From a post here

When you leave the church, it’s possible to hear comments like this directed at you:

  • You’ve ruined our eternal family.
  • It would be better if you died than left the church.
  • Your children need the church in order to make good choices.
  • That [bad thing] happened to you because you left the church
  • You’ve been deceived by Satan.
  • You no longer have the light of Christ.
  • I pray something will happen to humble you so you’ll come back to the church.
  • You must have done something wrong. Did you cheat on your spouse?

In case you experience this, here’s some responses you can keep in your back pocket:

  • You are welcome to think that about me. I’m comfortable in my decisions.
  • I understand why you might see things that way.
  • Thank you. I’m sure you meant that in the kindest way possible.
  • I’m sorry to hear that’s what’s going through your head.
  • I can only imagine that it’s hard for you to understand where I’m coming from.
  • If you’re hurting for me, I want you to know I’m at peace. If you’re hurting for you, I hope you can find comfort in whatever way works best for you.
  • It must be scary for you to see me leave the church. I’m sorry you’re having such a hard time making sense of all this.
  • You sound worried. I know you wouldn’t worry if you didn’t care.
  • There may not be anything I can do to that would lead you to see me differently, but if you ever want to listen with an open mind, I’d be willing to share my journey.
  • You might be right. If you are – that’s fine. I don’t need to be right.