Leaving Church and Entering the Wilderness

Leaving the Church is hard, and this comes as a shock to many. After feeling the anxiety of being in the Church, they stop attending, thinking the stress will go away and they will be free. Initially, there is a release of pressure and newfound freedom. A couple of weeks after leaving the Church, they say, “This feels great. I love my weekends, and I don’t miss the drama of the Church!”

However, similar to the honeymoon period of a new relationship, the initial excitement begins to fade, and the reality of the changes and everyday life becomes apparent. A few months after leaving the Church, the excitement is gone, and they say, “I didn’t realize leaving would be so difficult. I am lonely, and I miss the routine of going to Church. I have lost touch with most people, and no one reached out to see how I am doing. I thought the relationships were stronger, but I guess I was wrong. I am hurt, and I am angry.”

We seek to go around this wilderness, but the only way out is through this space. If we embrace this season, then we can grow through it and emerge transformed. There are treasures in the wilderness if we are open to its work in our life. But, if we are not careful, we may miss the gifts it offers. The wilderness is a place that will teach us about our self, strip us of false conceptions of God and Church, and uncover the hidden treasures in our souls. 

So, how do we navigate this phase of the journey?