Hi!

"Ive been playing for a little bit" contradicts "Im just starting to learn". Which is it? It can't be both.

If the latter, root strumming will be challenging - understatement.

Watch this lesson. It will explain what a root note is contextually relevant to your question, how to effect the technique and explain the concept.

Then go back and watch Root Chord Strumming from the beginning which explains what "people I go to Church with" are possibly trying to affect and why.

Being a competent player does not mean someone is necessarily a competent instructor. It sounds like you'd appreciate one.

GuitarTricks.com?