"Why People Are Leaving the Church—and What We Can Learn" (with Jeff Strong) Episode 70

Allison Dayton and Darice Auston interview Jeff Strong (former senior executive at P&G and Johnson & Johnson and former leader of a service-oriented LDS mission with his wife Sarah) about his book "Torn: Why People We Love Are Leaving the Church and What We Can Learn From Them", based on surveys of over 15,000 Church members. Strong emphasizes that stepping away is deeply personal and often involves long, sincere wrestling, then outlines four primary reasons: lifestyle (6%), church history/truth claims (42%), social positions and moral conflict (33%), and church experience (18%). He argues a “fifth wave”—church culture—can relieve or worsen these tensions, using a “soil” metaphor balancing protection/stability with nourishment, and notes unhealthy correction/containment increases the likelihood of leaving. He shares stories highlighting LGBTQ+ pain and belonging, estimates about 40% of formerly active members have stepped away over 25 years, and describes the need to openly discuss these conflicts.

Learn more about Jeff Strong: https://www.tornbyjeffstrong.com/about

Find his book "Torn - Why People We Love Are Leaving the Church and What We Can Learn From Them" here

Find the video version of this episode of the Lift+Love podcast here

Find resources, support meetings, events, and community (including free 13 different types of online support meetings for LGBTQ+ and those who love them) on the Lift+Love website here

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