Member-only story
My Message to People Who Have Left a Church
Here is what I have to say to people who have been hurt by church organizations and left.
A long time ago, I was involved in a church I loved (not in my current city). I enjoyed the inspiring worship, in-depth teachings, and fellowship with fellow Christians. I developed wonderful friendships. Then, things started to change.
Over a few years, the church and its branches became very legalistic. Some of the pastors and leaders became more and more arrogant. They began laying down rules that had more to do with their own preferences and agendas than teaching people spiritual matters.
The leaders expected members to come to them for advice about major life decisions. Imagine going to a church leader to ask for advice about what career path you should choose when the leader knows nothing about the subject matter and gives bad advice. Yeah.
There were a lot of messes like that. Women were told to “submit” and try harder to stop their husbands’ abuse. As if that works. Someone told me that one minister told parents to kick their rebellious teens out of the house. Church leaders interfered in many matters that were none of their business.
As a result, many people were hurt and left. Many became the unchurched — individuals who identify as Christians but are not affiliated…
