u/GleepGlopGoober

TL;DR: Former LDS member (M24), returned missionary, left the church ~3 years ago. I’m now exploring Christianity, deconstructing LDS beliefs, and trying to understand biblical Christianity through the New Testament. Looking for pastors, former LDS Christians, churches, podcasts, books, or resources—especially in the Idaho area.

Hey everyone!

M24 Idaho

I’m relatively new from leaving the faith. I stopped attending about 3 years ago after my mission and didn’t pursue a church or faith for a couple of years. I had curiosity about Christianity, but I hadn’t made a decision about whether I even believed in God.

I had inclinations about attending another church but didn’t know where to start. While trying to deconstruct and break down the beliefs I had been indoctrinated with, I felt completely lost and directionless. Instead of pursuing a church right away, I focused on working on myself and becoming a better person.

When I was finally ready for a relationship, my fiancée and I met and couldn’t spend a day apart. It was kismet. She grew up Christian and wanted a partner who was Christian. I wanted those values and standards for my future family as well. That became a great starting point for me to begin attending church again.

We’ve attended small and mega churches and are still exploring. Most churches have been wonderful. However, the larger churches have been difficult when it comes to finding someone who can really help me because the communities are so large and there are naturally many casual attendees.

I reached out to a pastor to talk and learn new concepts and break down doctrine. As I did that, I realized I couldn’t fully break down my beliefs in a way that someone could unless they both understood LDS culture and doctrine intricately while also having a strong understanding of biblical Christianity and were willing to dedicate time to helping me through that process. I am grappling with the Holy Trinity vs The Godhead and if I need to be baptized again. Full respect to him and others—I know that’s a very specific request and many people don’t meet those requirements.

What I have really desired is a pastor, mentor, former LDS member, or someone deeply rooted in biblical Christianity who can help me break down my old beliefs and rebuild new ones.

I am very weary of the word of man because of my experience with Joseph Smith. I am also weary of denominations, creeds, and traditions. My desire is to understand true biblical Christianity the way God intended through Jesus and His apostles in the New Testament as written. I want to seek truth wherever it leads, even if it challenges my assumptions.

I also hope to find a community that is godly, fulfilling, and deeply invested in one another, similar to what many people experience in the LDS Church.

Are any of you aware of churches, pastors, former LDS Christians, armchair scholars, apologists, podcasts, books, YouTube channels, or other resources that could help me on this journey?

Please don’t comment with hate. I love many members of the Church and want to approach this journey with acceptance and understanding rather than hostility or derogatory remarks.

Thank you! Any advice, recommendations, experiences, or comments are welcome.

TL;DR: Former LDS member (M24), returned missionary, left the church ~3 years ago. I’m now exploring Christianity, deconstructing LDS beliefs, and trying to understand biblical Christianity through the New Testament. Looking for pastors, former LDS Christians, churches, podcasts, books, or resources—especially in the Boise area.

Hey everyone!

M24 Boise area

I’m relatively new from leaving the faith. I stopped attending about 3 years ago after my mission and didn’t pursue a church or faith for a couple of years. I had curiosity about Christianity, but I hadn’t made a decision about whether I even believed in God.

I had inclinations about attending another church but didn’t know where to start. While trying to deconstruct and break down the beliefs I had been indoctrinated with, I felt completely lost and directionless. Instead of pursuing a church right away, I focused on working on myself and becoming a better person.

When I was finally ready for a relationship, my fiancée and I met and couldn’t spend a day apart. It was kismet. She grew up Christian and wanted a partner who was Christian. I wanted those values and standards for my future family as well. That became a great starting point for me to begin attending church again.

We’ve attended small and mega churches and are still exploring. Most churches have been wonderful. However, the larger churches have been difficult when it comes to finding someone who can really help me because the communities are so large and there are naturally many casual attendees.

I reached out to a pastor to talk and learn new concepts and break down doctrine. As I did that, I realized I couldn’t fully break down my beliefs in a way that someone could unless they both understood LDS culture and doctrine intricately while also having a strong understanding of biblical Christianity and were willing to dedicate time to helping me through that process. I am grappling with the Holy Trinity vs The Godhead and if I need to be baptized again. Full respect to him and others—I know that’s a very specific request and many people don’t meet those requirements.

What I have really desired is a pastor, mentor, former LDS member, or someone deeply rooted in biblical Christianity who can help me break down my old beliefs and rebuild new ones.

I am very weary of the word of man because of my experience with Joseph Smith. I am also weary of denominations, creeds, and traditions. My desire is to understand true biblical Christianity the way God intended through Jesus and His apostles in the New Testament as written. I want to seek truth wherever it leads, even if it challenges my assumptions.

I also hope to find a community that is godly, fulfilling, and deeply invested in one another, similar to what many people experience in the LDS Church.

Are any of you aware of churches, pastors, former LDS Christians, armchair scholars, apologists, podcasts, books, YouTube channels, or other resources that could help me on this journey?

Please don’t comment with hate. I love many members of the Church and want to approach this journey with acceptance and understanding rather than hostility or derogatory remarks.

Thank you! Any advice, recommendations, experiences, or comments are welcome.