Hope Is Here

We All Need a Tribe

There is something deep inside each of us. It’s the need to belong somewhere – to find our tribe, our people, our family. We spend our lives looking for those who are like us, who approve of us, who will share life with us – be a part of something with us. We’re all searching for a group we can run with. We long for others to accept our friend invitations, to like our posts, and to share our moments. We want people to be interested in us. But while our social networks and areas of influence grow larger and larger, we feel more and more alone and disconnected.

The fact is that 75% of Americans admit to feeling a deep sense of loneliness. The average person only has two people they feel they could talk to about important issues. Since 1985, the number of Americans with no close friends has tripled. During that same time, churches in America have been shrinking. 85% of churches are in decline. More than half of millennials have left the Church. We have to wonder, why?

Many assume that Church is where people go who are all “put together.” To most, the Church does not feel like a place for those of us still struggling to make sense of life and get our act together. But it doesn’t have to be this way. In fact, Jesus Himself said:

“I desire mercy and not sacrifice. For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Matthew 9:13)

Church is the Home for God’s Family

The Church is God’s answer to loneliness and pain. The first members of the Church, the disciples, were not great saints. At least they didn’t start out that way. They were fishermen, tax collectors, blue-collar workers, and family men. Barely in their 20’s, they were far from mature. They were weak and broken people, just like the rest of us. But they gathered and formed the first Church around two key themes: love for Jesus, and their desire to grow together and learn to love each other.

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35

It’s Not Perfect, But it’s Real

The Church isn’t a haven for perfect people; it is a meeting place for those in need. The whole goal of Church is to encourage each other to keep going, not to give up, and to seek the face of Jesus day-in-day-out. The underlying premise of Church is the acknowledgment that Jesus heals and saves, and that we cannot be good enough or do enough to make life work right. The reason for Church is community, with all the warts and troubles and pain. It’s a constant confession that we need Jesus and each other. We can’t do it alone, and we don’t have to. This is why Church exists.

You’re invited. Visit a local Church and link arms with people just like you – for real relationships, encouragement, hope, and a chance at living life with others. Jesus made a place for you in His Church, a place marked by love. He loves you and calls you worthy just as you are, and He invites you.

You belong here.

No Church will be perfect, but we invite you to visit. We stand with Jesus, opening our arms to you in love. There is a place for you.

Back to Church

On September 19, 2021, thousands of churches across America will be participating in National Back to Church Sunday — a special day where everyone is welcome to give Church a try! Click here to find a participating Church near you.

Go Deeper

You were created with a God-given purpose. Are you living outside of that purpose? It is easy to allow the cares of the world to rob us of living life fully.

When Jesus walked the earth, He said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness.” If you are unfulfilled in the life you are living, consider seeking out the LIFE that Jesus came to give and Discover Jesus