‘A Churchless Faith’ by Alan Jamieson (SPCK, 2002)

We have featured books before that are helpful to those who are ‘out of church’ (see the base of this article) but this one is well worth recommending despite its age. Indeed, it could be regarded as seminal to this whole topic.

The book is based upon interviews of well over 100 church leaders and ‘leavers’, focusing on three main church types: Evangelical, Pentecostal and Charismatic (designated collectively as ‘EPC’).

The books falls into two parts covering two agendas. The first (chapters one to seven) sets out to understand why believers have left church and the paths they have chosen since. This is achieved largely through interviews but also through exploring the characteristics of the (EPC) churches themselves. Jamieson wants to put to rest the misunderstandings, loose stereotypes and arrogant misjudgements that often arise when the ‘out of church’ issue is discussed.

The second section of the book (chapters eight to eleven) focuses on providing resources for church ‘leavers’ and those interested in helping them, something that can only be done once the misconceptions have been cleared up.

Stages and Types

Jamieson explains that the leaving process can be prolonged for many, especially those who have been part of a fellowship for many years. The first stage is often disengagement, perhaps even subconsciously, before questions are asked and a realisation dawns that something is not right. A gradual distancing then begins before the final moment of leaving.

Overall Jamieson identifies four distinct stages: initial doubts, seeking and weighing alternatives, turning points or ‘final straws’, then the gradual development of a new sense of identity outside of church.

Jamieson wants to put to rest the misunderstandings, loose stereotypes and arrogant misjudgements that often arise when the ‘out of church’ issue is discussed.

Jamieson also considers four different types of ‘leavers’: ‘disillusioned followers’, ‘reflective exiles’, ‘transitional explorers’ and ‘integrated wayfarers’. These headings take some unpacking, but basically indicate a spectrum ranging from those who are angry, hurt and confused to those who take ownership of their faith and rebuild with energy and confidence. Clearly some ‘leavers’ can cope better than others, depending on the strength of their personal foundations and convictions. Inevitably some will also abandon prayer, the Bible and fellowship as part of their exile - it is these that need most help.

Maritime Analogies

Sorting into categories like this may seem like too orderly and sequential a way of grasping a reality that is much more fluid and dynamic. The process of leaving one’s church is not a neat jumping from a big boat into a smaller one, but more akin to being cast adrift, tossed by waves, blown by winds and pulled by currents. Often only in hindsight can sense be made of all this. Meanwhile, the transition feels like a shipwreck.

The analogy of leaving a big cruise-liner in order to find a small yacht in which to continue your faith journey is still a good one, however, and this is explored further in the book. A close-knit crew is essential, but may take time to develop and should start small and grow slowly. For instance, two couples may suffice to begin with and grow to 10 or 12 as the Lord himself adds.

Meanwhile, external help and support is valuable, as is the general companionship of those in other yachts. Experienced and empathetic fellow travellers can greatly aid the transition from looking back with regrets to looking ahead with anticipation.

‘A Churchless Faith’ (179pp, paperback) is available from Amazon and elsewhere online (e.g. the Book Depository).

‘The Invisible Church’ by Steve Aisthorpe (St Andrew’s Press, 2017)

Along similar lines to Jamieson’s book but more recent is Steve Aisthorpe’s ‘The Invisible Church’. This book is also rooted in empirical evidence and testimonies, and is very practical.

The opening chapters explore the ‘what?’ of churchless faith. In the following chapter the ‘how?’ is examined, with the rest of the book devoted to investigating the ‘why?’ questions. The material has been carefully collected and well put together. Aisthorpe explores the various stereotypes of those who have left church behind and looks at the three main factors which shape the exit routes individuals take. Such departures are usually slow journeys and although unique to each person, have several features in common.

Aisthorpe goes on to explain the main phases that make up the common experience of those who become ‘out of church’, which usually starts with asking questions and exploring doubts. The accumulation of disaffection then leads to investigating alternatives and often a final tipping point. The last stage involves a demanding transition including feelings of loss and grief.

Above all, Aisthorpe shows a concern that ‘out of church’ Christians should not become a ‘bag of pebbles’ (hard, cold, unrelated, inanimate objects), but rather turn into a ‘bunch of grapes’ (connected, organic, living relationships firmly attached to the vine).

A consistent picture is beginning to emerge through the various books on this topic and Aisthorpe (who refers to the above book by Jamieson at various points) has added another useful piece to the literature.

‘The Invisible Church’ (226pp, paperback/e-book) is available from the publisher and on Amazon.

You may also be interested in these books on the same topic:

• Body Zero, by NP Franks
  
• Mere Churchianity, by John Hampton
  
• Biblical Church, by Beresford Job