A crisis of community: how an epidemic of loneliness is contributing to social disconnection in churches

ABSTRACT

Whilst loneliness is sufficiently proven to be a widespread, chronic issue in modern society, very little is known about how this modern epidemic is affecting local church communities of the United Kingdom. Hence, the purpose of this article is to establish the extent of this problem and offer responses which inform and support church leaders. This project is located within the discipline of practical theology, which utilises a methodology of critical correlation, drawing on the sources of theology and social science. Samples of existing data revealed that churchgoers often experience more chronic symptoms of loneliness than those who don’t attend church. The implications for this are found to disrupt the social cohesion of a community, which hinders the functionality of a local church. An exploration into potential solutions rendered three responses which practically address the issue of loneliness within local churches, namely meaningful connection, solitude and transcendence. These solutions, which are grounded in theology and guided by social science enable people to break the chronic nature of loneliness and find their way back to connection. Moreover, they are practically evident in the life of Christ and as such, offer compelling insight for local church pastors.

KEYWORDS:

• Church
• loneliness
• community
• social cohesion

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Simon Gibbes

Simon Gibbes holds an MA in Theology which was completed at Regents Theological College, UK. The article above is an adaption of his dissertation which he submitted for this course. He also served as a pastor at Hillsong Church London for a decade, consulted for the Church of England and has spoken at various conferences and churches around the world. Thus, his research and work as a practical theologian is complimented by his substantial pastoral experience.