What Can I Do If I’m Bored With Church?
- Written by STEPHEN ASARE
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- Published in Lifestyle
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For many, church has always been a vital part of their spiritual life. But what happens when the weekly ritual of attending Sunday service starts to feel more like a chore than a source of inspiration? A friend of mine — we’ll call him Phil — recently expressed his concerns to me: “Going to church has become really boring for me, and I’m thinking about not going anymore.
” Phil’s experience is far from unique, and it raises some important questions about how we connect with our faith and our communities.
Are Your Eggs in the Right Basket?
When most people talk about “church,” they’re usually referring to the Sunday morning service—the hour or so filled with music, sermons, and communal prayer. But for many, this format doesn’t fully resonate. The traditional Western church model may not suit everyone, particularly those with different learning styles or spiritual needs.
Phil’s boredom might not be a sign of a lackluster service but rather a mismatch between his spiritual needs and how he’s engaging with the church. The question then becomes: Do you know how you best connect with God? Whether it’s through worship, reading, writing, solitude, or being in nature, understanding your spiritual wiring can make all the difference. John Ortberg’s book The Me I Want to Be delves into this topic, encouraging readers to explore the ways they best hear God’s voice and to pursue those disciplines with intention.
What Are You Bringing to Church?
Another factor to consider is what you’re bringing with you into the sanctuary. Every individual in a church service is in a different emotional and spiritual state. Some are celebrating life’s highs, while others are struggling with deep pain or disillusionment. This emotional baggage can significantly impact how you experience the service.
Often, when church feels boring, it’s less about the quality of the sermon or the music and more about where your heart and mind are. Is the life happening outside the sanctuary something you’re praying about inside, or is it preying on you, preventing you from being fully present? Addressing these personal distractions might be the key to rekindling your engagement with church.
Don’t Make Sunday Service Your Sole Form of Sustenance
It’s also worth considering whether Sunday service is being asked to do too much. The early Church, as described in the Book of Acts, was more than just a weekly gathering. It was a community deeply involved in one another’s lives—sharing meals, praying together, and supporting each other in practical ways. In today’s world, relying solely on Sunday service for spiritual nourishment can lead to a sense of disconnection.
Instead, think of the Sunday service as just one part of your spiritual life. Engaging with your faith community throughout the week, through small groups, personal study, or serving others, can provide a more balanced and fulfilling spiritual experience. Sunday service is a time to come together, but it’s not the entirety of what church is meant to be.
For Phil, and others who find themselves in a similar position, the answer might not be to abandon church altogether, but to reframe what church means. It’s not just about the sermon or the music; it’s about finding ways to connect with God that resonate deeply with who you are and bringing your whole self into the experience. In doing so, the power of community and shared purpose can transform what might have felt like a stale routine into a vibrant part of your spiritual journey.
Source:relevantmagazine.com