It’s hard to leave the LDS Church, but when family members are involved, that’s more challenging still. Many parents make a decision to leave Mormonism when their children are still active. Here are some ideas on how parents can help their children make the transition with them.
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Video Highlights:
- At some point you have to tell your children about your journey. You’ve been learning about problems in church history and doctrine. You’re discovering a new kind of faith in Christ. At some point, you realize you have to leave the LDS Church. So how will you tell your children? This will be awkward and confusing for them. They may have a wide variety of emotions, from curiosity to anxiety. Of course, they may push back against your decision.
- Advice for parents making this journey.
- Be patient. It can be a slow process. Introduce new ideas a bit at a time.
- Try to gauge where your children are at to avoid plowing them over with too much information all at once. If you don’t move at their pace, you risk losing their hearts.
- Don’t be harsh or sarcastic toward Mormonism.
- Be aware of your children’s emotions about their LDS Church involvement. Understand the social costs they may have to pay.
- Maintain trust and communication with them above all else. Make the effort to repair anything that might be strained in the relationship.
- Advice for children on this journey.
- Trust your parents. They love you and want the best for you.
- They also have more experience with Mormonism and can see the problems better than you do. Find out for yourself whether the things your parents are saying are true.
- You may feel like the family is being divided, but use the time to connect with God.
- You will lose some friends, but God promises to provide new friends.
- Matthew 19:29 And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or property, for my sake, will receive a hundred times as much in return and will inherit eternal life.
To make the faith journey as a family can be very challenging. But be encouraged. There are ways to help your family make the transition together.
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