Leaving Well

A 4-part series for people who want to leave the LDS church and find Jesus – without burning bridges along the way.

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  1. Pick a series from our homepage. There's plenty to choose from!
  2. Each series contains multiple lessons. Click on the numbered tabs to open each lesson.
  3. Each lesson includes an audio podcast. Start by listening to the podcast on your own, before you meet as a group. Take notes as needed, and listen again if it helps. Consider starting a discipleship journal to track what you're learning.
  4. Meet with your family, group, or mentor to talk through what you learned from the podcast. Each lesson includes shownotes, talking points, and discussion questions. Click on the # tab to explore additional topics when you're done.
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Talking Points:
  • Leaving Mormonism can be a traumatic event, and it’ll trigger difficult emotions such as fear, depression, anger, guilt, and confusion. As hard as it is, it’s worth it to work through these emotions.
  • On the other side of the exit are better emotions: peace, joy, love, freedom, and clarity. But don’t do it alone; stay connected to a biblical church or mentor as you process your emotions.
  • Don’t leave for the fun of it; your motivation should be to find the biblical Jesus. Fix your eyes on Jesus through it all and it’ll be worth the journey. Hebrews 12:1-3
Discussion:
  1. Read the talking points above as a group, including scripture references. What are your initial thoughts about these points or about the podcast lesson (see audio above)?
  2. Share some of your experiences in the Mormon church. Why do you want to leave?
  3. Make a list of some of the emotions you’ve felt as you’ve considered leaving. Which one was the hardest emotion, and why?
  4. Read Hebrews 12:1. The author paint a picture of a distance runner cheered on during a race. Who is in your “crowd” cheering you on?
  5. Read Hebrews 12:2. Where should our focus be during the race? Make a list of some of the distractions that can get our attention.
  6. Read Hebrews 12:3. Why did Jesus endure the cross? What can you learn from his example?
Talking Points:
  • Leaving well means dealing with the myriad questions around the ever-changing doctrine of the LDS church. It starts with recognizing that the Bible is reliable and authoritative in our lives. 2 Timothy 3:16
  • The biblical Jesus isn’t our elder brother. He is fully God, the second person of the Trinity and Creator of heaven and earth. John 1:1, Colossians 1:16-20
  • We are not saved by grace “after all we can do”. We start a relationship with God by trusting fully in the work of Jesus on the cross. We can do nothing to earn our salvation. Ephesians 2:8-9, Galatians 2:16-21
  • The focus of eternity is on Jesus, not on eternal families. The Bible teaches that we become a part of God’s family when we believe in Jesus, and he alone is the head of that family. Ephesians 2:19-21
Discussion:
  1. Read the talking points above as a group, including scripture references. What are your initial thoughts about these points or about the podcast lesson (see audio above)?
  2. How did you view the Bible as a Mormon? How is your perspective changing?
  3. Read Colossians 1:16-20. What does this say about the identity of Jesus? How is it different from what Mormonism teaches?
  4. Read Ephesians 2:8-9. What does this say about how we are saved? Why is this hard for Mormons to accept?
  5. “Families can become idols in the Mormon church.” Do you agree? Explain.
  6. What are some other questions you have as you exit the LDS church? Make a list.
Talking Points:
  • The best reason to leave Mormonism is to find and gain a relationship with the biblical Jesus. It may cost you your family, but Jesus calls us to love him at any cost. Luke 14:26
  • When you talk to your family, simply explain your reasons for leaving Mormonism. Don’t try to convince them that you’re right and they’re wrong. Leave room for their emotions as well as your own.
  • Be ready to face more questions and rebuttals. Pay attention to the attitude of the person questioning, and invite them on the journey if God is softening their heart toward biblical Christianity.
Discussion:
  1. Read the talking points above as a group, including scripture references. What are your initial thoughts about these points or about the podcast lesson (see audio above)?
  2. Why are you leaving Mormonism? Make a list of the top three reasons.
  3. Read Luke 14:26. What is Jesus saying in this difficult verse?
  4. How do you expect your family to react when you share your news with them? Who will take it the hardest?
  5. What are some of the questions you expect from family and friends? How will you answer these questions?
  6. “Don’t try to convince them that you’re right and they’re wrong.” Agree or disagree?
Talking Points:
  • Many Mormons leave the LDS church with a bad taste in their mouths about organized religion. They throw the baby out with the bathwater and deconstruct faith altogether.
  • Leaving well means finding the biblical Jesus, and a healthy Christian church is a big part of that. Look for an evangelical church that is Christ-centered and Bible-based.
  • Research churches online by listening to sermons ahead of time and reading statements of faith. When you show up, expect a casual atmosphere with people who are hungry to worship Jesus.
  • Get plugged in to a new church and then go through The Pursuit with a small group or mentor as you continue to pursue the God of the Bible.
Discussion:
  1. Read the talking points above as a group, including scripture references. What are your initial thoughts about these points or about the podcast lesson (see audio above)?
  2. Have you been tempted to leave church altogether? Explain.
  3. Describe three main categories of Christian churches. Why do some people include Mormonism as a fourth category?
  4. How can you tell if a church is “Bible-based”? Make a list.
  5. How can you tell if a church is “Christ-centered”? What other things can a church mistakenly get focused on?
  6. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
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