We have been on this journey encouraging spiritual families. The church was a spiritual family for many new believers in the early church. It was about being a family, living life together not seperate but joined together in this spiritual community.
A church service runs anywhere from 1.5 hours to 3 hours on a Sunday morning. Today, we enjoyed true spiritual community for 7.5 hours. Yes, it is hard to believe that anyone could "enjoy" such a lengthy time. Paul talked about this type of life exchange that took place in the Thessalonian church. This concept of a shared life was not forign to them... they lived it.
"1Ths. 2:8 We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us."
Don't allow the church to become four walls and a pew to listen from... Define church as Paul and others did, living in spiritual community with other believers.
A great book to read on the topic is...
The Ancient Church As Family by Joseph H. Hellerman
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