A Letter To The Unchurched

This message speaks to believers who have left organized churches because of false teaching, abusive leadership, spiritual deadness, or compromise—but who still confess Jesus Christ as Lord. Christ alone is Head of the church, and Scripture is the final test of every doctrine, leader, and spiritual claim. Leaving a corrupt congregation may be an act of obedience; leaving Christ and His people is not.

In an age of declining faith and growing deception, unchurched believers must abide in Christ, pray, test every spirit, and measure every teaching by God’s Word. They should resist isolation, seek faithful fellowship, protect the vulnerable, and leave destructive churches with truth, humility, and courage. The church belongs to Jesus, and the failures of human institutions cannot overturn His faithfulness. His people are called to stand firm, bear one another’s burdens, and endure in holiness, love, and hope until He comes.

There is a growing number of unchurched believers who find no comfort in today’s church environments. Many have experienced or witnessed abuses in their former churches, and indeed, there is a lot of confusion out there. I understand this, as I too am unchurched. I’ve entered and exited numerous churches over the years for various reasons. In some, I became very involved as a teacher, assistant pastor, or pastoral candidate. It is not my purpose to review these situations in detail, only to explain that I do understand those who are unchurched for good reasons.

We read in the book of Acts how the very early churches functioned in harmony through prayer, fellowship, sharing with each other to meet needs, and open discussions about the challenges they faced—to counsel, pray, and act in support. These churches were highly aware that, outside their numbers, the world was hostile to them; therefore, they were highly dependent on one another as more than a family. However, we also understand that this harmony did not last. Early on, there were those who worked to infiltrate the churches and stir them against one another and against the words recently given to them by the apostles themselves (1 Corinthians 1:11–12, 3:1–3, 5:1–2; Galatians 1:6–7, 3:1–4; Colossians 2:20–23). It is well said that the future would be one of growing discord even in the churches (1 Timothy 4:1–3; 2 Timothy 1:15, 2:16–18, 3:1–13; Titus 1:10–16). There should be no surprise, but the feeling of betrayal and abandonment is strong, nevertheless. So how should the unchurched feel? Are they in sin for not being within a church? Are they to be discarded for that reason?

The Times Are Difficult

Christianity in the Western world is dying; churches are closing, and many are seeing fewer people in their pews. The evidence supports a broad long-term decline in Christian identification, formal membership, and regular worship attendance across several Western countries, although the pace differs by nation.

· United States: Pew Research Centre found that the Christian share of adults fell from 78% in 2007 to 62% in 2023–2024, while 29% were religiously unaffiliated. Gallup separately reported that membership in a church, synagogue, or mosque declined from 70% in 1999 to 47% in 2020. Reported attendance in the previous seven days averaged 34% in 2016–2019 and 30% from 2020 through May 2023. [i] [ii] [iii][iv][v][vi][vii][viii]

· England and Scotland: Church of England average weekly attendance was 693,000 in 2023, up 4.5% from 2022 but still below 2019 levels; the 2023 adult figure was 19% lower than in 2019. In Scotland, 51.1% reported no religion in the 2022 census, up from 36.7% in 2011, while Church of Scotland affiliation fell from 32.4% to 20.4%.

· Canada: In the 2021 census, 53.3% identified as Christian, down from 67.3% in 2011; 34.6% reported no religious affiliation.

· Australia: Christian affiliation fell from 61.1% in 2011 to 52.1% in 2016 and 43.9% in 2021. Over the same decade, "no religion" rose from 22.3% to 38.9%.

· Netherlands: The share of residents aged 15 and older belonging to a religious community declined from 53% in 2013 to 42% in 2023. Among those with a religious affiliation, 18% attended services at least weekly in 2023; weekly attendance was 33% among Protestants and 6% among Catholics.

We have to face certain realities: churches that are consistent with the New Testament pattern are extremely difficult to find. True believers with active faith are spread out among a large population of Christians who are not committed to Jesus. Many false-front Christians fill church pews and pulpits and cause offense to those who truly hear the voice of Jesus. This is not to say there are no good churches; it’s just harder to tell by visiting them and waiting long enough to discern the true spirit of the organization. By the time a new believer can sense a problem, they are well on their way toward indoctrination or leaving, causing severe strain and separation anxiety. This is worse if family history is involved and separation means becoming estranged from close family members. Still scripture demands we love Jesus more than family (Matthew 10:37–39; Luke 14:26).

In Revelation 3:4–13, Jesus gives a warning to the church in Sardis. This church is judged as dead in good works and called neither hot nor cold, but lukewarm in its zeal for Christ. Jesus threatens to come like a thief and tells them to wake up, repent, and return to the former ways they received and heard. Still, within this church are some who have not grown cold toward Jesus. Jesus identifies these as those who are keeping their spiritual garments clean and have not soiled them by being like the others in the church. He praises them and gives them promises if they remain unsoiled and conquer the malaise of lukewarmness the others are exhibiting.

