Chances are you’ve experienced this. You decide to go to church. You don’t know anyone, but you take a deep breath and go for it. The music was heartfelt, and the message wasn’t half bad. Maybe people spoke—maybe they didn’t (which is truly unfortunate)—but when you left, you realized something else. All you really experienced was attending.

What was missing… was belonging. And that makes all the difference.

Attending church is a wonderful first step. It's where many of us begin. But Jesus never called people just to attend something. He invited them to belong—to Him and to one another. In the early church, we see this rhythm of life together:

"They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer… All the believers were together and had everything in common.” – Acts 2:42, 44 (NIV)

If you've been attending for a while—maybe sitting in the same seat, recognizing the same faces, politely smiling, and even feeling the warmth of worship—I want to gently, yet boldly, invite you to take the next step. Because you were made to belong, not merely attend.

Belonging isn’t about earning a place. It’s about embracing it.

Belonging means moving from being a guest to being part of the family. This is why we say, “Welcome Home” here at Church on the Hill. Belonging moves us from spectating to participating. From “that church” to “my church.” From consumers of religious goods and services to contributors to God’s Kingdom. Belonging is where your presence matters, your gifts are needed, and your story becomes part of a much bigger Story—the one God is writing in and through YOUR LIFE in THIS community of faith.

One person shared it this way. “Meeting and worshiping with God's people is central to my growth. This isn’t just about what I get—it’s about who I’m becoming in Christ through the life of the church.”

So, what does it look like to take that step? Sometimes it’s as simple as learning someone’s name and letting them learn yours. It might mean attending a small group for the first time, even if you’re not sure you’ll know anyone there. “I joined a weekday morning Bible study, and it was quite rewarding. Group study is so valuable!”

Or, it could be showing up to serve—yes, even if your schedule feels full—because shared mission builds shared connection. “I requested to be added to the Usher Team, then joined a Small Group, which then lead to the Security Team, while attending a Men’s Fire Group. These changes allowed me to interact with folks that I normally would not have interacted with if I just went to church. It has also created some new friendships and has provided me with support when I need it.”

Of course, the move toward belonging doesn’t come without its hesitations. Doubts, fears, and yes, insecurities and questions will creep in. Will I be accepted? Will I fit in? What if I’m too busy? What if it’s awkward? One COTH member said, “Not knowing if I would be accepted by the Church members that have been attending for a long time was tough. Previous churches were very 'cliquey', and we never seemed to fit in, since we were not originally from the area.

Folks just treated me as one of their own, this factor probably was the most significant in my overcoming these doubts. We all have our gifts, and we all have our faults, so far my faults are overlooked, and our church just sees me as a member who is trying to improve his spiritual life as best as I can and doing what they can to make sure that happens.”

When asked, How has your relationship with Jesus Christ grown through your investment in the life of Church on the Hill? One member said, “I have read more Scripture than any other church I attended and just witnessing what this church does is proof to me that Jesus is taking care of those who believe and my belief has never been greater than it is now.”

Listen, these are real stories from real people in the life of Church on the Hill! And the truth is—there are hundreds more. I hope those stories inspire you as much as they inspire me. Because this isn’t just about church growth—it’s about your growth. It’s about finding a spiritual home that shapes your faith, nurtures your soul, and surrounds you with people who walk alongside you in life’s highs and lows.

And it starts when you stop standing at the edge and take a brave step toward the center. So, if you've been coming for a while but still feel like you're on the outside looking in, here’s your invitation: Let’s take that step together.

Here are three simple ways you can take a step toward belonging this month:

Know Names

Belonging often begins with a simple introduction. When someone knows your name, you go from being invisible to being seen. That’s where connection begins—and where community starts to grow.

Join a Group

One member shared, “You cannot be a "Lone Ranger" Christian, it never works.” Whether it’s a Bible study, men’s or women’s group, or short-term class, these places are where connection begins, and transformation grows.

Find a Place to Serve

“Serving on the Communion Team helped us feel useful and known. We needed the church, and it needed us.” Whether greeting people, making coffee, working with students or children, serving on a tech team, or missions—there’s a role that fits your gifts and helps others feel at home.

You were made for more than just attending. You were made for belonging. So, let me speak this over you as your pastor and friend:

God didn’t draw you to this church by accident. He planted you here on purpose. For more than comfort. For more than inspiration. Certainly not for entertainment purposes. In fact, you are here for transformation of your life and soul as you experience the love and power of Jesus Christ.

Transformation doesn’t happen alone—it happens in community.

That nudge you feel? That stirring in your heart? That’s the Holy Spirit whispering: “Go ahead. Step in.” If you love your church, then . . .

• This is your time.
• This is your church.
• This is your moment to move from attending . . . to belonging.

We’re ready. Are you? We can’t wait to grow with you.

Thanks for reading,

JC

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