15M Philippines, former Bible Baptist, now atheist — churchmates keep inviting me back. How do I handle this?
Hi everyone. I'm a 15-year-old guy from the Philippines, and I'm hoping for some advice.
My background
-Been a member in a Bible Baptist church, very active: soulwinning, choir, discipleship program, daily devotions ("Daily of The Word"), youth events.
- Recently, after questioning my faith (triggered partly by realizing I'm bisexual and struggling with how my church views LGBTQ+ people), I've come to identify as an atheist.
- I haven't attended church in almost a month. My family knows I don't believe anymore, but I'm not "out" to my church community or extended family.
What's happening now:
- Churchmates keep seeing me out and just hanging out, walking around
- I know that their intention is inviting me back
- I want to respond kindly, but I don't know what to say. I can't go back just to "pretend," but I'm not ready to tell them I don't believe anymore — especially because:
- I'm worried my family might tell my cousins, church leaders, or my ex-pastor without my consent.
- I'm still financially/emotionally dependent on my family.
- I'm scared of being judged, pressured, or excluded — especially as a bisexual teen in a conservative religious community.