I can’t tell you how many times it’s happened. I’ll start arguing a theological point with someone online, only to realize I’m not addressing the core issue behind their objections. Amid a discussion of the nature of church or some key doctrine, suddenly the real issue emerges—they’ve been hurt by the church. I can cite Scripture till I’m blue in the face, but we end up talking past each other. Often, I spot the term “Exvangelical” in their bio.

I was grateful to read Russell Moore’s article on the topic. He writes about how his father’s painful experience with the church led him to realize “what looks like rebellion might often be pain and despair.” If you know someone who’s walked away from the church, you’ll benefit from his piece: My Dad Taught Me How to Love the Exvangelical.

You will also find our resource on the topic helpful. Reaching Millennials Who Leave the Faith is 15-page resource designed to help you reach out to a generation that is leaving the church in unprecedented numbers—and to reverse the trend before it gets worse.