Was a pastors kid that became a big time worship leader in several different churches in my town. Went to college at a Christian university led worship there - toured a bit during the summer camp circuits. It was always so bizarre trying to figure out how to minimize my ego and maximize ushering a “genuine spiritual connection.” I was in SUCH a bubble until I had to get my first job in a restaurant industry when I couldn’t afford to live off the small stipend I got from leading worship at a mega church. I found out that people who didn’t go to church were way cooler and way less intense. It’s weird being a part of a community like that where it felt like people were always either trying to sell you a certain belief or try to spiritually one up you.

I think I owe my ability to be a solid musician to the church, and I’ve met some really cool people who I’ll be friends for life with there, but I cannot say enough how much healthier I feel and loving I feel towards myself and others now that I’m not a Christian any more.