We are starting a new midweek series called Home Church. The church is going to look different for at least the next month, so I am thinking about how we can be intentional in having church at home.

Being-the-church is not just about showing up on a Sunday morning. It's not just a mindless religious activity, but something that we've been called to do every single day.

So how do we do that intentionally? Before we start and get into that, I want to encourage you to be the pastor of your family, in your home, starting today. As any good pastor will tell you, their first ministry is to their family. I want to encourage you to step up and claim the authority that you've been given by God to lead your family spiritually. And for men especially, I really want this to be a time where we rise to the challenge to lead our families into a deeper relationship with the Lord.

It can be a daunting task to think, "Oh, I have to lead my family...I don't have any schooling or training...", but in Acts 4, Peter and John are noted that they were "unschooled, ordinary men," but because they spent time with Jesus, they spoke with courage and authority.

I want to encourage family-leaders out there to spend time with Jesus! That's the secret ingredient to leading your family well! Spend extra time in prayer, reading your Bible, and worship.

And loving your family well is the first thing that you can do to lead your Home Church in this new season! I want you to accept and rise up to claim what you've been given as pastor of your home.

So you're the head pastor, and you're starting a church—if you're not scared and you're still with me, we're going to go into the details of this!

The very first thing that we're going to talk about is the group of four things, or elements, that are talked about in Acts 2. The early church came together and was devoted to teaching, fellowship, communion, and prayer. In the next four weeks, we will break those apart and see how to do that with your family or community.

The first thing I wanted to talk about is Fellowship, which is the hardest thing right now. How do we come together when we can't be together?

The beautiful thing is that you have a captive audience in your household, called your family! They can't go anywhere; they're locked-in to staying and being at home with you!

Hebrews 10:25 instructs believers not to give up "meeting together." Matthew 18:20 says Jesus is there when two or more are gathered in his name. Your family is called to gather together, and when you do, God promises to be there.

I really want us to be intentional with this time. Whether you're playing Lego on the floor, reading books together, having dinner, or just sitting around the fire, enjoying your time. Let the weight that the Lord is there in your midst comfort you. Rest in knowing that when you're in fellowship with your family, God is there.

1) We are the spiritual authorities and leaders of our
family.

2) When we come together in Jesus' name—even with just family or extended family, or over the Internet—God is there in the midst.

So let's not forsake this opportunity that we have to gather together with our families.

Put down the screens—no screen time—and be intentional.

Are you up for that challenge?

Reach out if you have any questions or send a video of what that looks like for your family.

We love you, and we're thinking about you, and we hope you are all doing well.

Take care!