Connection. Identity. Validation. Survival. Purpose. Social psychologists will explain those are the top reasons that people seek to belong to a group. Connection: belonging to a group allows us to form relationships which are essential for our emotional and mental well-being. Identity: belonging to a group gives us a sense of who we are and what we are all about. Validation: belonging provides affirmation of our beliefs and values, as we see others in our group that share them. Survival: belonging to a group provides protection, shared resources, and mutual support. Purpose: belonging to a group provides the opportunity to help and serve others, as well as take part in a collective mission.

So, the next of Trinity’s mission objectives is “belong.” We not only want people to join Trinity, but we want our church to be a close-knit community. Our prayer is that through the gospel, the Spirit would lead us to actually think of our church as family to whom we belong, for connection, identity, validation, survival, and purpose.