Spiritual Family

We have called our church membership course Spiritual Family because we believe the church is more than a building, a religious organization, or a worship service. The church in the New Testament was first and foremost a spiritual family. Members did not just call each other "brother" and "sisters", they actually cared for each other.

Not everyone who walks through the front door of our house is a family member. There are two basic differences between family members and others who occasionaly enter our house: duration and responsibility. Family members are here to stay, while visitors are temporary. Family members have responsibilities. Visitors have none.

We usually enjoy having visitors, but we are not responsible for their long-term care. However, we are responsible to feed, clothe, educate, and care for family members. It is the same in the spiritual family. We welcome visitors, but we are responsible for the spiritual well-being of our members. While members are committeed for the long haul, we may never see a visitor again.

This course is designed to help members understand the past, present, and future of the Every Nation family of churches and ministries.