Transforming Our Church Family: From Cliché to Community

Have you ever felt awkward when someone says we are one family in Christ? Does it feel like a cliché, something we say but don't really feel or experience? It's easy to rush in and out of church each week, barely interacting with one another, and call that a family. But if we're honest, this "family" can sometimes feel dysfunctional.

So, how do we change this? How do we become a community that truly embodies the love and unity of Christ? Perhaps it starts with something as simple as staying a bit longer after each service. Instead of rushing off, why not stay back for a cup of coffee or at least until the end of the announcements?

It may seem like a small change, but it can make a big difference. When we take the time to linger, we have the opportunity to connect with one another, to share our lives, and to truly be present in each other's journeys of faith.

Today, I made a small change to our church's announcements. Instead of calling them “Announcements”, I've started referring to them as “Family Matters”. It's a subtle shift in language, but it's a reminder that we are more than just a collection of individuals who happen to attend the same church. We are a family, bound together by our shared faith in Christ.

I was reminded of the importance of this change recently when someone expressed frustration at not being informed with regards to the change in the service time of an important service. Despite multiple announcements, they had missed the information and felt left out. It's a reminder that we all have busy lives and can be forgetful, but if we take the time to stay informed and engaged, we can truly become a healthier, more connected family in Christ.

So, I invite you to join me in making this small change. Stay a bit longer after each service. Engage with one another. And remember, the service does not end after the benediction but after our "Family Matters." We are not just a church; we are a family. Let's live out this reality in all that we do.

In Missional Spirit,

Pastor Forest