This gives hope to those who remain in certain churches that are not functioning at full capacity for Christ. This does not mean they should remain in churches that abuse or speak falsely about the words of God. Some churches are tired and show little enthusiasm in worship and deeds of righteousness. These are like Sardis and will be caught unaware when the Lord returns. I see these as churches that quench the Spirit’s fire and reduce any experience with the indwelling of God’s Spirit to nothing more than words read from the Bible. Their general disposition is to deny any open or expected spiritual experience, and they are stuck in a biblical reading pattern that denies the power of the Spirit. Some will say that these churches are dull and more routine than alive. We are also seeing the rapid rise of the political church, which is currently working with government to dismantle democracy from the earth. I say there are those within who may be alive in the Spirit but fellowship in a depressed environment. For them, it is a matter of endurance and prayerful hope that the church repents and rekindles the fire within.

Abandoning A Church

There are excellent reasons to abandon a church environment.

· The church teaches a different gospel or persistently distorts essential Christian doctrine. Believers are told to reject teaching that contradicts the apostolic gospel and to test what they hear. References: Galatians 1:6–9; 1 John 4:1–3; 2 John 9–11; Acts 17:11.

· Its leaders are persistently immoral, abusive, exploitative, or unrepentant. Church leaders are required to be above reproach, gentle, self-controlled, and not greedy; serious, established accusations are to be addressed rather than concealed. References: 1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:7–9; 1 Peter 5:2–3; 1 Timothy 5:19–20.

· The congregation protects serious sin instead of practicing truthful, restorative discipline. Scripture directs churches to confront graves, unrepentant wrongdoing and warns against tolerating corruption that spreads through the body. References: Matthew 18:15–17; 1 Corinthians 5:1–13; Ephesians 5:11.

· Members are pressured to obey human authority in ways that violate obedience to God. No pastor, tradition, or institution has the right to demand what God forbids or forbid what God commands. References: Acts 5:29; Mark 7:6–13; Colossians 2:20–23.

· The church is marked by manipulation, domination, or spiritual control. Christian leadership is to serve rather than lord power over others, and believers are warned about leaders who exploit people. References: Mark 10:42–45; 2 Corinthians 1:24; 1 Peter 5:2–3; 2 Peter 2:1–3.

· The church persistently produces destructive fruit and refuses correction. Jesus teaches that teachers and movements are known by their fruit; patterns of hatred, disorder, deceit, and selfish ambition warrant serious discernment. References: Matthew 7:15–20; James 3:13–18; Galatians 5:19–23.

· Remaining would require participation in idolatry or compromise of conscience. Believers are commanded to flee idolatry, avoid partnership with darkness, and act from faith rather than a violated conscience. References: 1 Corinthians 10:14–22; 2 Corinthians 6:14–18; Romans 14:22–23.

· The church rejects Christ’s call to repent after a clear warning. Christ rebukes congregations that tolerate false teaching, immorality, or spiritual deadness and warns of judgment when they refuse to repent. References: Revelation 2:5, 14–16, 20–23; 3:1–3, 15–19.

· Departure may be necessary for peace and safety, but it should be undertaken with prayer, truth, and humility. Scripture commends seeking wise counsel, pursuing peace where possible, and avoiding needless quarrels; leaving one congregation need not mean abandoning fellowship with all believers. References: Proverbs 11:14; Romans 12:18; 2 Timothy 2:23–25; Hebrews 10:24–25.

Given that there are valid reasons to leave a church, how should one proceed in doing so?

Leaving Wisely

· Pray for wisdom and examine your motives. Ask God for clarity and distinguish between a serious biblical concern and a departure driven mainly by pride, impatience, or personal preference. References: James 1:5; Psalm 139:23–24; Proverbs 16:2.

· Confirm the concern by Scripture rather than rumor or preference. Test teaching carefully, examine the fruit being produced, and avoid reaching a verdict merely from hearsay. References: Acts 17:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:21–22; Proverbs 18:13, 17; Matthew 7:15–20.

· Seek mature, impartial counsel. Trusted believers who are not invested in controlling the outcome may help identify blind spots and confirm whether the matter is serious. References: Proverbs 11:14; 15:22; 24:6.

· Address the matter directly when it is safe and appropriate. Speak truthfully and graciously to the person responsible rather than spreading accusations. If there is abuse, intimidation, criminal conduct, or credible danger, prioritize safety and seek appropriate outside help from other spiritual and trusted believers instead of arranging a private confrontation. References: Matthew 18:15–17; Ephesians 4:15, 25; Proverbs 22:3; Romans 13:1–4.

· Avoid gossip, vengeance, and needless division. Explain the decision only as widely as necessary, speak accurately, and refuse to retaliate even when others respond unfairly. References: Ephesians 4:29–32; Romans 12:17–21; Titus 3:10–11; Proverbs 26:20.

· Leave honestly and peaceably when possible. A clear, brief statement to appropriate leaders can provide closure without inviting prolonged argument or manipulation. Peace should be pursued, though reconciliation does not always require remaining in the congregation. References: Romans 12:18; Hebrews 12:14; Colossians 4:6; Ecclesiastes 3:7.

