21 Mar Family Matters: Hey Fam

Family is a word that means a lot to a lot of people–including me.

I’m thankful for my family of origin, growing up in the steakhouse capital of the world in Dallas, Texas.

Now that March Madness has begun, as a former (read: washed up) college athlete, I’m thankful for the kind family I had while playing baseball at the University of Houston. In fact, we called ourselves “Beta Phi Brotherhood,” a kind of fraternity. (Full disclosure: I’m wearing my University of Houston Phi Slama Jama t-shirt as I write this. Please Google what that means if need be.)

As a husband and dad, my wife and four children mean everything to me. I love our natural, blood family. When we are together, we can drive each other a little crazy and make each other laugh…a lot. Plus, with three large young adult and teenage sons, we can also eat our weight in pizza (heads up to parents of littles…it doesn’t get cheaper).

And, when I really gave my heart to Christ in college, I learned this phrase: “spiritual family.” To tell you the truth, that phrase kind of got overused and sometimes misapplied, but those failings don’t diminish the reality, the power, or the Scripturalness of the concept. All things being equal, the New Testament, especially, majors in family metaphors when it describes the relationships we are gifted when becoming a Christ follower.

In short, family matters.

And, this spiritual family called Mosaic really, really matters as well.

As a pastor and wannabe, sometimes researcher, I have become aware of just how unique this spiritual, Jesus-centered family is. Because of that, it therefore requires some unique reflection, conversation, and awareness to ensure it remains vibrant. And that’s what we will be talking about, mostly from the Gospel of John.

What does it take for us to make sure we remain a church that matters and makes a difference? And what part to play do you and your natural family have?

I can’t wait for you to find out!

We’ll see you Sunday, and sorry about your bracket (sincerest apologies to the uncaring).

Morgan Stephens
Lead Pastor