The Church as Family

Session 1. How we Welcome into the Community

Ephesians 2:1–11 “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in…”

I. OUR FAMILY ETHOS

The Church is called to passionately seek out and embrace everyone, drawing them into the loving heart of Christ.

We are called to build a vibrant, welcoming community where unconditional love flows freely—where brokenness is met with compassion, and every person is valued and cherished.

This is the heartbeat of God for His Church: a place of hope, healing, and new beginnings.

"Churches are imperfect but chosen organizations on a mission given by Christ. Your church is God’s chosen instrument to bear the light of hope to your community. It is a daily mission to see what is broken, who is broken, where the world is messed up, or where there is pain, indifference, or injustice, and do something about it." - Art of Hospitality Companion Book: A Practical Guide for a Ministry of Radical Welcome.

The church is called to be a radiant beacon of welcome and unconditional love, transforming lives and relationships—with God, ourselves, others, and all of creation.

Guided by God's infinite love and the command to love our neighbours, the church exists as a sanctuary for the vulnerable and a powerful force for justice and healing in society.

Its mission is both intimate and expansive: to be a safe haven where everyone can encounter the transformative love of Christ, and to boldly reach out beyond its walls, spreading hope and compassion to a hurting world.

This vision echoes the heart of Jesus—who welcomed the lost, embraced the outcast, and sought out the lonely with open arms.

The church is called to be a shining example of peace, trust, and justice—where dialogue, love, and grace break down barriers and build bridges of understanding.

By embracing this divine calling and harnessing the unique gifts within each community, the church becomes a powerful catalyst for hope, renewal, and positive change.

Though the journey may require confronting deep-seated prejudices and cultural barriers, love remains the most potent force—capable of transforming hearts, mending divisions, and inspiring a world rooted in justice, mercy, and boundless compassion.

“Simply by cultivating an ethos of welcome for people, no matter their story, the church has a huge opportunity to reveal the love of God in Christ. That is why I feel that in so many ways, it should be a no-brainer for the church to meet people where they are.” - I Was a Stranger: Encouraging the Church to Welcome and Embrace the Foreigner

Several Bible passages guide us in understanding what this will look like in practice:

Matthew 28:18-20 reminds us that reaching out is our divine mandate—our calling to make disciples of all nations.

Luke 15:1-7 shows us that this journey requires effort and perseverance, as we seek out those who are lost and in need.

Luke 14:15-24 acknowledges that this process can be messy—challenging and unpredictable—but worth every moment.

Matthew 9:12-13 teaches us to begin with those who are bruised and broken, extending compassion and hope to the hurting.

Together, these passages inspire us to embrace the call with courage, effort, and love—knowing that in the mess and effort, lives are transformed by God's grace.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion: Understanding Our Ethos!

What does it mean to you personally to be a welcoming and unconditional community?

2. How can our church better embody the love and compassion described in our ethos?

3. In what ways can we actively seek out and embrace those who feel marginalised or broken?

4. What barriers might prevent us from welcoming everyone fully, and how can we overcome them?

5. What new initiatives or events could we develop to actively reach out to the hurting and vulnerable?

Questions for Children: Understanding Our Ethos!

1. Can you think of a time when someone was really kind to you? How did it make you feel?

2. How did Jesus show love to people who were different or who needed help and how can we show Jesus’ love to our friends, family, and people we meet?

Possible Activities:

Make a “Kindness Chain” - Create a paper chain where each link has a kind act written on it (e.g., share a toy, say something nice, help a friend). Hang it in the church or classroom as a reminder of how small acts of love build a big chain of kindness OR

make some “Kindness Notes” - Provide small cards or sticky notes for children to write or draw kind messages to give to friends, teachers, or family members.

II. OUR FAMILY CULTURE

Practically, this means we are always seeking to expand our circles of friendship, warmly welcoming newcomers and making space for those who may feel like outsiders.

We must intentionally and actively demonstrate the importance of community and belonging, recognising that these are vital for our own spiritual well-being.

By modeling a family-like environment through our lifestyle and habits—worship, prayer, loving fellowship, and a genuine commitment to relationships—we create a space where everyone can thrive.