· Fulfill legitimate commitments without submitting to coercion. Return church property, settle valid responsibilities, and communicate about ministries entrusted to you; however, human authority must not override obedience to God or personal safety. References: Romans 13:7–8; Luke 16:10; Acts 5:29.

· Protect vulnerable people and report serious wrongdoing appropriately. Biblical concern for justice includes defending those at risk. Alleged crimes or abuse should not be handled only as an internal church dispute. References: Proverbs 31:8–9; Isaiah 1:17; Romans 13:1–4; Ephesians 5:11.

· Do not abandon Christian fellowship altogether. After leaving, seek a faithful congregation or healthy fellowship where Scripture is taught, Christlike character is evident, and mutual encouragement is practiced. References: Hebrews 10:24–25; Acts 2:42; 2 Timothy 2:22; 1 Corinthians 12:12–27.

· Allow time for healing, forgiveness, and careful discernment. Forgiveness releases personal vengeance, but it does not deny wrongdoing, remove wise boundaries, or require immediate restoration of trust. References: Colossians 3:12–13; Romans 12:19; Proverbs 4:23; Matthew 10:16.

What To Do Afterward?

Once separated from a church fellowship, it is critical that believers do not internalize their feelings toward the church, the other members, and, even more so, Christ. The failings of people are not the failings of Jesus. His words and commands remain the same no matter what people do. To abandon the faith or seek to replace it makes isolated believers no better than the people they abandoned. Isolation from a church is also Satan’s playground. Isolated believers are attacked by guilt, regret, and doubt, and lacking any source of encouragement in the faith, they can easily fall astray and become lost to the faith. Such believers are exposed to worldly influences with little to help them resist. This was and is one of the most important charges of the church (Galatians 6:2; Hebrews 10:24–25; Galatians 6:1–10).

The unchurched will still need a family of believers to turn to the encouragement they need and to help them resist the arrows of the evil one. Today, we have various forms of fellowship, even if not directly person-to-person. This doesn’t mean that the other methods are preferable, as actually coming together in person is the best means for true Christian bonding, but there are others for the interim.

Online communities with sound doctrine are one option for real-time and near-real-time fellowship. Like churches, these communities need to be vetted well before one becomes included in them. Still, these venues can provide a means to reduce the impact of isolation and share each other’s burdens, especially during spiritual attacks. The limitation of these communities is that nothing is private, and anything shared is public information to monitors and unbelievers as well. A protocol must be observed regarding the degree of sharing that takes place. This is unfortunate, but we have to remember that the tools of rising technology also serve the opposition.

Online churches expose themselves, and when future oppression against the faith occurs, these venues will provide evidence that may be used against a believer. This risk also applies to in-person churches that exceed their capacity and use technology in their services and outreach, so it isn’t just an issue for the online community. Technology is a real factor in today’s world and has great potential to bring together those in faraway locations. As the faithful become more detached from organized religion, these platforms may become the most viable means of retaining faith and supporting the kingdom so as not to soil the garments of our faith.

Testing The Spirits

Scripture commands us as believers to test the spirits and the prophets who preach and teach in the name of the Lord (1 John 4:1–3; 1 Thessalonians 5:20–21; Matthew 7:15–20; Romans 16:17). The key test is the alignment of the teaching with Scripture. This must be done carefully, as Satan, the deceiver, can also look like an angel (2 Corinthians 11:14), so his ministers can seem very convincing. Scripture tells us that those who are elect of God will not be fooled by such performances (Matthew 24:24; 2 Timothy 3:16–17; Ephesians 4:14; 2 Peter 1:19–21); however, this assurance depends on being alert and determined in the detection of fraud.

Future Displacement

The church of the future will ultimately divide into those who work with ruling authorities to control and quell potential discord against authority. Such churches will be tools of the ruling elite. As long as these organizations maintain the peace and do not challenge the authorities, they will prosper. Those who resist will go underground, much as the early churches did during Roman hostilities toward Christians. I say underground, but not necessarily in a literal way—although that too may become necessary.

Today’s and future unchurched believers make up the core of what will become the future underground, along with those who join them. The unchurched are those who are not satisfied with the delusions being taught in the failing churches of today. They see and feel that something is wrong with normality as it stands and will hear only the voice of the Shepherd; no other will do. Those who are not dissuaded from both separating themselves and speaking out against the great delusion that is capturing those around them will become targets of rejection within the growing techno-state system I described in my medium article on Babylon Rising.

Conclusion

I write these things to encourage the unchurched who have grown dissatisfied with their church experiences yet desire faith in and obedience to the real Jesus, who is Lord and Messiah. I also write as a warning to those who are satisfied with their compromised experiences in a world of delusion that is laying the foundation for the coming of our Lord. The lines are being put in place, and our choices and whom we follow will put us on one side or the other—the sheep or the goats: those who value their status in this world order and those who truly seek to follow Jesus.

“Come now, you rich people, weep and wail for the miseries that are coming to you!” — James 5:1