Replacing Loneliness with a Biblical Vision of Belonging

A local church should be a place of true community and connection—where people belong to God and one another. But in our individualistic culture, many Christians end up struggling with social isolation and loneliness. Lacking a sense of authentic belonging within the church, some eventually stop attending or question their faith altogether. How can believers overcome these negative cultural effects and restore the biblical vision of belonging in their churches today?

In this concise booklet, author and pastor Jeremy Linneman encourages readers to pursue a life of fellowship through 5 practices: taking initiative in hospitality, being patient in building friendships, maintaining relational stability, persisting through conflict, and praying together. By understanding the human need for belonging and reflecting on Jesus’s lifestyle of mission, ministry, and care, readers will be better equipped to build fruitful communities that bear witness to Christ’s glory and purposes alone.

• Offers a Biblical Vision of Belonging: Shows how true belonging is only found in a local Christian community
• Useful for Church Leaders: Encourages church leaders to build needed spiritual communities that bear witness to Christ’s glory alone
• Short, Accessible Format: A concise biblical exploration of belonging and community
• TGC Hard Questions Series: Equips readers with answers to difficult questions facing the modern church