The Art of Belonging

The British government recently declared a “loneliness epidemic,” dedicating significant resources to form a “Ministry of Loneliness.” A recent study showed that fewer than half of all Americans report that they have someone they can call in a crisis, and 25% of Americans describe themselves as “lonely and isolated.” What is going on? As it turns out, it is difficult to find community. As Christians, we try and fail (and try again!), to form community through key rituals like baptism, communion, and membership. In baptism, we belong to Christ. At the communion table, we belong to the body of believers across space and time. In membership, we belong to a particular expression of Christ’s church. Even so, it is not uncommon for folks to report feeling disconnected, unseen, or even unfulfilled in church. How can this be? As it turns out, our sense of belonging is not so much a series of activities than it is an effortful quality of being. Through practices like gratitude, fidelity, honesty, and hospitality, we will explore how to deepen our connections with one another as, together, we explore the art of belonging.

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