Family and the Mission of God

This article considers the question: to what extent and in what ways is ‘family’ part of God’s work (that is his mission). It argues that family is foundational for God’s pattern in creation and key to the life of Israel, but in both cases is the basis for other institutions. God’s mission is accomplished through the birth of the Christ into a family in Israel and he is the start of the new humanity, given within Israel. The coming of Christ reconfigures family relationships, restores family and recruits it for his mission. On the basis of this survey several implications for Christian life and ministry are outlined.