Episode 28

28 - What a Church Family Shares


28 - What a Church Family Shares

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.

When the Church Was a Family YouTube

https://www.biola.edu/directory/people/joe-hellerman

https://smallstepswithgod.com/?p=229

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Jill McKinley

I’m Jill from the Northwoods. Professionally, I work in Health IT, where I untangle complex systems and help people use technology more effectively. But at heart, I’m a curious lifelong learner—always exploring how things work, why people grow the way they do, and how even the smallest steps can spark real transformation. That curiosity fuels everything I do, from problem-solving at work to sharing insights through my creative projects.

My journey wasn’t always easy. Growing up, I faced a rough childhood, and books became my lifeline. They introduced me to voices of ancient wisdom, modern psychology, and the natural world around me. Those pages taught me resilience, gave me perspective, and helped me see that wisdom is everywhere—waiting to be noticed, gathered, and shared.