Church As We Go
The word “church” is often misunderstood. In the English language, we use the same word for the corporate body of Christ, the local congregation, and the physical building we meet in. That can get a bit confusing!
Maybe it would help to clarify things if we used the word “family” instead. This is the language Jesus chose to describe our relationship with Him – and with each other.
“...whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” (Matthew 12:50) “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1) We are referred to as adopted, beloved children of God through faith (Galatians 3:26, Ephesians 1:5, 5:1). Regarding one another, we are called brothers and sisters in God’s family (Hebrews 10:19)
Jesus could have used any imagery to describe the way we are to connect with Him and each other. But He intentionally chose the closest human relationships to help us understand the affection and familiarity He intended for His followers.
So, if we consider that we are actually a family – and not just a bunch of people who show up at the same building one morning a week – we might reframe how we think of each other. Personally, if I saw my closest family members only briefly once a week (and exchanged a mere greeting in passing), I likely wouldn’t know them very well or feel particularly attached to them!
This is why Springs of Life is intentional about creating opportunities for our local family to connect in meaningful ways. One approach is our “Church As We Go” day. Instead of meeting in the usual building, we gather in homes for fellowship, worship, prayer, and perhaps even a meal. This allows us to connect and get to know each other in new ways. We get to move past the polite pleasantries, share on a deeper level, and discuss what our Father is teaching us.
Hebrews 13:1 says, “Let brotherly love continue.” As siblings in Christ, this is one way we can continue to show love to one another! We are reminded that we are not simply distant acquaintances – but in fact, family.
Maybe it would help to clarify things if we used the word “family” instead. This is the language Jesus chose to describe our relationship with Him – and with each other.
“...whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” (Matthew 12:50) “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1) We are referred to as adopted, beloved children of God through faith (Galatians 3:26, Ephesians 1:5, 5:1). Regarding one another, we are called brothers and sisters in God’s family (Hebrews 10:19)
Jesus could have used any imagery to describe the way we are to connect with Him and each other. But He intentionally chose the closest human relationships to help us understand the affection and familiarity He intended for His followers.
So, if we consider that we are actually a family – and not just a bunch of people who show up at the same building one morning a week – we might reframe how we think of each other. Personally, if I saw my closest family members only briefly once a week (and exchanged a mere greeting in passing), I likely wouldn’t know them very well or feel particularly attached to them!
This is why Springs of Life is intentional about creating opportunities for our local family to connect in meaningful ways. One approach is our “Church As We Go” day. Instead of meeting in the usual building, we gather in homes for fellowship, worship, prayer, and perhaps even a meal. This allows us to connect and get to know each other in new ways. We get to move past the polite pleasantries, share on a deeper level, and discuss what our Father is teaching us.
Hebrews 13:1 says, “Let brotherly love continue.” As siblings in Christ, this is one way we can continue to show love to one another! We are reminded that we are not simply distant acquaintances – but in fact, family.