Although the explicit term ‘church’ (Greek: ekklesia) appears in the New Testament, the idea of God forming a covenant family originates in the Old Testament. Israel is repeatedly described as God’s chosen people (Deuteronomy 7:6), bound to him through covenantal relationship. God is portrayed as Father (Isaiah 63:16), suggesting relational intimacy rather than subservient allegiance. The New Testament intensifies familial imagery: 

• Believers are called children of God (Romans 8:16–17).
• The church is described as the household of God (1 Timothy 3:15 NIVUK).
• Christians relate as brothers and sisters (Hebrews 2:11).

These terms are not merely symbolic but reflect theological realities rooted in union with Christ. Through Christ’s redemptive work, believers receive adoption into God’s family (Romans 8:15). Being the family of God means that we now belong to him, and to one another, which presents the church with several implications, including:

• Each of us is deeply loved by our Abba who has chosen us to be his child: ‘See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!’ (1 John 3:1 NIVUK). 
• Family membership brings responsibility. New Testament exhortations consistently stress bearing one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2), forgiving one another (Colossians 3:13), and encouraging mutual growth (Hebrews 10:24–25). These obligations reflect the moral fabric of God’s household.
• We are to be welcoming and inclusive. Hospitality is a recurring New Testament theme (Romans 12:13; 1 Peter 4:9). As God welcomes believers, the church must extend this welcome to others. This includes new believers, social outsiders, and cultural minorities. Such inclusivity reflects God’s heart and his universal salvific intention.

All of this means church is meant to be relational, not merely institutional. Families share life: joys, burdens, meals, prayers, struggles, and celebrations. Likewise, God designed the church to be a place where we care deeply for one another, forgive quickly, and encourage constantly. In a world where many feel lonely, isolated or disconnected, the church reminds us we have a spiritual home, a Father who loves us, and a family walking the journey of faith alongside us.

Imagine a church where no one feels invisible, needs are met, faith is growing, grace flows freely, and love underpins everything. As we embrace this identity, church stops being a duty and becomes a family.

Local congregation:
Grace Communion West Hampstead 
Sidings Community Centre
150 Brassey Road
West Hampstead
London
NW6 2BA

Meeting time:
Sunday 12.30 pm

Local congregational contact:
Gordon Brown
gordon.brown@gracecom.church

Word of Life contact:  
wordoflife@gracecom.church