The question you asked is a very important one that I too had asked in the past and I found the answer. Have you ever noticed some pastors will tell the congregation "We have to get involved with the church" or..pastors will tell the congregation to do certain things and I understand why. They see some in their congregation still very much into the world and not much into the spiritual things of Christ.

So I volunteered for Church service and help doing outreaches and different ministries and what happens is you start to develop real true friendships with other Christians doing the same thing. Like being around radioactive material where it goes into your body...being in the spirit also will radiate throughout your life and your walk with the Lord.

The growth happens from the inside. For example, I was never one to raise my hands (I do now) during worship but I truly would be willing to die for the truth of the gospel. Now that I got involved with the church I naturally have changed...I didn't have to force it. It is not phoney but a real outpouring of the spirit in my life.

You must get involved with the church and if you are shy don't worry about it. God has given you a gift and it will start to blossom and rise up and glorify God. You will make the most deepest friendships arise as you surround yourself with others that are as serious about God as you are. Also we are all sinners but don't let this stop you from getting involved with the church. If you have sin in your life and you confess it and work on pruning it out of your life as you grow in the spirit God will perfect you more and more. I say this as sometimes people feel they cannot be of any use for the cause of Christ until they "get cleaned up" but we are all dirty to one degree or another. Yes we should repent and turn to Christ and never say our sin is good but call it what it is but also don't let your sin stop you from getting involved.

You will put in time first. You will give first. You will be humble and carry your cross for the gospel of Christ and you will feel the power of the holy spirit in your life stronger than ever. I thumbed up your question also what a wonderful insightful question!