Belonging - Pastor Jake Dyck
Belonging is a deep and God-given need in every human heart. From the very beginning, God designed us for relationship—not just with Him, but with one another. Genesis reminds us that it is not good for man to be alone, and this truth extends beyond marriage to all forms of human connection. From the earliest moments of life, we crave connection, and this need for belonging never truly leaves us, even as we grow into adulthood. God’s design for family, friendship, and church community is meant to meet this need, providing places where we are seen, known, and loved.
Yet, in a broken world, many experience loneliness and isolation. The enemy often uses these feelings to discourage and separate us, but God’s answer is always relationship—first with Himself, and then with others. Even in times of solitude, like Elijah by the brook, God uses those moments to deepen our dependence on Him, but He never intends for us to remain isolated. True healing and growth come as we are drawn back into community, where we can both give and receive support.
The family is one of God’s primary gifts for belonging, but the church is a spiritual family that transcends bloodlines. Through Christ, we are adopted as children of God, bought with a price, and made part of His household. Each believer is a temple of the Holy Spirit, and together we form the body of Christ. In this body, every member is needed—each with unique gifts and roles. No one is insignificant, and no one is meant to be a spectator. When we serve out of love for Christ, we find joy and purpose, and the whole body is built up.
It’s important to recognize and use the gifts God has given us, not out of guilt, but from a place of love and gratitude. Sometimes, discovering our place in the body takes time and encouragement from others. But as we step out in faith, we experience the joy of belonging and contributing to something greater than ourselves. Our church, and the wider community of believers, should be places where everyone can find a home, feel valued, and know that they belong—because in Christ, we truly do.