Encouragement for When You Feel Like Leaving The Church
As we transition through college and into our professional lives, our worlds shift in ways we often do not anticipate. With the freedom of adulthood, new priorities, and the pressure of building careers, many young professionals find themselves at a crossroads in their faith journey. This stage of life is where, statistically, a significant number of people begin to drift away from church, faith, and spiritual communities.
Whether it’s due to burnout, disillusionment, or simply the demands of life, the temptation to walk away from church can be strong. If you’re in that space, I want to acknowledge that your feelings are real. But before you take that step, let’s talk about how you can remain connected, even when stepping away feels easier.
Why Are We Tempted to Leave?
According to studies by the Barna Group and Pew Research Center, young adults, especially during their college and early professional years, tend to step away from church for several key reasons. These include:
- Burnout – Many young professionals grew up heavily involved in church, serving in multiple roles. Over time, this constant involvement can lead to burnout. According to research, the pressure to always serve and perform often leaves young people feeling exhausted and disconnected from their spiritual roots.
- Doubt – College or the workplace exposes many to new perspectives, some of which challenge long-held beliefs. Barna Group found that 38% of young adults cite intellectual skepticism or questions about faith as a primary reason for leaving. Facing doubts can feel isolating, especially when there is no clear path to engage those questions within a church context.
- Isolation – Moving to a new city for work or school can leave young professionals feeling disconnected from their faith communities. Research shows that without a strong sense of community, many find it difficult to maintain their church attendance.
- Busyness – The demands of a new job or career often push church attendance lower on the priority list. In a recent survey by Pew Research Center, 60% of young adults who left church said it was because they were “too busy” to attend services regularly.
These reasons are real and shared by many young professionals. But instead of allowing these challenges to push you away, what if they could deepen your faith? Let’s explore how you can navigate this season and stay grounded.
Feeling Burned Out? Rest is Okay.
If you are feeling burned out from years of service, I want to remind you that rest is not only important—it’s biblical. God Himself modeled rest during creation, and Jesus often withdrew to spend time in solitude and prayer.
In fact, studies from Fuller Youth Institute show that young adults who balance involvement with self-care are more likely to sustain their faith long-term. If you’ve always been the one organizing Sabbath services or leading youth groups, but now you’re exhausted, try attending church without the expectation of leading. Shift your focus from doing to being. Allow yourself to simply be present and listen.
This can help you reconnect with God on a personal level, free from the pressures of constant service. It’s okay to step back from active participation for a while and let this season be one of personal renewal.
Struggling with Doubts? You’re Not Alone.
Doubt isn’t something to be feared; in fact, it’s often part of a growing faith. If you’re wrestling with big questions about God or your beliefs, the worst thing you can do is ignore them. According to research by Lifeway Research, 70% of young adults who stayed in church through periods of doubt credited their decision to having a safe space to ask hard questions.
Faith doesn’t have to be static, and questioning doesn’t mean you’re losing your faith. Instead, lean into those doubts. Find someone—a mentor, pastor, or friend—you can talk to openly. AYP offers connections to people and resources that can guide you through these challenging questions.
I’ve met many AYPers who started a new job where none of their colleagues shared their beliefs. This environment stirred up a lot of questions – some of which were uncomfortable to answer. However, instead of walking away from church, they reached out to an AYP small group where they could discuss these doubts in a safe space. The result? A renewed, deeper connection to God.
Feeling Disconnected? Seek New Community.
Moving to a new city can leave you feeling isolated, especially when it comes to finding a new church family. This is one of the main reasons many young professionals drift from their faith. The Barna Group reports that nearly two-thirds of young adults who leave church do so because they felt disconnected.
But instead of giving up, start by visiting different churches, and give yourself grace if it takes time to find the right fit. Sometimes, connecting with other young adults first, through groups like AYP, can make the transition easier. This is one of the reasons AYP exists—to create a community of young professionals who can walk this journey together and to help them find a loving church that can nurture them through faith and life.
I have seen people move to a new city for work, try several churches, and feel discouraged when none of them immediately felt like home. But then they found a group of young professionals within AYP that provided the community they were missing. It took time, but eventually, they built deep connections and re-established a church routine.
Too Busy? Integrate Faith into Daily Life.
Work can be demanding, and finding time for church or personal devotion when your schedule is packed can feel impossible. If Sabbath worship or midweek prayer meetings are starting to feel like one more thing on your to-do list, I encourage you to find ways to integrate your faith into your daily routine.
Instead of relying only on church services to connect with God, look for opportunities in your everyday life. Maybe that’s starting your day with a short prayer or listening to a worship podcast during your commute. Young adults who integrate faith into daily routines—whether through prayer, Bible reading, or listening to sermons—are more likely to remain spiritually engaged long-term.
If you can not always be at your home church on Sabbath, make it a habit to spend time with Christ and fellow believers wherever you are. Visit a new Adventist church and make new holistic connections in the process. It’s a different rhythm, but it will keep you connected to God.
Stay Grounded in Community
Leaving church during these formative young professional years is a common experience, but it doesn’t have to be your story. At AYP, we are here to provide a community that supports, encourages, and walks alongside you through every challenge.
If you’re considering stepping away, I encourage you to reach out for support and remain open to new ways of engaging with your faith. Whether you’re burned out, doubting, or just too busy, you’re not alone. Together, we can stay grounded and grow, trusting that God is with us every step of the way.
Kayla Goodman, AYP Chaplain, contributed to this post.
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