Pastor Bart Howell continued our We Are series by reminding us that the Church is more than a gathering—it’s a family. From 1 Thessalonians 2, Paul uses the imagery of a child, a loving mother, and a present father to show how believers should care for one another and walk together in faith.

Like a child, we’re called to be real and authentic, without masks or pretense—living with the kind of honesty and openness that builds trust.

Like a mother, we’re to share not only the Good News but our very lives, investing time, energy, and attention so that no one in the family is overlooked or left behind. And like a father, we’re to guide, encourage, and urge one another to live in a way that honors God—offering both gentle support and strong direction when needed.

A healthy church family isn’t perfect, but it is faithful. It’s made up of imperfect people who lean in during hard moments, look out for one another’s needs, and grow together in grace as we follow Jesus side by side.