Theological Foundations of the Christian Family

God's Design & Intent

The first family, Adam & Eve, was created by God and designed for our enjoyment, projeny, moral training & protection. Some of us are arranged in traditional forms (mom, dad & kids) but we could be arranged in other ways (dad & kids, grandparents and grandchildren, etc). Family is a basic social unit consisting of parents and their children or one or more adults with children they care for, considered as a group, whether dwelling together or not.
Families can be seen as the social units that make up a culture and society. 

Learning to be like Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is and always will be the greatest example of how we should conduct ourselves. Individuals in the family all seek to learn and transform into the "measure and the fullness of Christ (Eph 4:13). Jesus was both gracious and bold in His dealings with those around Him. We should constantly strive to learn how integrate a Christ-likeness in our thoughts, actions and speech with those in our family. 

Live in Unity, like the Trinity

Perichoresis (pronounce it perry-ko-ray-sis​) is used to describe theologically the divine dance of the three Persons of the Trinity. Father, Son and Holy Spirit make room for each other, move in and through one another, dance with one another, in such a way that creates a mutual indwelling while still maintaining space for each individually (Danielle Shroyer). Learning how to live as individuals with boundaries as well as balancing our identity as family is key to a Biblical Family. 

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​Our Covenant to Nurture Our Families

This document is the first chapter of the book Nurturing Pentecostal Families which was a publication of the Church of God (Cleveland). It is out of print. The chapter provides a Biblical foundation for understanding God's plan for families. You may download here.

This page was developed by Amanda Walker. Additions were made by the general editor.