The role of a family in the church.
In the modern world today trying to keep the Christian faith and values can sometimes feel contrary to the society that we live in. However, rather than seeing ourselves as a member of a lonely minority, we should embrace the fact that although we may be few in number, being part of a faithful body of believers can transform our lives and help us (and others) in these difficult times.
The Bible provides numerous verses of inspiration and examples that not only shows us how believers should interact with one another, but also helps us to understand the value of belonging to and interacting with the church family. Here are five reasons why you need to be part of a church family and play an active role:
1. Teamwork & togetherness
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 teaches us the importance of teamwork and togetherness. Modern culture often promotes the self-made and self-reliant lifestyle. However, everyone has had help at some point in their lives and the more we recognise the value of sharing with others the greater our achievements will be. At the same time, there is nothing wrong with being independent or the need to be alone sometimes. God has made us social creatures and therefore being part of a community of believers can provide comfort, friendship and support during the good and bad times.
2. Love for one another
Being part of a church family enables us to be loved and to love others in a way that is different to how love is perceived in a secular society. Love is to be unconditional like Jesus displayed in John 15:12 and in John 13:31-35, where he showed us that a key test of our commitment to him is our love for other believers – not just in words but in attitudes and actions.
3. Teaching & encouraging
One of the key benefits of being part of a church family is the opportunity for encouragement and teaching. Hebrew 10:24 calls believers to ‘consider one another in order to stir up love and good works…” and 2 Timothy 3:16-17 emphasises the importance of teaching each other what God has revealed in Scripture so “that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
4. Service to others
Being part of a church family is not just about receiving. There is also value in having the opportunity to help other believers. Serving – whether by providing encouragement, volunteering, teaching a bible study class; or praying with someone – gives us a sense of purpose and fulfilment. Knowing that God has a role for each believer to play in the lives of other believers gives meaning and direction to our lives.
5. Faithful witness
Jesus commanded his disciples to “let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Being a member of a church family that displays the above principles of love, will enable you to act as a beacon that points people towards Jesus Christ.
Why Does God Want His Church To Be A Family?
If you are a disciple of Jesus, you have two families. The first one, the family of origin, is the one you were born into. You had no control or choice in this matter. Your family of origin may have been very nurturing, or it may have had disfunction. Either way – your family of origin is fixed and cannot be changed. However, when you are born again through Jesus Christ you inherit a new family – the family of God.
God’s church is supposed to be a group of people in relationship who do life together. Relationships are fundamental because the gospel gets lived out within those relationships. Real life can be lived out when we are abiding in relationships with each other. This is where we learn to use and put into practice the Fruit of the Spirit that God has placed within us.
God calls His Church the family of God. The early church met together in the temple courts, but also met together in homes where they were devoted to deep abiding relationships. They became spiritual family. In Acts 2:42 and following we see them exhibiting many of the characteristics of a family. They ate together, shared their possessions, and even sold their possessions if needed to take care of each other. They focussed on the Word of God and the teachings of the apostles.
These actions not only depict the attitudes and actions of a family, but this is also the kind of bond and relationships that develop in a small group. A small group is a place where people can be relationally discipled as part of a spiritual family.
Meeting Times
Tuesdays, 12:30pm – 3:00pm
Thursdays, 9:00am – 11:00am
Schedule
10:00 AM – Pre-Service Hangs
10:30 AM – Service
11:30 AM – Pick-Up