The Importance Of Finding Church And Community
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

The Importance Of Finding Church And Community

Everyone deserves to find a place where they are met with nothing but love, acceptance, and validation. And regardless of why conventional religious settings make you uncomfortable, I'm here to tell you that affirming communities do exist even if they are hard to find.

120
The Importance Of Finding Church And Community
Pixabay

When I moved away to college, I knew that one of the most important things I could do to make my home here was to find a church. A bit of my backstory as a Christian is that I didn't grow up in church but I grew up in a somewhat Christian family and my grandmother was my predominant source of religious influence.

I began exploring my personal faith at fourteen and it never stopped although I still didn't attend church. The reason I didn't attend a church was almost exclusively because every church around was not an affirming environment.

Every church in my small town in the middle of the Bible belt seemed like a paradoxical example of the Savior that they claim to follow. That's not to say I believe the people within these churches are all bad, in no way am I saying that.

But the fact of the matter is that churches in my hometown are highly invested in the conservative rhetoric that is perpetuated. But I knew that moving to a bigger city, I might find a more accepting, and honestly, liberal, religious community.

So when I moved up here, I tried out a mega-church for a few weeks. And much to my disappointment but not surprise, I did not find the loving, accepting environment I desperately wanted and needed.

So I left that church with a heavy heart and began a subtle search for the environment I desperately longed for. And a few weeks later, I was at a local Me Too Rally and found out about the church I currently attend and my interest was immediately peaked.

I was lured in by the sweet, smiling faces of the girls running the booth and loved the pink hair and Planned Parenthood pin that my dear friend Larissa adorned. I chatted for a bit and decided that I would definitely look into attending and got the church's information.

And low and behold a few days later one girl I met communicated with me on social media and invited me to a sit with her that Sunday. Needless to say, I was shocked and so receptive to her kindness, generosity, and genuine spirit. And that is exactly how I would describe the people at The Venues.

I sat through one sermon and immediately fell in love. And now every time I get ready for church, I'm excited and hopeful. It makes my heart happy and my soul full. I love getting to communicate with so many amazing humans in my community and learn how to be the love of Christ to every person I meet.

One thing I love about my church is that we accept everyone with no exceptions. Of course, I am completely biased, but it is one of the best environments I've ever been in.

The love that they meet you with is the love of Jesus. And that's how a church should be. We have programs that help resettle refugee families, help out our homeless friends, send love to our kiddos in foster care, and a million other social response activities.

And guys, if any of you are struggling to find your community, keep up the search because I promise that truly Christ-centered communities do exist.

And I live in the Bible-belt in southern Missouri so I know that loving, affirming churches exist other places too. I truly believe that Jesus wants us to have a community that is the embodiment of his love and acceptance.

I hope and pray that every one of you who are struggling to find your place in the world is met with nothing but open arms, love, and acceptance. Make no mistake, you deserve to have that in a church.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

51830
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

33284
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

956186
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

181116
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments