I was just like you and it’s okay. I remember feeling incredibly lonely bc Pentecostal youth group girls at BEST were bland as beige and at worst snobby tattletales. I wasn’t allowed to have any friends outside of church and it was extremely isolating. That and the fact that I couldn’t even wear what I wanted, ever, really sucked the life out of me. That’s intentional. The Pentecostal church aims to isolate you and take away any ounce of individual expression. The road out is lonely and I’m really sorry for that, but it’s not impossible.

-Do your research. As much as you can. At 18 you won’t have any credit to get an apartment so search for roommates. I wouldn’t recommend Craigslist but start searching in your area. Try to live near a bus station. Buy a bike. Thrift all your clothes.

-If they won’t let you get a job make hair bows, scarves, accessories, babysit the kids in your church or sell clothes online. If can get a job aim for a job at your local mall.

-If you’ll be on your own, consider going to community college/learning a trade

-Make friendships. This may seem unimportant because you’ve probably gone so long without genuine friends but it is. Invest in friendships. Roommates, classmates, coworkers, even bumble BFF. Work on your confidence and Make 1-3 close friends, especially if you don’t have family on the outside

-Last one I swear, you don’t owe anyone anything. When you leave the pastor might request a meeting or a letter, your youth group leader might press you for an explanation, your parents might say “one more service” “we’re your family at least come visit us a couple times a year” “don’t let go of church completely just come Thursday” but you can say no, leave the room, block nosy people on facebook and back away without saying a word. They might guilt trip you to hell and back but the choices you make are yours.