It's easy to find reasons for why many people are deciding to leave the church. You may even be questioning whether worshipping with others is something you want to continue doing. It's important to understand why you feel that way.

While assessing your priorities, you may admit that the reason you want to leave is that you're just not engaging in all your church has to offer. Before cutting ties, however, consider some of the potential benefits of not only staying but also getting more involved.

Increased Sense of Belonging

Being a member of a faith community can confirm that you have a place in this world. An increased sense of belonging is a common experience for those who are engaged in their churches. They are likely to report that they have a solid support system and people who care about them.

This takes a little effort on your part, though. No matter how friendly the members of the faith community are, if you just slip into the back as the service is starting and then dart out the door before anyone has a chance to talk to you, it's going to be hard to form the solid relationships that allow you to enjoy this particular benefit. Start small by lingering before or after church. Many congregations even host a coffee hour to encourage people to do this. Then you can join groups that interest you to get to know people even better.

Personal Growth

Being immersed in a community where you are taught the tenets of your faith and can discuss the things you learn with those who share it is a great way to strengthen your beliefs. You can also ask for prayer or assistance if you have a particular issue you want to resolve. The church is a good place to find others who are willing to hold you accountable for the goals you set for yourself.

You aren't limited to scripture study. Your church probably offers several opportunities for growth in many of the areas of your life affected by faith:

• Health and wellness classes
• Financial security courses
• Book clubs
• Music groups, such as choir

Awareness of Needs

The more engaged you are with your church, the more you will become aware of the needs of the people within it. If you love to help people but don't know where to start, a community of faith can help you find your niche. One of the functions of a group that cares about its members is that the members stay aware of what's going on in each others' lives and match needs with those who can provide assistance.

Maybe you want to volunteer but don't want to do it alone. If you don't have a particular organization in mind, look at the groups that your church partners with throughout the city. This is one of the easiest ways to get involved in an ongoing project. When you have an idea and need others to help, you will likely find more than enough volunteers in your faith community.

There is a communal aspect to just about every belief system. It can be difficult to schedule time to meet with people who share your faith, especially if the morning they meet is the only free time you have all week. There may also be other factors that make you hesitant to get more involved in your community. Remembering why you are there and the values that you share is often motivation for making the effort. Don't deny yourself the chance to extend the joy of your faith by experiencing it with your church.