For many members of the Church, feeling like you truly belong at church can be surprisingly difficult. Whether you’re new to the ward, returning after time away, introverted, or just going through a rough patch spiritually or emotionally, it’s not uncommon to sit in the chapel and wonder, “Do I really fit in here?”
The gospel of Jesus Christ teaches that each soul has infinite worth and that the Church is a place of gathering for all of God’s children. Still, feeling like you belong doesn’t always come naturally. The good news? Belonging is both a gift and a skill – something we can receive and something we can actively build.
Here’s how to start feeling like you belong at church.
1. Start with Truth: You Already Belong
Before you try to “fit in,” remember this: you already belong because you are a child of God and a member of His covenant family. President Nelson taught, “When you join the Church, you become part of a family—one that stretches across the earth and through the veil.”
Belonging isn’t earned by callings, appearances, or social skills. It’s rooted in your divine identity and the Savior’s invitation to come unto Him. Accept this truth as your foundation.
2. Show Up Consistently, Even When It’s Awkward
Sometimes, the hardest step is just showing up, especially when you feel invisible or out of place. But consistency matters. The more often you attend and participate, the more familiar faces you’ll see, and the more you’ll start to feel like part of the ward family.
Don’t underestimate the quiet power of being present, week after week. That consistency sends a message to yourself and to others: “I’m part of this.”
3. Focus on Connection, Not Perfection
Instead of trying to be the “ideal church member,” try to connect with one person each week. It could be a short conversation in the hallway, sitting next to someone new, or texting a Relief Society sister you didn’t see on Sunday.
You don’t need to be popular or polished, just present and sincere. Christ ministered one by one, and we can too.
4. Serve Where You Are
You don’t need a formal calling to serve. Look for ways to quietly lift: smile at someone sitting alone, help a young mom with her diaper bag, or bear your testimony when prompted by the Spirit.
Belonging often grows when we stop asking, “Who’s reaching out to me?” and start asking, “Who can I reach?”
5. Pray to See Others—and Yourself—Through God’s Eyes
One of the most powerful prayers you can offer is, “Heavenly Father, help me feel like I belong.” Then add, “Help me help others feel like they belong, too.”
The Spirit will begin to soften your heart, open your eyes, and gently dissolve walls you didn’t know were there.
You are needed. You are loved. You are part of this work. If you feel like an outsider, you’re not alone, but you’re also not stuck. With time, faith, and a little courage, your sense of belonging will grow. And someday, you’ll look around the chapel and realize: I belong.
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3 Responses
I needed this. I’ve moved to a new ward recently and still don’t feel like I have a place there. This is a good reminder that I do belong and that I have a place within the church even as a single sister.
There was a time that I had severe mental issues. I didn’t feel like I belonged and shut myself out of the world. I was present each week but I wasn’t “present”. I just existed. So many ward members reached out but I still struggled with my own worth. After starting to feel better and feeling more “present” I am still trying to rebuild my relationships with my ward family. It is a slow process. I wish it could go faster because I am not patient. However, I know the Church is TRUE. And knowing that the Church is true, I know that I have to do this for myself.
Thank you! I needed to hear this.