Contemplating Church Life/Spiritual Community

What I am contemplating: Church life. 

It's been 10 months of working part-time for my church. We are part of a microchurch network where we essentially have Bible study-type small groups. We meet at people's homes or other places that give us space to have God-centered conversations. There's a once-a-month larger gathering where all of the microchurches are welcome! We do a lot of pop-up style church for those once-a-month sessions. 

I have honestly been loving a lot but struggling a lot with my church life relationship. I feel a little out of place because there aren't a lot of people my age. We mostly have young families who have small children or are grandparents to those children. There are some married people without children, but even in the microchurch that I attend, I am the youngest by far and in such a different season of life.

I would love a mentor or someone that I can connect more regularly with. I often find myself craving a friend to go get coffee with. Someone who won't judge what I am struggling with, but who will listen and pray with me through things that are on my heart. I don't have that right now. I have asked, and I feel like every time I do ask for what I need, I feel like a burden. Have you ever felt that way?

What I think God is saying:

I think God is saying that, first and foremost, He will reveal Himself in every season. Secondly, I do have community. There are so many people who don't have half of what I have; I have a lot to be grateful for. 

I think that through my boyfriend, God has shown me that I have the opportunity to start something. I don't know what, or if I really believe in myself to do that. Or if I have the energy to coordinate that kind of thing. BUT, I know that if I need this, there is a good chance I am not the only girl in my area who does.

On a side note, I asked a different church that meets more regularly if I could join their small group every Wednesday. They asked if I was a part of their church or if I wanted to change churches. (My current microchurch meets every 1st and 3rd Sunday morning). I don't think I want to change my church altogether. They basically denied me and said they only have the members of their church be part of their weekly small groups. This is something that I have never encountered before. Usually, churches are so welcoming! I feel like that is NOT the church for me if they are so selective on who they let in.  

What I am praying: 

That leads me to what I am praying this week! 

1. I want to pray for traditional churches that sometimes hurt people with their "rules." This is a big part of the mission of my current church, which I love.

2. I am asking God, "Where can I find spiritual community and mentorship?"

3. Am I at the "right" church? (I have the feeling I am, but there's still a piece of community missing...for now!)

Thank you all for reading!

How are you looking to honor God in your life? Have you ever struggled with finding friends or community in general? How have you coped or solved that problem? I would love to hear it!!

P.S. I am so grateful for those in my life who are always there for me!! For new friends that are on the horizon and for old friends who have stayed through the years even if we live far apart!

XOXO,

Melissa