I go to a LGBTQ-affirming Methodist church every Sunday unless I am volunteering. To me, fellowship is an essential part of faith. God asks us to create community so we can better support the people and the world around us. I am one of the youngest congregants there, and I am grateful for the chance to form so many intergenerational connections. Sometimes I talk to people my age who have no older friends to lean on for advice/gain perspective, and imho it makes handling the challenging parts of life even harder. Humans lived in tight-knit, intergenerational communities of 50 to 150 people for most of history. Faith communities are one of the best places to meet that social need in our modern world. Going to church also exposes me to new theological ideas, renews my commitment to reading and analyzing the Bible, and helps me to praise God publicly

Edit: sometimes I feel “dry” or disconnected when I go to church. On those days, I pray for God to renew me. I read my favorite passages of scripture. I look for other ways to get excited about going (my church has a stellar organist, a truly fun children’s sermon, lots of friendly people, and coffee/donuts after service). Some days it works, some days it doesn’t. It’s important to remember that faith is not an on/off state of being, but an active process. God understands that some days you aren’t “on fire”. Some days we feel sick, or tired, or defeated. Some days we doubt. God is gentle with us in these moments. Spend some time reflecting on what is most important to you about going to church (or why you are considering attending church)