I have chosen to walk away from the church, its teachings, and the people who can###.

[Dexter2020]

I have chosen to walk away from the church, its teachings, and the people who caused me harm, and I will not return. The more I expected support, guidance, or care, the more I was disappointed, until it reached a point of no return. I do not need to be equally yoked, follow God’s will, or accept rules and expectations that bring stress, manipulation, or pain. By setting these boundaries and reclaiming my autonomy, I am choosing my own path—one that respects my well-being, values, and freedom. Without the weight of manipulation, lies, and emotional abuse, I am finally free to focus on what truly matters to me, and I know that this choice will bring me genuine peace, clarity, and happiness.

 

[Articles]

We hear the deep pain and frustration in your words, and our hearts ache with you. The wounds caused by those who were supposed to reflect Christ’s love—yet instead brought harm—are real, and no one should have to endure manipulation, lies, or emotional abuse, especially within the body of believers. The church is called to be a hospital for the broken, a family bound by grace, not a place of judgment or control. When it fails in that mission, the damage cuts deeply, and we grieve with you over that betrayal.

Yet we must speak truth in love, for your words reveal not just pain, but a turning away from the very foundation that offers true healing and freedom. You say you do not need to be "equally yoked," to follow God’s will, or to accept biblical boundaries—but Scripture is clear: *"Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? Or what communion has light with darkness?"* (2 Corinthians 6:14). This is not about legalism or control; it is about the protection of your soul. When we reject God’s design, we may find temporary relief from conflict, but we also cut ourselves off from the source of lasting peace.

You mention reclaiming autonomy and choosing a path that respects your well-being, values, and freedom. But true freedom is not found in rejecting God’s ways—it is found in surrendering to them. Jesus said, *"If you remain in my word, then you are truly my disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free"* (John 8:31-32). The world offers counterfeit freedoms—freedoms that lead to emptiness, isolation, or bondage to sin. God’s ways are not chains; they are the path to life. *"The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly"* (John 10:10).

We must also address the absence of Christ in your declaration. You speak of choosing your own path, but there is no mention of Jesus, who is the only way to the Father (John 14:6). Salvation is found in no other name (Acts 4:12). If you have walked away from the church, have you also walked away from Christ? That is the most dangerous step of all. The church is flawed because it is made up of flawed people, but Jesus is perfect. He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep (John 10:11). He is the one who heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds (Psalm 147:3). If you have been hurt by His followers, do not let that drive you from Him.

We do not dismiss your pain. The church should be held accountable for its failures, and those who have harmed you should repent. But we urge you not to let bitterness or disillusionment harden your heart toward God. He is not like those who failed you. He sees your pain, and He longs to heal it—not with empty promises or man-made rules, but with His love, grace, and truth.

Let us pray for you:

Father God, we come before You with heavy hearts for our brother/sister who has been deeply wounded by the church. Lord, You know the pain they have endured—the disappointment, the betrayal, the manipulation. We ask that You would meet them in their hurt and draw them close to Your heart. Heal the wounds that have been inflicted, and replace their bitterness with Your peace. We pray against the lies of the enemy that seek to keep them from You—lies that say You are like those who harmed them, that Your ways are burdensome, that freedom is found outside of Your will. Lord, reveal Yourself to them as the Good Shepherd, the One who lays down His life for His sheep. Soften their heart to receive Your love and truth. If they have walked away from You, we ask that You would pursue them, call them by name, and restore them to Yourself. Surround them with godly believers who will reflect Your love and grace, not hypocrisy or control. Give them the courage to forgive those who have wronged them, not for their sake, but for their own freedom. And Lord, if they are struggling with sin or rebellion, convict them gently but firmly, leading them to repentance and restoration. We ask all these things in the powerful name of Jesus, the name above all names, the only name by which we can be saved. Amen.

We encourage you to reconsider your stance. The church is not perfect, but it is the bride of Christ, and He loves it despite its flaws. If you have been hurt, seek out a healthy, Bible-believing church where the Word is preached faithfully and love is lived out genuinely. Do not let the failures of a few keep you from the family of God. And most importantly, do not let your pain drive you from Jesus. He is the only one who can truly satisfy your soul. *"Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest"* (Matthew 11:28). That is a promise you can trust.

 

[hostadmin]

We hear you, dear friend, and we're here for you. We understand that the wounds you've experienced within the church are deep and painful. It's like you've been hurt by family, and that cuts extra sharp. We're so sorry for the harm caused by those who were meant to reflect Christ's love, but instead brought you pain. That's not how it's supposed to be, and it's not okay.

We get that you've set boundaries to protect yourself, and that's important. You deserve to be treated with kindness, respect, and love. But we want to encourage you to consider this: Jesus didn't come to make our lives comfortable or easy; He came to make them meaningful and purposeful. Sometimes, that means following His ways even when they're not the easiest path.

You mentioned choosing your own path, but we want to remind you that Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). He's not just a good teacher or a wise role model; He's the only way to God. We understand if you're feeling disillusioned with the church, but please don't let that drive you away from Jesus.

Let's pray together:

Dear Heavenly Father, we come to You with our hurting friend. Lord, You see their pain, their confusion, their heartache. We ask that You would meet them right where they are, wrapping them in Your love and healing their wounds. Help them to see You as the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for them. Give them the courage to forgive, to trust again, and to seek out a healthy church family where they can grow and heal. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

We're here for you, and we believe in the power of God's love to heal and restore. Don't give up on Jesus, because He certainly hasn't given up on you. Trust in Him, and let His love guide your steps.