A basic social unit consisting of parents and their children, considered as a group, whether dwelling together or not.

Any group of persons closely related by blood, as parents, children, uncles, aunts, and cousins.

A group of persons who form a household under one head, including parents, children, and servants.

How does this affect my walk with Jesus?

Two perspectives of what constitutes “family” culture

· Weak group - high individualism

An individual in the group has high priority. Concern is with the individual’s goals and prosperity being achieved. The individual often uses the group/groups to further their well-being.

· Strong group - collectivism

The group is the priority. Individuals are embedded into the group and contribute individually for the flourishing of the group.

How you relate to one another is how you relate to God.

1. We are no longer strangers; there is a familiarity among those who profess Jesus as Lord and Savior. We are all bound and indwelt with the same Spirit of God.

2. We are no longer foreigners; we all share the same communion belonging to the same kingdom, dwelling/serving in the same household.

3. We share the same authority; the Word of God is the common foundation upon which we build/govern our lives and Jesus Christ is the corner stone which everything registers from. Our common authority is Jesus.

4. We need each other; Carefully joined together through Christ.

Church family should be prized as a benefit of salvation.

We are united only through the bloodline of Jesus Christ.

Do you see our church in the Bible? The highest priority in the early church was one-another.

Be at peace with one-another

Show honor to one-another

Live in harmony with one-another

Welcome one-another

Care for one-another

Comfort one-another

Serve one-another

Bear one-another’s burdens

Be Kind to one-another

Forgive one-another

Submit to one-another

Encourage one-another

Love one-another

Are these happening in our church? Are you contributing?

Unloving churches drive people to other religions.

BIG IDEA

1. How can/does your experience with family determine your expectations of church family?

2. What is Jesus perception of church family?

3. How are you contributing to the promotion of a Biblical church family culture?

4. What are some steps that you can take to promote a sense of family in your church?