[aron]

Originally Posted by MarsVolta

I'll start this off by saying I still have a fear that I may be found by members of the church who know who I am by details left in this forum.

Welcome. As much as you can, heal from the fear. It isn't easy but your "authentic self" is free from fear. They imposed THEIR fear on you. Reject it.

Originally Posted by MarsVolta

I was fortunate enough to distance myself from them, my stepbrothers are in full brainwashed mode, my sisters have been tormented more than I have.

You may be able to help them heal, in the future. Just begin by healing today.

Originally Posted by MarsVolta

I don't have anything against members of the Church and know many good people who are members, even if we now have a different ideology.

Originally Posted by MarsVolta

FYI: **I'm no longer a practicing Christian, and I have no interest in returning to Christianity, church, etc.** I'm a happy humanist these days, and I wanted to be upfront and honest about that since it could affect the dynamic of potential connections in a big way!

I would be interested to find out how many ex-church kids are non-believers.

My guess is:

~10 to 15% go through FTTA and become "serving ones" somewhere. They are vacuumed up by the ministry and migrate for the "Lord's move" (i.e. ministry directives) to serve in adjunct or official (paid) capacity.

~20 to 25% become "community saints" who meet fairly regularly but live for themselves (their job, their education etc). They are nominal affiliates.

~10 to 15% become Christians of other types. They go on as believers but not affiliated with the Lord's recovery/Local church/LSM.

~40 to 50% become avowed atheists, agnostic, Buddhist etc.

When i say ex-church kids I am thinking average of 50+ meetings per year for at least 5 years, before age 18. Of course many had a lot more than that. One conference weekend could have 5 or 6 meetings. A SSOT could have 30 meetings. Then there is the "church life" of mutual activities, of hosting visitors, of staying at others' houses. Church kids got an immersive experience. Yet the bulk of them left not only the LR but also the faith.

MarsVolta, I am wondering your observations, from your post below:

Originally Posted by MarsVolta

I have family and childhood friends (last 5-10 years) that has spent time recruiting in Boston. I myself was a Church Kid from Providence in the 90's and also spent time in Newton Mass. I am not involved anymore but close family still is.

Also from a sociological perspective, how does this ratio compare to other "high-demand" Christian/pseudo-Christian groups like International Churches of Christ?