The Body of Christ as family.

I have been thinking a lot about this topic as I have listened to so many of you that have experienced trauma as the result of the churches of your context.

Many of which used familial language to perpetuate abuse.

Yet, many of you have also found family (and friends) as a result of the love and faithfulness of those in your context.

So do we throw out the image and ideal? Or do we seek to be really really serious about the words we say and what they mean?

I get the harm that false family language has created. I have pastored those who have experienced this pain. And realistically, as a shepherd, I have used the language and misstepped too.

What does a healthy spiritual family look like? What does it feel like? What do you expect? And what are you willing to give?

Also, who is primarily responsible for this? The leaders?
(Because I am finding more and more, that is where the malformations and abuse, often begin.)