Opting out

I've been digging into some stats and several case studies/examples about Christian believers who no longer belong to denominational churches, or even to churches at all. I'm not talking about people who find that they no longer believe in Christ. I'm talking about those who believe in Christ, and some who even stake their lives and livelihoods on that faith, but are avoiding 'organized church' entirely. Some pretty interesting stuff.

I can't say I identify all that much with these people. Their stories display many of the reasons I choose not to opt out. But I've gone through some of the things they have, so I can't simply ignore them. I have to listen. And so do all the leaders of those who choose not to join them.

More on that later.