The Bible uses the picture of family to describe the Church. Here Jonathan Stanfield teaches us what a healthy family looks like, to see whether our churches resemble this.
We never drift or fall into health – it is something we must be intentional about. Such a family lives by the Father’s ways, is led by parents – both fathers and mothers, and there is intimacy – not just functionality.
A healthy family also reproduces. Jonathan challenges us to think whether we are simply reproducing clones (homogenous communities where everybody looks the same), or whether we are embracing the ‘other’?
In a healthy family, the kids share the values of the parents, are devoted themselves, and they are marked by discipline. Just so, saints should be stirring each other to good, daily disciplines and open homes.
The mark of a Biblical church includes Ephesians 4:11-gifts working with the Elders to bring the church into health.