In this week's episode of "She Used To Go To Church," Dr. Daynette shares how we all want to feel like we belong and have people we can count on.  She shares about her own family reunion, where being around family brought joy and renewed connections. 

Dr. Daynette emphasizes the sacredness of the table, which offers God's grace and love. She encourages listeners to deepen their faith by inviting others into their lives and creating spaces for fellowship, faith, and friendship. 

Who can you welcome to your table?  
How can you make space in your life for genuine connection?
How is God pursuing you to grow community with fellowship?

Takeaways

The table symbolizes belonging and connection.
Belonging is about more than just physical presence.
Tables can be sacred spaces for relationships.
Jesus often shared meals to build connections.
Even small tables can hold significant meaning.
We are called to invite others to our tables.
The early church emphasized fellowship at the table.
There is always room for more at Christ's table.

Chapters

00:00 The Power of Belonging at the Table
02:49 Sacred Spaces: Tables as Community Hubs
06:05 Inviting Others to the Table

In this episode, Dr. Daynette Snead Perez explores the themes of loneliness, belonging, and the transformative power of faith during times of exile. Using the story of Joseph, she illustrates how God works in our lives even when we feel abandoned or unseen. The conversation emphasizes that true belonging starts with God and extends into our communities, encouraging listeners to find meaning in their struggles and trust in God's presence.

Takeaways

• You don't need a crowd for God to show up.
• God does holy work in lonely places.
• Every church has its own unique culture that influences feelings of belonging.
• Exile can feel like being cut off from community.
• God was with Joseph even in his exile.
• Exile is a path for preparation, not punishment.
• True belonging begins with God and extends outward.
• God's presence is constant, even in loneliness.
• Set aside time to reflect on where you feel unseen.

Chapters

00:00  Finding God in Loneliness

02:47  The Power of Exile

05:36   Holy Work in Lonely Places

In this episode, Dr. Daynette Snead Perez explores the reasons women leave the church and how to find community and belonging outside traditional church settings. She emphasizes that faith is about relationships, not just attendance, and discusses the importance of feeling needed, seen, and known within a community. The conversation highlights the emotional journey of stepping away from church and the ongoing connection to faith and God.

Takeaways

Leaving church can be about loss of community, not faith.
Faith is about relationships with God and others.
The church is the people, not the building.
Many who leave still love Jesus and identify as Christian.
Feeling needed, seen, and known is essential in faith communities.
Honest conversations can lead to healing and understanding.
The church is the body of Christ, not just a building.
Each person's story is critical to the body of Christ.
God meets us in personal spaces, not just in the church building.
Your presence matters in the community.
You are still part of the body of Christ, even if you step away.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey of Leaving the Church
02:43 Understanding the Loss of Community
05:41 The Importance of Being Needed, Seen, and Known
08:28 The Role of the Church in Our Lives
10:47 Outro to Podcast.mp4

This first episode marks the beginning of the journey for Christian women navigating their faith in the in-between. Whether you've stepped away, taken a break, or felt pushed out, this podcast is a home for real stories, sacred questions, and renewed connection. You haven't left the story, and you don't have to walk this path alone.

Join Dr. Daynette Snead Perez, an Ordained Faith Leader, Author of the #1 best-selling Amazon book, Church What To Do When Everyone Is Like You, and CEO of DIASPRA, LLC.  Dr. Daynette hasn't left the church, but she holds space for those who have and believes your faith still matters and you still belong.

Dr. Daynette is leading faith-based solutions for building community and belonging through her proprietary, gospel-centered framework, Stranger to Neighbor Ministry®.  To learn more about partnering this ministry with your church mission, visit her website to discover how you can open your doors to greater impact, connection, and community. 
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