Ex-Mormon Husband Shares What He Wishes Members Understood

Why do people leave the Mormon Church? In this honest and respectful episode of Hidden Wisdom, McKay Farner shares his personal journey of stepping away from the LDS Church after years of devotion, including serving a mission, teaching seminary, and building a life deeply connected to the faith. McKay opens up about the assumptions many members make about former members, why leaving was one of the hardest decisions of his life, and how families can bridge the gap between believers and those who choose a different path. This episode is not about attacking faith—it’s about understanding, compassion, and honest conversation. In this episode: Why McKay left the church Common misconceptions about ex-Mormons How families can stay united through faith differences Spiritual practices he still values today Raising children in a mixed-faith home Why respect matters more than labels If you’ve ever wrestled with faith, family tension, or religious identity, this conversation will resonate deeply. Subscribe to Hidden Wisdom for more honest conversations on faith, growth, healing, and personal truth. #MormonStories #ExMormon #LDSChurch #FaithJourney #HiddenWisdom Timestamps 00:00 Intro & Why McKay Is Sharing His Story 00:34 Why This Episode Is Not Church Bashing 02:37 McKay’s LDS Background & Seminary Teaching 04:29 Stop Assuming Why People Leave 06:02 Leaving the Church Is Not Easy 10:17 Don’t Make “Ex-Mormon” Someone’s Identity 13:42 Stop Treating People Like Projects 16:51 What Genuine Friendship Looks Like 20:08 A Bishop Who Responded the Right Way 21:27 Respecting Everyone’s Different Journey 23:03 Q&A Begins 23:20 Does He Still Connect With The Book of Mormon? 24:52 How He Feels About Wife & Kids Attending Church 26:09 What Practices He Still Keeps 29:37 Does He Speak Negatively About the Church? 30:12 Explaining Faith Changes to Children 31:43 Word of Wisdom Changes Today 32:22 Final Thoughts on Respect & Judgment 34:14 Book Recommendation & Closing Message Resources & References Torn: Why People We Love Are Leaving the Church and What We Can Learn from Them — Jeff Strong | Faith Matters Podcast Topics discussed: Mormonism, LDS faith transition, mixed-faith marriage, spirituality after religion, family unity