Adoption and the church

Today, I am guest posting on The Grafted and sharing about how our church is caring for adoptive children and families. We were not an adoptive family when we joined our church and it was not our focus to find a so called "adoption friendly church" either. But it was great to reflect on our experiences and how our church family has embraced us all as we have grown.

We joined our current church as a family of 4 with 2 biological children. Four years later we are a family of 7 after adopting siblings (ages 6 ½ and 3 ½) in 2012 and our youngest daughter in 2013 at age 3. As I think about our life and how it’s changed, I can’t help but recognize how our church family has been a source of strength and support at all times.
The most important aspect of our adoption-friendly church is that all families are welcomed. The culture of adoption is evident when it is not seen as a plan B or a second choice but a way to grow one’s family as well as provide a family for a child who doesn’t have one. We see many adoptive families as we worship each Sunday so we are not viewed as something unique or different.  We have church staff members who have adopted and I think that is why there is an understanding that families need support before, during and after adoption. CONTINUE READING HERE...