Do You Feel Connected?

1 Corinthians 12:12-30

Message No. 0794 | Twitter @GodandUs | www.wisdom-speaks.ca

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Sometimes people are estranged from the house of God because they don’t feel or have a sense of belonging. They feel lonely or rejected, whereas the church is eagerly waiting for them to get involved and serve. This week, we encourage every child of God to step forward and do something. Every gift is important and every talent has the potential to multiply.

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There’s so much rancour in some families that anyone watching from outside hardly believes that the people have any blood connection. Siblings are bitter against one another and parents quarrel daily. Members of the family just don’t feel connected. Each person does his or her own things and others don’t seem to care. Conversations turn to arguments and simple questions feel like attacks. Family members feel happier and at peace only when they are out of the house and interacting with friends or colleagues.

While the dysfunction described above appear strong and may feel exaggerated, unfortunately, it actually exists, and a more subtle version of it exists in the church also. Traditionally, most church members just go to church to worship on Sundays and go back home, and the next time you see them is next Sunday. Those who are more invested attend Bible studies or prayer meetings during the week, and others join and attend small group meetings. However, there are some who feel disconnected and lonely and do not feel that anyone sees them. They don’t attend mid-week activities or group meetings, but they expect other church members to warm up to them and make them feel accepted, and sometimes this does not happen.

What is the underlying issue here, we may ask? A sense of belonging. The dictionary defines this as the fundamental human feeling of being accepted, included and connected to others, groups or places, providing security, support and a sense of identity. Additional explanation from the internet says it's more than just being around people; it's about feeling safe to be your authentic self and knowing you matter, impacting mental health, motivation, and overall quality of life.  

A sense of belonging is one of the basic human needs, and where this is lacking, individuals involved feel rejected, unloved, and excluded. In part, this is a reason why Paul wrote the message of unity and diversity in one body to the church in Corinth. In chapter 12, verses 20 - 26, Paul wrote:

But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you"; nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you."No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.

In the midst of hundreds, thousands, and sometimes tens of thousands, no one needs to feel lonely or excluded from the crowd. Our churches are open, and members can be as involved as they want to be. The church is constantly making announcements for people to volunteer to serve in various capacities, and the onus is on each member to step forward and offer their services. The church is itself hesitant to just grab a member’s hand and compel them to do anything, because it doesn’t feel right to do so. All the pastor and other church leaders can do is to encourage people to step forward.

One main place where members can feel a sense of belonging very quickly is to join a small group. The church may have a large population and the pastor cannot possibly see or know everyone, but in a small group, every member can see every other member and interact in a more closely knit way that will make members feel included and loved. The small group will do activities like Bible study, prayers, games, bible quizzes, movies, and dining together. There is no way that one can belong to a group like this and not feel connected.

If you are in a church and you feel lonely, please step forward gently to a leader and ask how you may get involved. There’s a lot to do in the house of God, and the church needs you. You may think that you do not have a gift or talent to do anything, but this is absolutely untrue. As Paul wrote to the Corinthians, those who feel they are weak have been bestowed greater honour by design. You are highly honoured and greatly loved, please get involved and you’ll see how much value you can bring to the Household of Faith.

What to Do?

Don’t look down on yourself. Get connected, God is waiting for you to serve.