When we look around our wards and branches, we see people who seem to fit in easily. What we don’t realize is that even among those who seem to fit in, there are many who feel left out. One study, for example, found that nearly half of adults in the United States report feeling lonely, left out, or isolated from others.1
It’s important to feel included. It’s a fundamental human need, and when we feel excluded, it hurts. Being left out can produce feelings of sadness or anger.2 When we don’t feel like we belong, we tend to look for a place where we are more comfortable. We need to help everyone feel that they belong at church.