“I don’t feel like I fit in at church. What can I do?” Disability Services: Individuals (2020)
“I don’t feel like I fit in at church. What can I do?” Disability Services: Individuals
I don’t feel like I fit in at church. What can I do?
Sister Jean B. Bingham has said: “Like the stars which are each placed in a particular orbit and location, we have an influence on those around us. Because you are unique, there are things only you can do in your particular way to bless [others].”1
At times we all may feel like we don’t fit in at church. We may feel that because we look different, talk different, think different, or act different, we don’t belong. We may even feel like we don’t have anything to contribute. That is not the case. Every person is needed in the Church of Jesus Christ. “For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ” (1 Corinthians 12:12).
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, then a member of the First Presidency, explained why everyone is needed: “Brothers and sisters, dear friends, we need your unique talents and perspectives. The diversity of persons and peoples all around the globe is a strength of this Church.”2
Here are a few things you can do to get to know others around you and to help them get to know you better and come to appreciate your unique talents and abilities.
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Introduce yourself. Take time to introduce yourself to others and to find things you have in common with them. This will help you build relationships and help everyone feel more welcome. You may find that you have more in common than you think.
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Ask for help when needed. Don’t be afraid to ask for accommodations that will help you learn the gospel and participate in Church-sponsored activities and worship services. In many cases, small adaptations for one person often benefit all. For example, if you have trouble reading the printed program for a meeting, asking for it to be printed in large print may be welcomed by many in the congregation. If you have trouble hearing in meetings, ask to use the assisted listening devices available in most chapels, ask teachers to turn on the captions when playing a video during class, or request that the teacher ask you in advance to be prepared to pray or read aloud during a lesson.
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Prayerfully seek opportunities to serve others. Serving others is one of the best ways to get to know them and form genuine friendships. Heavenly Father can help you know who you can serve and inspire you with ideas of how to best meet their needs.