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Writer's pictureBrett

Finding Community and Connection

Have you ever walked into a crowded room and felt utterly alone? Maybe it was a party, a work event, or even a Sunday morning service. You look around and see people chatting, laughing, and connecting, but somehow, you feel like an outsider. If you’ve been there, you’re not alone.


lonely in a crowd

In a world that seems more connected than ever—with phones, social media, and endless entertainment—many struggle to find genuine community. This longing for connection is especially poignant for adults in their 30s, 40s, and 50s, and even 60s.


Juggling the demands of careers, family, personal growth, and eventually empty nesting. Yet the church offers a unique and life-giving (and maybe the most authentic) opportunity to find connection and belonging.


Can I tell you a story? The names are changed but it happens almost every weekend at Mt Ridge.


The Smith family moves into the neighborhood. They don’t know anyone yet, and the weight of loneliness settles in. One Sunday, they decided to visit Mt Ridge. They checked out our website, watched some of an online service and drove by. Sunday comes, they walk in, sit near the back, and hope not to attract too much attention. It feels safer that way—until a man named Aaron comes over, extends his hand, and said, “Hi, we’re glad you’re here.”

That simple act of kindness was the beginning of something unexpected.


The Smiths were introduced to a few people. One invites them to their community group. It took a few weeks but they checked it out and found people who genuinely cared about them. Over time, those connections deepened. They shared meals, prayed for each other, and celebrated milestones together. The church became more than a place to attend on Sundays; it became their community, their family.


It literally happens all the time at Mt Ridge.

 

Why We Are Needy


The desire for connection is woven into the fabric of who we are. In Genesis 2:18, God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone.” From the very beginning, we were created for relationships—with God and with one another. Yet, in today’s fast-paced, individualistic culture, cultivating those relationships can feel daunting.


We live in a time when loneliness has become a public health crisis. A 2023 study revealed that nearly half of adults report feeling lonely at least some of the time. For many, church might seem like an unlikely solution, but the Bible tells us the church isn’t a building, an institution or an event; it’s a living, breathing community. It is you and I following Jesus together and loving each other.



What Is the Intention


In Acts 2:42-47, we see a beautiful picture of the early church:

 "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."


This passage paints a picture of a community where people are committed to learning, sharing, serving, and worshiping together. It’s a stark contrast to the surface-level interactions we often settle for today.

 

Getting Over It


If finding community in the church sounds amazing but feels out of reach, you’re not alone. Many of us face barriers to connection, such as:


Fear of Rejection: What if I try to connect, and people don’t accept me?


Past Hurts: Maybe you’ve been burned by a church experience before and are hesitant to trust again.


Busyness: (this is most of us) Between work, family, and other commitments, it’s hard to make time for community.


Here’s the truth: no church is perfect because people aren’t perfect. But don’t let imperfections rob you of the joy and growth that come from being part of a faith community.


Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages us, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”


Take a Step Towards Community


Some practical ways to find and build community at Mt Ridge:


1. Show Up Consistently

Building relationships takes time. Commit to showing up regularly, whether it’s for Sunday services, Bible studies, or church events. Over time, you’ll begin to recognize faces and feel more at home. I can't emphasize this enough if you only connected with your spouse for an hour or so a month, you will still be married but your marriage will feel lonely. Meaningful relationships take more than 1-2 hours a month!


2. Join a Community Group

Large gatherings can be intimidating, but small groups offer a more personal and intimate setting. Whether it’s a Bible study, a prayer group, or a ministry team, these spaces allow you to share life with others. Bonus groups will be launching again in January, no time like the present.


3. Serve Together

Volunteering is one of the best ways to connect with others. Whether you’re helping in the Next Gen ministry, part of the worship team, or serving our community, working alongside others fosters a sense of camaraderie. Guys, this is especially true for us. Men develop relationships working shoulder to shoulder most often.


4. Be Courageous

Authentic connection requires honesty. Share your struggles and joys with others, and allow them to do the same. Galatians 6:2 reminds us, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Holding back from engagement holds you in loneliness.


5. Pray for Community

Ask God to guide you to the right people and to open your heart to meaningful relationships. Sometimes, the first step is simply asking Him for help.


Get Moving


If you’ve been longing for connection, don’t wait for someone else to take the first step. Step out in faith. Visit that Community group, introduce yourself to someone new on Sunday, or volunteer for a ministry team. Yes, it’s scary. But it’s also worth it.


Jesus himself prayed for unity among believers, saying, “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you” (John 17:20-21). When we pursue connection in the church, we honor His prayer and reflect His love to the world.


You Belong Here


Finding community isn’t always easy, but it’s one of the most important steps you can take. It’s where you’ll find people who will laugh with you, cry with you, and walk alongside you through every season of life. It’s where you’ll discover the joy of belonging—not just to a group of people, but to the body of Christ.


So, the next time you feel like an outsider in a crowded room, remember: you don’t have to. There’s a seat for you at the table, and a community waiting to welcome you. Let today be the day you take that first step toward connection.

 

New to Mt Ridge? Check us out and then stop by:



 

Would you like to see more content like this? Visit our BLOG


We love connecting with people. Visit us at mountainridge.church 


Finally, check our our YouTube channel for great videos designed to help you move forward

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