Why Do We Feel Lonely at Church? (Jeremy Linneman)

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 

Endorsements: 

“There is no denying the perennial problems of loneliness, isolation, and lack of meaningful community in the local church. Jeremy Linneman has identified these problems and digs deeply into the root causes and, better still, a cure. If you are among the many who have been wounded by the church or have abandoned it altogether because you never felt genuinely connected, this short book is for you. It may well prove to be your first step back into the spiritual life of the body of Christ, the only place where meaningful community can be found.”
Sam Storms, Founder and President, Enjoying God Ministries

“This is like a heartfelt devotional with a call to respond. Jeremy Linneman gives us researched help for understanding why we’re often so lonely. Then he suggests practical steps for the hard but rewarding work of community building. Embedded with rich theology and the sure promises of God, these pages challenge us to practice and experience how we belong to God and to each other.”
Tasha Chapman, Professor of Educational Ministries, Covenant Theological Seminary; coauthor, The Politics of Ministry and Resilient Ministry

“From the first paragraph, Jeremy Linneman had me engaged in this important but overlooked topic. Reading on, I was encouraged by his insightful proposals to address the loneliness that is all too pervasive in the church. You will want not only to read this thoughtful work but also to employ its practical suggestions to develop and experience true belonging in your life and church.”
Nora Allison, former women’s ministry director; Retreat Speaker, Seminary Wives Institute

About the Author: 
Jeremy Linneman serves as the lead pastor of Trinity Community Church in Columbia, Missouri. He writes on spiritual formation and community for the Gospel Coalition and is completing his DMin at Covenant Theological Seminary. Jeremy and his wife, Jessie, have three sons.