Family and kinship in the early Christian church and the modern Seventh-day Adventist Church : a comparison in ecclesiology

Abstract

This study aims to identify the comparisons and contrasts that might exist between the kinship and familial ecclesiology of the first-century Christian church and the ecclesiology of the SDA church. It further aims to highlight the benefits of developing a familial ecclesiology in the SDA church. The last aim of this study is to positively contribute to the development of a biblical familial approach to the doctrine and practice of ecclesiology in the SDA church by making specific recommendations. The aim of this study is not to bring complete reform to SDA ecclesiology, but rather to inform and sensitise the SDA community with regards to the familial experience of the early Christian believers.