Alone

A new study by sociologists at Duke University and the University of Arizona indicate that the number of Americans’ who say they have no one with whom to discuss important matters has more than doubled. A trend toward isolation surfaced in the last U.S. census figures, showing that one-fourth of the nation's households (27.2 million) consisted of just one person, compared with 10 percent in 1950.

In addition, the study found that the average American had only two close friends in whom they would confide on important matters, down from an average of three in 1985. The number of people who said they had no such confidant soared from 10 percent in 1985 to nearly 25 percent in 2004; an additional 19 percent said they had only one confidant--often their spouse.

These findings are in keeping with what Harvard sociologist, Robert Putnam, advocates in his book Bowling Alone. He argues that our society’s health is being threatened by the erosion of relationships, networks, and interactions, what Putnam calls social capital. Not unlike financial capital or human capital, social capital is created by human interaction, which is often fostered by clubs, organizations and other forms of interactions. Higher social capital translates into better education, lower crime rates, better health, lower suicide rates and greater productivity.

Social research has its place, but we don't need it to understand that we have been created as relational beings. We have been created for relationship - with God and one another. God Himself is relational, existing in the form of the trinity - Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

This is why it's not acceptable for a follower of Christ to "go it alone." We are made for community and connection. And so at New Covenant we provide Living Room (mid-sized group) and Kitchen Table (small group) environments where people can learn, interact and connect with others.

At New Covenant we are committed to become a family of growing disciples. A church that creates space for one more person. A caring community where no one stands alone.

God sets the lonely in families. Psalm 68:6a