Why I Left the Seventh-day Adventist Church

Leaving a faith community is never an easy decision. It takes time, reflection, and a lot of soul-searching. In this post, I want to share the personal journey behind why I left the Seventh-day Adventist Church. My hope is that by opening up, I can help others who may be experiencing something similar feel a little less alone.

This post isn’t about casting judgment or pointing fingers. In fact, I still respect many of the people I met within the church. But over time, I began to notice a gap between what I believed and what the church was teaching. That’s when everything started to change.

Feeling Disconnected from the Core Beliefs

When I first became a part of the church, everything felt aligned. The emphasis on health, family, and community was refreshing. I admired the commitment to spiritual discipline, and things like Sabbath observance gave life a beautiful rhythm. But eventually, I felt a growing sense of discomfort.

One of the biggest reasons why I left the Seventh-day Adventist Church was because I found myself questioning key doctrines. For example, the church puts strong emphasis on the teachings of Ellen G. White. While many believers revere her as a prophetess, I started to question her interpretations and writings. More importantly, I noticed how her messages sometimes held more weight than scripture itself—which didn’t sit right with me.

I asked myself: Shouldn’t personal faith be rooted in the Bible rather than in any other source?

Struggles with Legalism

Another reason I left had to do with what felt like an overwhelming focus on rules over relationships. I know that religion comes with guidelines, but in my experience, the structure within the church became too rigid.

There seemed to be unspoken expectations about how to dress, what to eat, and even what music to listen to. Over time, it felt less like faith and more like performance. Stray too far from the norms, and you risked feeling judged—or even excluded.

Why I left the Seventh-day Adventist Church wasn’t because I wanted to “live freely” or ignore morals. Rather, I wanted to live authentically—connecting with God without the fear of making a misstep.

Culture Over Christ?

Let’s be honest: every church has its own culture. But after years in the Adventist community, I noticed something else. The culture often seemed to overshadow Christ.

At potlucks, people whispered about others who weren’t strict vegetarians. During sermons, pastors condemned “worldly” activities instead of focusing on love, grace, or more practical spiritual growth.

It started to feel like the church had its own version of the Christian life—one based more on tradition than transformation. And when traditions become tools of judgment rather than love, it’s hard to feel spiritually safe.

Unanswered Questions and Doubt

Over time, the cracks began to show. Questions I once brushed off came back, stronger and louder:

Why are other Christians often described as “wrong” or deceived?
Why does the investigative judgment—unique to Adventist doctrine—cause so much anxiety?
Why isn’t grace talked about more freely and openly?

I searched for answers. I read Adventist materials, had conversations with pastors, and studied scripture on my own. But instead of finding clarity, I found even more confusion. That’s when I acknowledged something crucial: it’s okay to outgrow a belief system that no longer aligns with your spiritual journey.

Looking back, this moment was a turning point in understanding why I left the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

The Loneliness of Doubt

Doubting within a close-knit faith community can be incredibly isolating. I often felt scared to express my concerns. Would I be seen as “backsliding”? Would I disappoint those around me?

So, I stayed silent for a while. Kept going to church. Smiled through Sabbath School. But inside, I was feeling increasingly alienated.

If you’ve ever sat in your church pew and thought, “I don’t think I belong here anymore,” you’re not alone. And if those feelings persist, it may be time to stop blaming yourself and start asking what your soul truly needs.

Choosing Growth Over Comfort

No one wants change. It’s messy and scary. And yet, it’s often necessary.

Eventually, I realized that clinging to a faith that no longer nourished me was doing more harm than good. I wasn’t growing—I was withering. That’s another big reason why I left the Seventh-day Adventist Church: I had to choose spiritual growth over societal comfort.

Leaving meant letting go of relationships, familiar traditions, and even my identity as an Adventist. But it also meant stepping into new light. I began exploring other Christian teachings and engaging with people outside the Adventist bubble. The diversity of thought was uplifting. It helped me reconnect with my faith in a way that felt more personal, less performative.

Rediscovering Faith on My Own Terms

One thing I’ve realized since leaving is that you don’t need a church label to follow Jesus. You also don’t need to have all the answers. What matters most is the relationship between you and God.

In many ways, leaving allowed me to rediscover that relationship. I read the Bible without commentary, not dictated by doctrinal expectations. I prayed freely, not rehearsed. I learned that grace isn’t a reward for obedience—it’s a gift freely given because of love.

I didn’t “lose” faith. I gained a better understanding of it.

Still Grateful, Still Healing

To be clear, I don’t look back on my time in the church with bitterness. There were good times: the summer camps, mission trips, and the soul-stirring songs. The people I met, the lessons I learned, and the time I spent growing in my faith—those things mattered.

Leaving wasn’t about burning bridges but about building my own path. Every spiritual journey looks different. And that’s okay. I’m still healing from the shame and confusion, but each day breathes new clarity into my life.

What I’ve Learned Since Leaving

Walking away from a highly structured religion opened doors I never imagined. Here are just a few things I’ve discovered:

Faith can be simple and freeing. You don’t need to check every doctrinal box to be “good enough” for God.
Asking questions isn’t rebellion—it’s growth. Real faith can handle doubt.
Your relationship with God shouldn’t depend on your church attendance.
It’s possible to love and respect where you came from—and still move on.

These are lessons I carry forward every day, and they’re a huge part of why I left the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Is It Time to Reevaluate Your Faith?

If you’ve made it this far, chances are you’re wrestling with your own questions. Maybe you’re an Adventist wondering whether the church still fits your spiritual needs. Maybe you’ve already left and are looking for solidarity. Or perhaps you’re simply curious.

Wherever you are on your journey, know this: it’s okay to ask difficult questions. It’s okay to change. And it’s okay to honor your own path, even if it looks different from those around you.

Final Thoughts

Deciding why I left the Seventh-day Adventist Church was not something I took lightly. It took years of inner conflict, research, prayer, and quiet tears. But on the other side, I’ve found a deeper sense of peace and freedom in my faith.

My story isn’t everyone’s story. Some people find deep fulfillment within the Adventist Church, and I respect that. But if you’re struggling, questioning, or just feeling out of place—you’re not alone.

Your walk with God is uniquely yours. Don’t be afraid to take the steps that lead you closer to truth, even if they take you away from where you started.

Be kind to yourself, wherever you are on the path. And remember: faith isn’t about where you’ve been—it’s about where you’re going.