“All I know is that you need love, and I’ve got a family.” 

If you recognize these lyrics, you might be a product of the 90’s. Audio Adrenaline had it right, though. The concept isn’t just nostalgic—it’s biblical. 

Scriptural Roots

The idea that the church is a family is deeply embedded in Scripture. Ephesians 2:19 draws a vivid picture of our transformation from strangers to members of God’s own household. This spiritual kinship weaves us together through shared faith, creating a familial tapestry that spans across all human divides. The frequent use of ‘brother’ and ‘sister’ among early Christians as seen in Paul’s letters (e.g. Romans 16:1, Philemon 1:2) further underscores this theme. Such terms of endearment were not casual but served to reinforce the deep, spiritual kinship that defined early Christian community. 

The directive in 1 Timothy 5:1-2 to engage with one another as family members—respecting the elderly, nurturing the young, and embracing all with purity—illustrates the dynamics intended for our church relationships. These interactions are not merely suggested but commanded, which emphasizes the depth of our bond.

The truly modern family began when Jesus looked out over the crowd of disciples and said, “here are my mother and my brothers. For he who does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.” (Mark 3:34) The Christian family has no divisions, we are made relatives through faith.  At Providence Church, we encourage healthy Christian family through community groups. These groups are not just weekly meetings. They are the backbone of our household, designed to mirror the early church’s radically diverse fellowship—the fruit of the gospel’s power to break down dividing walls. Here, everyone belongs, from the toddler to the elder, each bringing unique perspectives, discipling one another, knowing and caring for one another, loving one another.

Building relationships like this is not effortless. In today’s era where ‘friending’ someone is as easy as a click of a button, the art and discipline of forming deep, lasting relationships often seems lost. But the Bible hasn’t changed its stance. The church is called to be a family, a sanctuary of relationships built on deliberate, continuous effort. 

Meaningful relationships require more than just digital interactions—they need time, presence, and emotional investment. Like nurturing a garden, cultivating deep bonds within the church community demands patience and genuine engagement.

Living the Vision

Imagine a church where everyone is seen, known, and cherished. Where joy and sorrow are shared with equal fervor. This isn’t a utopian dream but a tangible goal, achievable through our intentional efforts in community groups.

So, how do we foster these connections? It starts with showing up, being real with our struggles and triumphs, and actively serving one another. Here are some ways in which we can improve the health of our family:

• Prioritize regular engagement: Show up consistently. Presence builds trust and familiarity.
• Embrace vulnerability: Share your life openly. Vulnerability is the soil in which deeper connections grow.
• Serve generously: Seek ways to serve each other. Service weaves us closer together.
• Foster multigenerational bonds: Embrace interactions across different life stages. We gain a fuller understanding of God’s work in man through diverse relationships. 
• Extend interactions beyond meetings: Have your leaders over for a game night, connect with someone who has a shared interest, invite others to your kids’ soccer games. Shared experiences forge stronger bonds.

The strength and comfort we derive from our relationships in community can transcend mere weekly interactions. They become our spiritual lifeline, a robust network of support that empowers us to navigate life’s complexities with faith and courage.

Let’s not just attend church. Let’s be the church—a family united under Christ’s enduring love, thriving in a community that reflects his grace in every handshake, every hug, and every heartfelt conversation. Through these efforts, we help our church truly operate as the family God designed it to be, offering a tangible expression of his love to all who enter our community. Because the world needs the love of Christ, and we’ve got a family.