Jaded Church

You stayed longer than you wanted to. Or you left quietly. Or you're still attending, but feel disconnected.You don't want to abandon faith. You're just exhausted. By the performance, the politics, the language that doesn't fit anymore.You're not "the lost." You're not broken. You're jaded.Suddenly, you look around and feel like a spiritual nomad. So you stay invisible...on the edge of the pew or just outside the door, wondering if anyone else feels this way.This is for you. And for the church leaders who sense something's broken but can't name it.

Giving Tension a Name.

Jaded Church explores a new way of thinking for the gap we feel between two groups – The Jaded and The Bubble.It's a short collection of thoughts that are not about theology, but about culture, communication, and wondering if a bridge is possible.You'll find things like:
— Why so many feel spiritually homeless, but not faithless.
— How the church's "brand delivery gap" creates disconnection.
— What it would take for both sides to move toward each other.
— Why this matters for the next generation.

Get the eBook.

This pay-what-you-will download is a guided path toward new ways of thinking about something we've felt for a long time.It's an invitation to come along, join in, and help build something new.The 50-page book has big fonts and a lot of air ... but don't speed through it. It's meant to reach deeply, connect with new places in your brain and heart, kick up dust, and inspire thoughtful conversation.— It's a framework for understanding spiritual fatigue.
— It's the language for what you've been feeling.
— It presents ideas for what comes next, for individuals and churches.

Find it here

Why This Matters

The Jaded aren't going anywhere.They aren't coming back to church as it currently exists. But they're not abandoning faith, either.They're out there raising kids, building lives and holding onto Jesus while keeping the church at arm's length.Meanwhile, the church keeps programming for the next generations while ignoring the ones who quietly left.If we can create language for this tension and re-inspire a new kind of connection ... imagine what becomes possible.

What's Next.

I'm exploring conversations with Jaded Christians and thoughtful church leaders, consulting with churches on brand + culture alignment, and writing more as this community forms.In the meantime, if you have a story, or more questions, jot a note.

Matt Steinruck
Big Picture Brand+Culture Consulting
Presented with a heart toward fellow Jaded Christians, a love for conservative Christian churches and Christ's bride, and hope to connect, challenge and inspire.