Bored in Church: From Boredom to Spiritual Enlightenment

By Jeff Arnette     Boredom, a sentiment often perceived as trivial or dismissive, can surprisingly serve as a catalyst for profound spiritual introspection. Within the walls of the church, grappling with boredom presents an opportunity. Instead of letting it engulf our worship experience, we can use it as a compass, pointing us toward areas in our spiritual journey that require attention and growth.     Addressing the complex relationship between boredom and church requires a multifaceted understanding. Firstly, it’s essential to differentiate between the kind of boredom that stems from not being entertained and the type rooted in genuine disengagement. The church was never designed as a place of entertainment. Its central mission is not to satiate our hunger for amusement but to nourish our souls with divine wisdom and connection.     In that light, it is wholly acceptable not to feel entertained in church. Worship isn’t a performance tailored for our personal gratification. It’s a communal experience, grounded in shared faith and reverence. However, if boredom translates to a genuine lack of interest or engagement, it becomes a concern. It could signify a disconnect from the divine essence of worship or an inability to bond with the spiritual community.     Encountering boredom in church can be disconcerting, yet it is not without its silver linings. Boredom can be seen as a spiritual signpost, urging introspection. It nudges worshippers to question the roots of their disinterest. Is it a manifestation of selfish expectations clashing with the collective worship experience? Is it indicative of a deeper spiritual unrest, or perhaps a struggle to integrate into the faith community?     As these questions emerge, boredom transitions from being an obstacle to an instrument of reflection. For instance, feelings of boredom might reveal an underlying struggle with individualism, prompting worshippers to reevaluate their approach to community and worship. Alternatively, distraction could be at the heart of the boredom, in which case, the solution might lie in surrendering these distractions and refocusing on the divine.     Ultimately, boredom becomes a mirror, reflecting our inner spiritual state. While it’s acceptable to occasionally feel bored, complacency in such feelings is not. The journey of faith is a continuous one, marked by peaks and valleys. Boredom might signify a valley, but it also points toward potential ascents, pushing believers to deepen their engagement with the divine and their community.     In conclusion, the key isn’t to evade or deny boredom but to confront and understand it. By doing so, believers can transform it from a mere feeling into a tool for spiritual growth, ensuring that their connection with the divine remains vibrant and evolving.

tag- Jeff Arnette preaches for the Central Haywood church of Christ, Clyde, NC.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website: https://centralhaywoodcoc.com/