family devoted to one another. Outside of our actual gathering we've had members (to name a few) contribute financially to others in need, babysit kids (and dogs!), bake each other meals when members have been sick, host game nights, and be present when others need someone to process life.
Second, what does it look like to gather and all have a part to play (Eph 2)? Paul says in 1 Corinthians 12:27-28, "Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues."
We're so accustomed (and trained) to view church as something we go do at a specific time and place. And not only that, we're used to church services being something we consume, not participant in. But this doesn't seem to be how the early church practiced "church as family". This is not to say all church services are bad! Rather, my point is that it's but a sliver of the gathered community described in the Bible, in that everyone had a part to play in building up the body of Christ.
Like any family, each member has various gifting the other does not. Also, each member is responsible for contributing. Some may help provide financially, cook meals, drive the kids to school, grocery shop, clean up dinner, mow the lawn, etc. A healthy family will lean on each other to carry the load.
So is the case with church as family. Some may provide their homes as a meeting place, offering hospitality, others are a source of encouragement, some exercise their gift of teaching, healing, discernment, shepherding, etc. Each community will represent various gifting. The important part is that everyone contribute. Because it is in the offering of ourselves to one another in love that we help build up each other in Christ.
Just one example, from my own experience, is witnessing one of my good friends build up our church family through his gift of healing. He has helped people during our gatherings find deeper healing, but he has always walked alongside people over several months helping them experience emotional healing. The byproduct of his gifting has resulted in deeper connection with one another and sheer passion renewed individuals bring to a church family.
Ultimately, church as family is about helping one another experience Jesus in a deeper and fuller way. But we can only experience this by submitting to one another in love (Rom 12:10).
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