043: How to Know When to Stay at a Church & When to Go?

In this episode of the Church Disrupted Podcast, Jeff Cochran, Leann Reece, and Corey Laster explore the question of when it's time to leave a church environment, especially when there are signs of spiritual abuse or toxicity. The hosts discuss their personal experiences and offer insights on recognizing red flags and setting boundaries. They emphasize the importance of healing and finding safe people to talk to. In this conversation, Jeff and the crew discuss the process of deciding whether it's time to leave a church. They provide guidance on how to navigate this decision, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection, seeking counsel, and setting boundaries. They also discuss the different scenarios that may arise, such as staying too long, needing to leave immediately, or trying to make a change within the church. Want to support SAI financially? https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaign THANK YOU to our podcast partner, the East TN Mentorship Association! Find out more information about what they do or connect with them at https://earnyoursanctuary.com/ . TELL THEM WE SENT YOU for a special rate that is ONLY for Church Disrupted Podcast listeners. Find out more about the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.disrupted.church/. Join the church disrupted COMMUNITY here: https://discord.gg/nbWwg8Sz6Z Please Subscribe and Share! Chapters 00:00 Introduction: When is it time to leave a church? 02:18 Recognizing Red Flags and Setting Boundaries 11:55 Leaving a Church without Villainizing 16:30 Healing and Verbalizing the Truth 31:09 Seeking Input and Making the Decision 34:58 Importance of Healing in the Decision 35:26 Trusting Your Gut: Knowing When to Leave a Church 37:50 Having Civil, Helpful, and Loving Conversations 41:01 Assessing Your Feelings: A Key Indicator for Leaving 46:46 Leaving in a Healthy and Honoring Way 57:33 Acknowledging Hurt and Finding a Safe Place to Land 01:10:29 Deciding to Leave for a New Season 01:11:57 Setting a Firm End Date 01:13:23 Having the Conversation and Leaving 01:14:20 Setting a Date and Making Arrangements 01:17:43 Protecting the Most Vulnerable Person 01:19:38 Empathy and Healing in the Body 01:21:02 Empathy and Healing in Relationships 01:27:14 Healing Faster and Helping Others 01:30:36 Empathy as a Sign of Healing 01:34:02 Prioritizing Safety and Leaving