The Paradigm Shift Series - Family First

Family First. For most of us, we start our week making a to-do list or at the very least planning the “big” stuff we need to get done each day. In City Church, one of our 3 identities is family. The people you are connected to in a Village are your family. The people in the City Church are your family. As the early apostles lived their lives (Acts 2:45) the possessions of one belonged to all in the family. If anyone had needs, they looked to their church family to resolve them.


For most of us, when we have needs we look to our earthly family whether it be relatives or close friends. We never stop to consider our Kingdom family. Family first means that when you sit down to plan your week, the first question you ask is “What does my family need from me this week?” This is a paradigm shift in the way we plan. Normally we plan by saying “what do I need to get done at work this week?” or “what does the house need this week?” etc. To shift your thinking to a place where your Kingdom family comes first is a big step. It is why we say that City Church is a lifestyle. This shift is one of the hardest ones to make. And for some, it seems a bit out there. But not to God and not to the early apostles. We are called to make disciples and we do this by putting those disciples at the top of our list versus at the bottom. It also means these people need to be cared for and in your life more than the once a week Sunday event that you are used too. It means being willing to open your home and your heart to others – to care for the widows and orphans in the world. No one should ever need a place to stay or food or clothes or a ride. The family should always provide.