The book “When the Church Was a Family” by Joseph H. Hellerman emphasizes the importance of community in the American church and how it is failing us due to individualism. Paul saw the church as a community where people should treat each other like brothers and sisters in Christ, and this family image was important to Jesus. The early church helped others and was impactful with their giving, which allowed them to stand out in the culture. The church should re-image itself as a community that cares for each other, holds biblical principles, and encourages each other to confess their sins and grow together. The family is more than just our immediate family, it is our brothers and sisters in Christ. Churches should have a mission statement and an idea of how they will be as a community of believers.
