In the book, Heaven is in this House, by Bobbie Houston (Pastor’s wife of Hillsong Church) relates the church, to the family, with these characteristics. (I thought they were so good, I’m going to list them all)
Healthy families produce magnificent, functional human beings.
Healthy families produce supernatural people.
Healthy families possess what the world longs for.
Healthy families eat together.
Healthy families play together.
Healthy families grow together.
Healthy families support each other.
Families aren’t designed just for casual relationship to one another. Families are connected for life. As a church family, we are connected to “do life” together, and there should be no disconnecting or bailing out of the magnificient, functional family to whom God called you together to do life with. The people that are produced through faith in Jesus Christ are supernatural people. Not only are they turned on to God, and now connected with Him because their spirit has been made alive unto God, but they are remarkable. They will do greater things than we have done, because they are part of an emerging church that is strengthened by the power of His might, and is willing to bandage and mend the broken lives that result from living outside the parameters of a healthy spiritual family. This life is what the world longs for! People are drawn to healthy functional families. Spiritual families sit together to eat. We get our spiritual nourishment at each service, from the life giving Word that builds our faith. Just like a meal around a table, there should be laughter, connection and a sense of contentment in having shared something good together. Healthy ‘Houses” play together…..we love God, love people, and love life! We are spontaneous and free to have fun. Life is too short (and to long) to do it without the freedom and laughter, joy and playfulness. Enjoy!