The Long Road Out: Exit Stories from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Abstract

This study examined 50 exit narratives written by former members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints posted on two Web sites, postmormon.org and exmormon.org, to explore organizational exit from a faith-based community. Using a microstoria narrative analysis, we found that the narratives described a long, nonlinear exit process that was advanced through microdisassociations. Members masked their intent to leave and internal doubts as they concurrently disconnected and reconnected with their faith. This study extends research on organizational exit to a third organizational form—totalistic organizations—and explores how organizational form informs the exit process.

Keywords:

• Assimilation
• Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints
• Exit
• Organizational Communication
• Totalistic Organizations

Notes

A full accounting of the faith is beyond the scope of this study. This overview is provided to situate the study and provide a context from which the narratives can be understood. For a more complete understanding of Mormon scripture, history, and culture, see “Church History in the Fulness of Times” (2003).

Weekly worship services and activities are held in local churches. Temples, recognizable by the golden statue of the angel Moroni at the apex, are considered literal houses of God. Members must prepare themselves for temple rituals and covenants through interviews with clergy and must receive a temple recommendation to attend.

This study is part of a multidata set inquiry into totalistic organizations by Hinderaker and O'Connor. It uses a unique data set. For more information on totalistic organizations, see Hinderaker (2015).

Wards are local congregations of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Except in rare circumstances (such as a “singles ward,” assembled for young single adult members), the ward of attendance is designated by geographical place of residence.

Mormon doctrine teaches that marriages performed in a temple of the Church are eternal. Spouses are sealed to each other and to children born of the union in temple ceremonies. Marriages performed outside the temple or annulled in such a case as one spouse leaving the faith are considered earthly in nature and do not carry into the afterlife.

“Jack Mormon” is a derogatory term generally used by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to label other members they see as partially faithful or inactive.

Mormon scriptures and teachings often refer to Hell as Outer Darkness or spiritual deprivation from the divine.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Amorette Hinderaker

Amorette Hinderaker is an Assistant Professor and the Convener of Debates in the Bob Schieffer College of Communication at Texas Christian University.

Amy O'Connor

Amy O'Connor is an Assistant Professor at the University of Minnesota, School of Journalism and Mass Communication.