How Do You Leave The Old Apostolic Lutheran Church?
• Don’t tell anyone you are leaving. As soon as other members know, the shaming and shunning may begin, so wait until you have a support system in place before you tell anyone why you “don’t come around anymore.” • Build a support system to help you adjust to life outside the OALC. You may want to consult a therapist, visit an online community of former members, and join a group based on a hobby or shared ethnic heritage. In time, you may want to join a new faith community. • Take it slow. Understand that you will feel ambivalent about the church, its members, and its teachings. You are free to question everything. Allow yourself time to develop a new philosophy and don’t be tempted by new dogma. • Face your fears. You were indoctrinated in a rigid belief system, and it will take time to sort out the fact from the fiction, the good from the bad, the love from the fear. Trust that your doubts are there to teach you, not to condemn you. • Learn about OALC history. The more you know about
• Don’t tell anyone you are leaving. As soon as other members know, the shaming and shunning may begin, so wait until you have a support system in place before you tell anyone why you “don’t come around anymore.” • Build a support system to help you adjust to life outside the church. You may want to consult a therapist, visit an online community of former members, and join a group based on a hobby or shared ethnic heritage. In time, you may want to join a new faith community. • Take it slow. Understand that you will feel ambivalent about the church, its members, and its teachings. You are free to question everything. Allow yourself time to develop a new philosophy and don’t be tempted by new dogma. • Face your fears. You were indoctrinated in a rigid belief system, and it will take time to sort out the fact from the fiction, the good from the bad, the love from the fear. Trust that your doubts are there to teach you, not to condemn you. • Learn about church’s history and heritage. The
