Finding God Outside of the Church Walls

Find Spiritual Options Outside Church to Connect with God

For many people, the church is the traditional and expected place to find God.* However, for others, the church is not an option, either because of personal beliefs or a lack of access to a church community. Finding God outside of the church’s walls is a unique and personal experience that can be deeply meaningful and transformative.

One of the most common ways people find God outside of the church is through nature. Nature has been a source of spiritual inspiration for centuries, with many religious texts referencing the natural world as evidence of God’s existence. Being in nature can bring a sense of peace and awe that can be difficult to find elsewhere. The vastness of the mountains, the rhythm of the ocean, the beauty of a sunset, or the tranquility of a forest can evoke a sense of connection to something larger than oneself. Many people report feeling closer to God when they are surrounded by nature.

Another way people find God outside of the church is through personal reflection and meditation. Taking the time to pause and reflect on life can be a powerful way to connect with one's inner self and the divine. Meditation can help quiet the mind, reduce stress, and cultivate a sense of inner peace. Many people report feeling a sense of clarity and connection to God during meditation.

Similarly, prayer can be a powerful way to connect with God outside of the church. Prayer is a way to communicate with the divine and express gratitude, ask for guidance, and seek comfort. While traditional forms of prayer may involve reciting specific prayers or using religious texts, prayer can also take on more informal forms. Many people find that talking to God as if speaking to a friend or loved one can be a meaningful way to connect with the divine.

Community service and acts of kindness can also be a way to find God outside of the church. Helping others and making a positive impact on the world can be a deeply spiritual experience. By doing good, people can feel a sense of purpose and connection to something larger than themselves. Acts of kindness and service can also be a way to demonstrate one's faith and beliefs to others.

Personal growth and self-improvement can be another way to find God outside of the church. Many people find that by working on themselves, they can connect with their inner selves and the divine. This can involve practices such as journaling, therapy, or spiritual coaching. Through these practices, people can gain a deeper understanding of themselves, their values, and their beliefs. This, in turn, can lead to a greater sense of purpose and connection to God.

One of the benefits of finding God outside of the church is the ability to personalize one's spiritual journey. Without the constraints of religious dogma, people can explore their beliefs and spirituality in a way that feels authentic to them. This can be particularly important for those who may not identify with a specific religion or have been hurt by organized religion in the past.

Finding God outside of the church can also be a way to connect with others who share similar beliefs and values. In recent years, there has been a rise in spiritual communities outside of traditional religious institutions. These communities may gather in person or online and may be based on shared beliefs, practices, or interests. These communities can offer a sense of connection and support that can be difficult to find elsewhere.

While finding God outside of the church can be a meaningful and transformative experience, it is important to note that it is not for everyone. For some, the structure and community of the church are essential to their spiritual journey. It is also important to recognize that finding God outside of the church does not mean one is disconnected from religion or spirituality. Rather, it is a way to explore and connect with the divine in a way that feels authentic and personal.

In conclusion, finding God outside of the church can be a unique and deeply meaningful experience. If you are interested in learning more, we would like to invite you to join the Numa Soul team and I for Sacred Conversations with Rev Karla. New conversations are taking place each month. This forum will provide you another tool to help you on your spiritual path. During the conversation, you'll have the opportunity to explore questions such as: What does it mean to leave church? How can we continue to connect with God and deepen our spirituality outside of traditional church structures? And how can we find support and community during this process? Click HERE to learn more. 

*Finding God doesn’t imply a belief in an anthropomorphized, masculinized patriarchal God. It means exploring the mystery of the Divine through existential experience. It means being curious about how others experience the Divine and how they define who—or even what—is God. Living with curiosity as a spiritual practice can expand our understanding, deepen our spirituality, and expand our awareness to the world around us.