Video Transcript: Supporting People Who Are Disaffiliating

Video 10C: Supporting People Who Are Disaffiliating

Disaffiliating means moving away from identification or involvement with a religious organization or community.

For a Scientologist, disaffiliation may involve much more than changing religious beliefs.

It may affect marriage, family, friendships, employment, finances, housing, social belonging, daily routines, and personal identity.

Christian leaders must not minimize these possible costs.

A person may believe that leaving is necessary while still grieving what is being lost. Relief and grief can exist together. Hope and fear can exist together.

Romans 12:15 tells Christians to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.

Supporting someone who is disaffiliating begins with listening.

Ask:

“What changes are you facing?”

“Who knows about your decision?”

“What relationships or responsibilities are most concerning?”

“Do you have safe and dependable support?”

Do not pressure the person to make a public announcement, share a testimony, criticize Scientology online, or immediately join a Christian organization.

The person’s story belongs to the person.

Privacy is especially important. Do not share details with a church, ministry team, prayer group, or social media audience without clear permission.

Disaffiliation may create practical needs. The person may need help identifying safe housing, employment assistance, legal counsel, professional counseling, transportation, or supportive relationships.

Christian ministers should remain within their training and role.

They should not offer legal conclusions, conduct investigations, diagnose trauma, provide psychotherapy, or attempt deprogramming. Qualified professionals should be involved when needs exceed the minister’s competence.

The Christian community can offer meaningful support through meals, friendship, prayer, transportation, practical assistance, and a dependable place to belong.

However, assistance must never become leverage for conversion.

Do not communicate, “We will help you only when you agree with us.”

Christian love serves the neighbor without manipulation.

At the same time, Christian leaders should not hide their faith. When permission is given, they may explain the hope found in Jesus Christ.

Psalm 34:18 says that the Lord is near to the brokenhearted.

Jesus does not merely offer a new spiritual technique. He offers reconciliation with God, forgiveness of sins, new life through the Holy Spirit, and belonging within the body of Christ.

A disaffiliating person may not be ready to accept these claims. Continue to respect freedom of conscience.

Healthy support is patient. It does not rush trust, baptism, public testimony, membership, or leadership.

The person may need time to rebuild a sense of identity, evaluate beliefs, establish boundaries, and develop relationships outside the former religious community.

Christian leaders must also remain accountable. Care should take place under the oversight of a church, Soul Center, chaplaincy, or recognized ministry. Appropriate safeguards protect both the person receiving care and the ministry team.

Support people who are disaffiliating with compassion, confidentiality, practical wisdom, and gospel hope.

Do not take control of their journey.

Walk faithfully beside them while trusting the Holy Spirit to guide, convict, heal, and draw them to Jesus Christ.