It’s been a recurring theme that civic and societal participation has been on the decline in the past several decades. Various organizations are seeing continuous declines in membership, fewer people are volunteering and existing community groups are dominated by individuals over 40 as millennials and Gen Zers disengage at higher rates. As a result of this decline in social capital, our nation is very divided in the modern day. Fortunately, there is a way to reconnect with our community and do good work for our fellow man: go to church.
Your local church has opportunities to build fellowship with members of your community and serve the public. My own church has a chapter of the Knights of Columbus, which provides numerous volunteer opportunities, and a men’s fellowship group where peers can connect about shared experiences. Church is also a place where individuals of different ethnicities and ages come together, so members can grow in unity and learn from one another. There are few institutions that offer as many opportunities for community, fellowship and even friendship as a church. Try going and making a connection. You may find that you were missing something all along.
Brett Heinisch
Columbus, Indiana
