Mutual care within church congregations based on the paradigm of the family of God

Abstract

Christians are known for their caring activities towards the world, except that it is the mutual care between believers that witnesses the restoration found in Jesus Christ to the world (Jn 13:35). The article claims that mutual care between believers may bring restoration and healing to church congregations when based on the paradigm of the family of God. The biblical family metaphors of the adoption in Christ, the Body of Christ and the Bride of Christ are discussed to understand the functioning of mutual care through the interaction of koinōnia and diakonia within church congregations. The purpose of mutual care within filial relationships is to restore one another and acquire knowledge about their new identity (‘being-function’) and to develop their new identity in Christ by preparing one another to participate together in the mission of God (‘doing-function’) as they continually increase in maturity (‘becoming-function’). The C.A.R.E. model, as a practical and applicable tool, employs the biblical concepts of koinōnia and diakonia that are already functioning within congregations. Enhancing these biblical concepts increases mutual care and leads to a healthier church where members live according to who they are in Christ and extend this blessing of care to others around them.

Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This article offers a unique interdisciplinary exploration, bridging pastoral care, practical theology and systematic theology. It delves into the paradigm of the family of God as a fresh approach to fostering mutual care within church congregations through koinōnia and diakonia.