Understanding Church Boredom

If you’ve ever sat through a church service feeling disconnected, uninspired, or just plain bored, you’re not alone. Many believers find themselves wrestling with a sense of disengagement, wondering if their faith is fading or if the church itself is failing to meet their spiritual needs. In this first part of our four-part video series, inspired by Jon Collier’s I Quit Church, we’ll explore the roots of church boredom, validate your feelings, and offer hope for a renewed, vibrant faith journey.

Why Does Church Feel Boring?

Church boredom often stems from a disconnect between what we experience in services and what our hearts truly crave. I note in Chapter 5 of I Quit Church, the repetitive nature of services—think three songs, announcements, and a predictable sermon—can leave us spiritually unfulfilled. A 2017 Gallup poll cited in the book reveals that 74% of churchgoers long for sermons that directly address their personal lives, yet many walk away feeling the messages miss the mark. This lack of relevance can make church feel like a ritual rather than a meaningful encounter with God.

Beyond the structure of services, there’s often an overemphasis on programs and facilities rather than personal spiritual growth. The focus on maintaining large events or meeting organizational goals can overshadow the church’s core mission: nurturing individual faith. When church becomes more about the system than the soul, boredom sets in, and we’re left feeling like spectators rather than participants in a living faith.

Your Feelings Are Valid

If you’re feeling bored, it doesn’t mean your faith is failing. As I share in my book, I too felt “spiritually empty” after years of predictable services. This isn’t a sign that you’ve lost your connection to God—it’s a signal that you’re yearning for something deeper. Boredom can be a wake-up call, urging you to seek a more authentic relationship with God, one that isn’t confined to the routines of a church building. It’s okay to acknowledge these feelings and take them seriously. They’re not a dead end but a starting point for renewal.

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Hope for a Vibrant Faith

The good news is that faith can thrive beyond rigid structures. Colossians 3:17 (NIV) reminds us, “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” This verse invites us to see every moment of our lives as an opportunity to connect with God, far beyond the walls of a church. Whether you’re at work, with family, or in solitude, your faith can come alive in ways that feel fresh and meaningful.

My journey in I Quit Church shows that stepping away from monotonous routines doesn’t mean abandoning faith—it means rediscovering it. By focusing on what truly nourishes your soul, you can find a renewed sense of purpose and connection with God. This is the beginning of a journey toward a faith that feels real, personal, and alive.

Steps to Reflect and Renew

Here are a few ways to engage with this process, as outlined in our video:

• Reflect: Take a moment to journal your thoughts. Ask yourself, “What aspects of church feel monotonous or irrelevant to me? When have I felt closest to God?” These questions can help you identify what’s missing and where you’ve experienced God’s presence most deeply.

• Share in Community: Gather with others to discuss your experiences of boredom and moments when faith felt meaningful. Sharing your journey fosters a sense of community and reminds you that you’re not alone in this struggle. If you live in the Indiana area, check out our Open Mic series Strings & Stories.

• Meditate on Scripture: Spend time with Psalm 46:10 (NIV): “Be still, and know that I am God.” This verse encourages you to pause, step away from routines, and seek God’s presence in the quiet. It’s a reminder that God is with you, even when church feels distant.

An Invitation to Rediscover Faith

Boredom in church is a valid response to a disconnect, but it’s also an invitation to rediscover faith in fresh, authentic ways. As we move through this series, we’ll explore how to deepen your personal connection with God, build meaningful community, and live out your faith with purpose. For now, know that your feelings are a starting point, not an endpoint. There’s hope for a faith that inspires and fulfills you—let’s take this journey together.