Why Do We Feel Lonely at Church?
Replacing Loneliness with a Biblical Vision of Belonging
Living in an individualistic culture in the middle of what has been labeled a loneliness epidemic, even many Christians end up struggling with social isolation and loneliness. In this video, Jeremy Linneman, author of Why Do We Feel Lonely at Church?, takes time to explain why this matters to him as both a believer and a pastor, considering the implications for us as relational beings and offering suggestions for how we might build spiritual communities for ourselves to help combat our growing loneliness.
An excerpt…
Not long ago, I sat with a friend as she described why she struggles with trusting the church anymore. She’s not leaving, but she feels hurt and is increasingly disconnected. A few months earlier, I talked with a couple who have attended our church sporadically for a few years. They liked it, they said, but they have so many issues with “the church” that they just need a break from it. Another friend still considers herself a believer but hasn’t attended church in several years and doesn’t plan to return anytime soon. I can think of countless other stories, and I’m guessing you can too.The church in North America has been in decline for decades. Many researchers and organizations give two reasons. First, Christian beliefs have become increasingly unpopular in our secular culture. So, many churchgoers have dropped certain convictions or stopped attending altogether in order to maintain relationships outside the church. Second, the church’s moral reputation has been brought into question, as key leaders and political figures have claimed Christianity yet lived opposite to its teachings.
Although I’m sure these two reasons are important factors, I think there’s a different reason why many people are “deconstructing,” “deconverting,” or just simply leaving the church.
I believe the problem is a lack of belonging.
People don’t feel connected, known, or loved. So they leave.
Look for this book at the Connect Table to learn more about building relationships, fighting loneliness, and embracing the community of church family we’ve been adopted into.
