06. Live as a Spiritual Family
Extraordinary DNA That Multiplies · Part 06
If someone in your group was hurting this week, would anyone know, and would anyone help?
A person can attend your group, join the discussion, and still go home feeling alone.
As we become a fellowship that functions like Acts 2, we must learn to care for one another as family.
Throughout this series, we have been gathering a few people, discovering Jesus through Bible stories, and putting what we learn into practice. In the last article, we considered the functions of an Acts 2 fellowship.
Now consider what that life looks like between gatherings.
The Stories Teach Us How to Live
Acts 2:42 says:
“They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayer.”
Acts 2:42 WEB
These believers shared their lives. They ate together, prayed together, and responded to one another’s needs.
That kind of fellowship grows as we obey what Jesus teaches us.
When we discover Jesus washing His disciples’ feet, we ask: Whom can I serve?
When we hear His teaching about forgiveness, we ask: Whom do I need to forgive, or ask to forgive me?
When we see His compassion for hurting people, we ask: Who needs my attention and care?
Every story gives us something to practice. Obeying those stories teaches us how to live as a spiritual family.
Let Love Become Visible
Jesus said:
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
John 13:35, WEB
That love becomes visible in ordinary moments.
Someone is sick. We pray, call, visit, or bring a meal.
Someone is struggling to provide for their family. We listen and consider how we can help.
Someone is lonely. We make room at our table.
Someone is struggling to obey Jesus. We walk beside them, speak truth with love, and help them take the next step.
Someone has hurt us. We seek forgiveness and reconciliation.
The whole fellowship learns to notice, care, and act. Each person has something to give, and each person sometimes needs help.
Sharing meals creates space for these relationships to grow. Remembering Jesus through the Lord’s Supper keeps His sacrifice before us. Praying together helps us bring our burdens to God and support one another.
Over time, people learn that they can speak honestly, ask for help, and be loved.
Build the Family Life You Hope to Multiply
Our vision is that each family unit will help begin another fellowship that does the same by the end of the second year together.
What will those new fellowships learn from us?
They will learn from the way we listen, serve, forgive, pray, and open our homes. The life we practice together becomes something we can model for another household.
A spiritual family that loves and obeys Jesus gives others a living example to follow.
Put It Into Practice
At your next gathering, ask:
“What has Jesus taught us through our recent Bible stories that we need to practice toward one another?”
Listen carefully. Someone’s answer may reveal a need you had never noticed.
Then take one concrete step this week. Share a meal. Make the call. Offer help. Seek forgiveness. Pray with someone and follow up.
If someone in your fellowship is hurting, will they have to carry it alone?
Want to go further? All ten Zúme discipleship lessons are on my site, free, with the video and the same teaching notes I use when I train leaders in person. Take them on your own, take them with a few friends, or join me live on Zoom and I will teach them to you face to face. When you finish, tell me and I will coach you personally.
Start the ten lessons: https://internationalafricanmobilization.com/training/terrys-zume-teaching-series/
Want to go deeper in disciple-making? Join Terry’s Zúme training class at zume.training/join-a-training.