God’s Great Big Beautiful Family

Have you ever noticed how church can feel like a family reunion — minus Aunt Mildred’s potato salad and Uncle Bob’s political debates?

You walk in thinking, We’re just checking out this random church. Casual. Observing. Sitting near the back in case we need a quick escape.

And then something happens.
Someone remembers your name.

A Bible study turns into conversation.
A Wednesday night meal turns into laughter.
A class turns into connection.
And before we know it, when we miss a Sunday, our phone buzzes:
“Are you okay? We missed you.”

That’s when we realize — this isn’t random. This is family.

God never meant for us to white-knuckle life alone. From the very beginning, His plan was adoption.

“His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into His own family by sending Jesus Christ…” (Ephesians 1:5)

He wanted us.
And He still does.

Some people think church is a building. Or a weekly event. Or a box to check. But church is a living, breathing body. It’s hands that serve, knees that kneel, voices that pray.

“The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 12:12)

One body. Many parts.

You may feel like the pinky toe — small but essential. Or maybe you’re the heart, pumping encouragement into weary souls. Either way, you matter. There are no spare parts in God’s family.

When Carl and I found our church home years ago, we didn’t just find a seat. We found brothers and sisters who call us by name. Friends who pray seriously. Leaders who speak rock-solid truth when life gets shaky.

And here’s the beautiful exchange:
First, we give ourselves to the Lord.
Then, by His will, we give ourselves to one another. (2 Corinthians 8:5)

That’s when something powerful happens.
Children find friends.
Marriages find support.
The sick find prayer warriors.
The weary find hope.

Maybe it’s time to stop visiting — and start belonging.

There’s a seat at the table.
And it has your name on it. 💛

#church #churchfamily #SeatAtTheTable