Churches are families?

I am not so sure that we know exactly what we are communicating when we advertise ourselves as "church families". I know the idea is good, it certainly has the potential to create an inviting culture for prospective members and hopefully some reassurance for current members.
I am prone to suspect however, that far too many people know too much about what real family life is and they also know that the same dysfunctions that they see in the real world are seen in the church family.
Many church settings would provide good footing for a TV reality show. Family secrets, blurred lines of communication, self interest, unclear direction, unplanned futures, these are all traits of dysfunction in families of all types.
My point here is not to be critical of churches, but to help us face a truth about ourselves that we must face if we are ever going to do anything about it. I know that I am not the only pastor who stood on a front doorstep of a home and hear the occupants inside make the mad rush to "clean"things up before the preacher comes in the door and hear the parents last minute "Now don't you act up in front of the preacher" speech."
No, familes are not perfect, but they can be open and honest and genuine. My fear is that many churches are going to drift off to oblivion becuase they will not sit down as a family and talk family business for the good of the future of the congregation.