Why Are So Many People Leaving the Church? Spiritual Abuse, Religious Trauma, and Adverse Religious Experiences for People of Faith

Have you been wondering why so many people seem to be leaving the church?  

Maybe you have seen the statistics that for the first time ever, less than 50% of the US population planned to include any religious service in their holiday celebrations in 2024.  Perhaps you have friends, family, or former church members who are no longer involved in church or religious activities.  

January is Spiritual Abuse Awareness Month.  Spiritual abuse is just one of the reasons that some people may leave a church, group, or religion.  If you are a person of faith who wants to better understand some of the reasons that many people are leaving the church, this event is for you.  

This live, online event will include:

• Discussion of common vocabulary (What is spiritual abuse?  What does "deconstruction" actually mean?)
• A look at some of the ways religious practices can be both harmful and healthy
• Information about the possible impacts of harmful religious experiences
• Options for prevention of harm and further resources
• Responses to the pre-submitted questions of attendees

This event is not anti-religion, but is anti-harm.

Who Should Attend:  Anyone who values their faith and desires to understand the experiences of those who have been harmed within religious contexts is welcome to attend. The attendance is capped at 30 participants.  Participants will not be required to turn on their cameras or to speak during the event.

When / Where:  This 90-minute event will be held live online via Zoom on Tuesday, January 28, 2024 from 7:30-9pm ET (adjust time zone as needed).  You will need a stable internet connection in order to attend.  There are no geographic restrictions on who can attend.  

What is the Cost?  This event has a multi-tier payment option, ranging from $10 to $50, because the facilitator does not believe that cost should be a barrier to anyone’s ability to access this information.  Please consider your own financial situation and choose the price point that is best for you.  We do ask that only one person attend for each reserved “ticket.”  If multiple people from your church/group would like to attend, please purchase a “ticket” for each of them.  The cost covers your attendance to the event, as well as an informational handout related to the topics covered.

How can I submit a question to be answered during the event?  The registration form includes a spot to ask a question that will be considered for inclusion in the program.  The presenter will include as many questions as possible, combining similar questions in order to provide the most information within the timeframe.

How will I receive my “ticket”?  Your “ticket” is the Zoom link for the event.  This link, along with an informational handout, will be delivered approximately 24 hours prior to the event to the email address that you provide during registration.

About the Presenter:  Michelle F. Moseley, MS, LCMHC, NCC, BC-TMH (she/her) is a licensed mental health counselor in North Carolina.  Prior to becoming a mental health counselor, Michelle was involved in volunteer and vocational ministry for almost 15 years within evangelical Christian contexts.  She has personal experience of spiritual abuse and religious trauma, as well as extensive professional training in working with complex trauma.  Michelle specializes in supporting those who have experienced harm within religious systems or settings, helping them heal and move forward on their individual spiritual journey.  She also provides continuing education to other mental health professionals on topics related to spiritual abuse, religious trauma, and healthy spirituality.  She is passionate about helping to bridge the intersection between mental health and faith.

**Disclaimer:  This event is being facilitated by Michelle F. Moseley, a Licensed Clinical Mental Health counselor in North Carolina who specializes in working with survivors of religious trauma and those unraveling the impacts of high-control religions.  This event is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a therapeutic relationship with Michelle.  This event does not take the place of a personal relationship with a licensed mental health professional.