When Church Feels Insufficient: Taking Charge of Our Spiritual Growth

We’ve all had that experience: leaving church feeling like we’ve been given just a “warm glass of milk and a cookie,” when what we really craved was a full, hearty meal.

We are after all hungry! In the last week, I’ve heard this sentiment from several people—three in casual conversation alone, each lamenting that their church isn’t meeting their spiritual needs. And then there is the growing number of people who have left church completely because they feel they are not getting what they know they want and need. This isn’t a new complaint; it’s something that many have felt for a long time.

So, what’s going on here, and how can we address it?

The Church’s Role: More Than Just a Warm-Up

The Church is designed to be a beacon of support and spiritual growth. The Bible paints a picture of a community where we’re taught, encouraged, and equipped for our faith journey. In Ephesians 4:11–12, Paul describes a church where leaders are supposed to equip us for works of service, helping us grow stronger in our faith. However, if our church experience feels more like a warm-up session than a rigorous workout, it’s easy to feel undernourished…and not so well-equipped for the real world where real challenges await.

Hebrews 10:24–25 envisions a community that spurs one another on towards love and good deeds. It’s meant to be a place of mutual encouragement, like a spiritual pep rally. But if that rally feels more like a gentle nudge rather than an energetic boost, we might leave feeling less inspired.

Furthermore, the Church is supposed to address our spiritual needs, as stated in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, which tells us that Scripture is useful for teaching, rebuking, and training. If we’re not receiving this kind of thorough, practical guidance, we may find ourselves struggling to find our footing in faith and in spiritual life.

Matthew 11:28 offers a comforting invitation to come to Jesus with our burdens and find rest. Yet, if our church isn’t helping us unpack and address our spiritual and emotional baggage, we’re left trying to manage it all on our own.

Response-Ability: Embracing Our Role in Spiritual Growth

Here’s where the concept of “response-ability” comes into play. While the Church has an essential role, we also have a personal responsibility to our spiritual journey. This means actively engaging in our own growth, even if our church doesn’t provide all the answers.

Think of it like this: Philippians 2:12 urges us to work out our salvation with diligence. This isn’t just about showing up to church; it’s about putting in the effort to understand and grow in our faith. Similarly, Acts 17:11 highlights the Bereans who examined the Scriptures daily, setting an example for us to actively seek out spiritual truths on our own.

2 Peter 3:18 calls us to grow in grace and knowledge, which involves expanding our understanding of faith and theology. It’s not just about accumulating knowledge but deepening our relationship with God and our comprehension of what it means to follow Christ.

Why This Blog? A Path Forward

This blog exists because I’ve seen too many people settle for spiritual snacks when they need a full-course meal. It’s here to explore how we can take charge of our faith journey, supplement our church experiences, and dive deeper into understanding our faith.

While it is necessary for new Christians to be spoon-fed (1 Corinthians 3:2), it is inappropriate to continue on milk indefinitely instead of moving onto the meat of faith. It is the stirring of this inner hunger that moves us to look for more substantial spiritual sustenance. Sadly, too many do not find what they need.

We all have a role, even a duty, in our spiritual development. If our church isn’t providing what we need, it’s up to us to seek out that nourishment. By embracing our response-ability (the ability to respond), we can turn spiritual hunger into a journey of rich, fulfilling growth.

This is an invitation for you to embark on this path together, expanding our horizons and discovering the depths of our faith.

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