Jump Start # 3645

1 Timothy 3:15 “but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of truth.”

The church is often described as a family—the family of God. In our passage today, the apostle uses the expression, “the household of God.” God’s family, we might call that. In the model prayer, Jesus begins by calling God “Our Father.” If God is our Father, then we are not only related to Him and His children, but we are related to one another. We are brothers and sisters in the Lord.

I like thinking of the congregation as family, my family. I love my family. Love my kids and love all those grandchildren. Some days they fuss at each other, just as I did with my sibilings. Some days they can annoy each other with dumb jokes or hearing something that dad wants to tell them. All families have bumps, warts and blessings and challenges. That’s life. That’s family.

Some how it’s hard to translate that to our spiritual family. Some come to worship, saying little, leave quickly and are no where to be found during the week. The connections they have are not strong and not very deep. They don’t think about their spiritual family. They don’t include the spiritual family in their lives. And, as a result, fellowship is more of a word than a deep love for each other.

Now, in other congregations, it’s just the opposite. You can tell. The conversations, laughter, love and sharing of life runs very deep. You hear of people getting together often throughout the week. And, when it’s time to gather to worship, there is a deep and precious joy found in being with each other.

So, what can be done to bring the church into more of a “family” atmosphere?

First, it begins by understanding each congregation has a culture and that culture can change. Just because we are not that way doesn’t mean we can’t become that way. The culture begins to shift when the language changes. Use the word “family” more than the word “church.”  Express it publically. Say it in prayers. Preach it. And, not just one time, but over and over and over.

In our congregation, we say just about every single week, that Sunday is the best day of the week. That’s stated in our podcasts. It’s stated in sermons. It’s stated in announcements. Over and over and over. Our people say it on a regular basis. That’s the first step in changing a culture.

Second, start acting like you are a family. So drop the gossip, the complaining, the back biting and all the negative things that causes tension, strife and leads to dysfunction. Connect with each other throughout the week. Start doing things with each other throughout the week. Invite others to go with you out to eat after Sunday services. This is key for the leaders to take the leading role in this. Talk is cheap if no actions back it up. If we are family, let’s act like a family. Love for each other. Support and help for each other. Build and strengthen your faith with others. Invite a few over and play games. Invite some over and sing hymns. Enjoy each other’s company without being compelled to “fix them,” “change them,” or make them more like you.

Third, pray for each other. Do this in your private prayers. This little activity causes you to think about others. Thinking about how you can encourage others. Think about how you can lift the spirit of others. Think about how you can be a blessing to others.

Don’t wait for others to start this. You be the first. The atmosphere of a family takes time to shape. And, as new faces come in, they must be included. They must feel that they are welcome. All of this takes some time and a lot of patience. Remember, God has included you in His family. So, open your heart and find room for others.

The church is not like a movie theatre. At the movies, we go for what is on the screen. We don’t really talk to anyone around us. We hope no one sits beside us. We watch the movie and we go home. Little or no interaction with those in attendance. The church is not like that. We want connections. We want fellowship. We need the encouragement. It is those things that make the church more like a family,

Roger