“According to Joseph Hellerman, authentic Christian community comprises four values: (1) sharing our stuff, (2) sharing our hearts, (3) staying, embracing the pain and growing together, and (4) reaching out beyond the nuclear family. The early church embodied these values (Acts 2:42-47: 4:32), both caring for one another but also eventually reaching beyond its perimeter (Acts 8:1). With hospitality as an earmark of God’s people, Christian community should intentionally reach out to others through loving and listening well.” - Christian Spiritual Formation: An Integrated Approach for Personal and Relational Wholeness, p 120

A few key Bible passages help us understand what this looks like in practice:

Acts 6:1-4 reminds us to meet real needs, highlighting the importance of hospitality and service, as also emphasized in Romans 12:13, Hebrews 13:2, and 1 Peter 4:9.

Acts 2:42-47 encourages us to deepen our spiritual awareness through shared worship, teaching, and fellowship.

John 13:34-35 calls us to create a community of loving service—where acceptance and kindness are foundational, supported by passages like Romans 15:7, Colossians 3:11-14, and Philippians 2:1-4.

Practical acts of kindness and generosity—grounded in love—are rooted in 1 John 4:7-12, reminding us that our actions reflect God's love in the world.

Together, these scriptures inspire us to build a culture rooted in love, service, and genuine belonging—creating a community where all can flourish in Christ.

“If we want to change the world, the place to start is where we live. One way in which a church aims to make a difference is through its unifying function. It seeks to draw people together into a community of love, and to be a focal point for all those working for the good of those who live and work within its orbit." - Living for Love: The essence of Christianity, and humanity's only hope, p 127.

Questions for Adults: Reflecting on Community and Belonging:

1. How do I personally experience and contribute to a sense of belonging within our church community?

2. In what ways can I intentionally make space for newcomers or those feeling like outsiders?

3. What barriers might prevent others from feeling fully included, and how can I help break them down?

4. How do Acts 2:42-47 and Acts 6:1-4 challenge me to live out community and service in my daily life?

5. What does “sharing our stuff” and “sharing our hearts” look like in my life right now?

Questions for Children: Reflecting on Community and Belonging

1. Who in your life needs a friend or someone to help them feel welcome?

2. What are some ways Jesus taught us to love and serve others? (John 13:34-35) and what is one kind thing you could do to show love? (e.g., share, say kind words, help someone)

Possible Activities:

Design a “Welcome Card”to give to friends, visitors or family members. Write simple messages like “You are loved,” “Welcome, friend,” or draw a picture to brighten someone’s day.  OR

design a “Helping Hands” Poster by drawing around your hand on paper and writing ways to help others inside the hand.

III. OUR FAMILY GOALS:

Our ultimate goal is for every believer within our church community to recognise and embrace their God-given potential—as "God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" (Ephesians 2:10).

We seek to inspire each person to live out their unique purpose, becoming active participants in God's divine plan and making a meaningful impact in the world around them.

This concept emphasises that God has uniquely crafted each believer, equipping and preparing them for specific good works.

The church community plays a vital role in this process:

it’s not a place for passive spectators, but a dynamic environment where believers actively participate in God's ongoing work.

The church serves as a space where individuals can discover their divine purpose and live it out fully.

Several Bible passages guide us in understanding what this looks like in practice:

Philippians 2:12-13 reminds us that God is actively working in us to will and to act according to His purpose, continuing and completing the work He has begun in us.

Titus 2:11-14 and Colossians 1:10 also emphasize God's grace in shaping us for good works and guiding us in living lives worthy of His calling.

Together, these scriptures inspire us to embrace our divine purpose and to engage wholeheartedly in the mission God has prepared for each of us.

Questions for Adults: Reflecting on God’s Purpose:

1. How do I understand my unique purpose in God's plan?

2. In what ways has God equipped and prepared me for good works?

3. How do Philippians 2:12-13 and Colossians 1:10 encourage me to pursue my purpose actively and wholeheartedly?

4. How can our church community better support individuals in discovering and living out their divine purpose?

5. What are some ways I can actively participate in God’s mission within and beyond our church?

Questions for Children: Reflecting on God’s Purpose:

1. Do you know that God made you special and has a plan just for you? What are some ways God has gifted you to do good things

2. What are some things you enjoy doing that might be ways God is helping you serve others?

Possible Activities:

Create a “Purpose Crown or Badge” - with words like “Child of God,” “Helper,” “Kindness King/Queen,” or “God’s Special Person.” Discuss how God has made each of them special and has a plan for their lives.