Church Family Culture

Every family has its own unspoken rules and ways of doing things that are a little different than other homes and families. What is the “culture” of your church family? What is expected of the “big brothers” and “big sisters” of the family?

Church culture includes things like shared beliefs, shared values, and shared practices. From early times, Christians have put together these ideas in creeds like the Apostle’s Creed, documents like the Didache, letters like those of Paul and the Apostolic Fathers, and various catechisms through the ages. At New Heart this means:

  • We believe in the gospel and in the Bible, and we affirm the Apostle’s Creed.

  • We value all people and treat them all with love, gratitude and grace.

  • We practice a private and public devotional life, generous acts of kindness towards both believers and neighbors, and strive to follow the example of Christ in every area of our lives.

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
      creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
      who was conceived by the Holy Spirit
      and born of the virgin Mary.
      He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
      was crucified, died, and was buried;
      he descended to hell.
      The third day he rose again from the dead.
      He ascended to heaven
      and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.
      From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
      the holy catholic* church,
      the communion of saints,
      the forgiveness of sins,
      the resurrection of the body,
      and the life everlasting. Amen.

— The Apostle’s Creed

I interviewed Pastor Amah to find out about the culture of Kefas Church. To find out about what he looks for in mature “big brothers” and “big sisters” in the local church family.

Just as Simon became Cephas, or Peter, he hopes the church is a place of transformation and reidentification. Simon means reed. Cephas means rock. Paul says Peter is a pillar of the church (Gal 2.9). Jesus asks Peter to strengthen the brothers (Lk 22.32). Kefas Church is called to bless the nation and see many be saved.

Discipleship in Kefas Church involves:

  • Meeting and engaging neighbors

  • Discipleship

  • Sending

With regards to discipleship, Pastor Amah emphasizes that we should become more like Christ (as opposed to trying to become more like your leader).

Leaders at Kefas Church are expected to “lead with heart.” This means:

  • Like a shepherd, providing safety.

  • Having a heart that cares for people

  • Practicing forgiveness

  • Accepting people of all backgrounds

  • Not having an iron hand, but loving the people they lead

  • Sharing life, not like a boss and employee

  • Recognizing the family relationship (or best friend relationship)

  • Leadership is not a status that sets someone apart, but actually brings you closer together

Big brothers and big sisters should be:

  • Quick to welcome new people and give them a “seat at the table”

  • Involved in planning and sharing in group activities including worship, devotions

  • Praying for and with brothers and sisters, preparing life with room to share, and actively visiting with brothers and neighbors to be familiar with their issues. (“A pastor should smell like the sheep”)

  • Reading through the Bible in a year

  • Growing in the fruit of the Spirit


Homework

Questions

① How would you describe the culture of your church to someone that is new? How is it different from the world? How is it different from other churches?

② Are there areas of this church family culture that you struggle with? What are they?

③ How would you like to grow into a better “big brother” or “big sister” for your church family?