Best-selling Christian author and speaker Jen Hatmaker has revealed she is no longer attending church—and may never return.

The Christian Post reported that in a recent interview ahead of her new memoir, Hatmaker described walking away from institutional Christianity due to long-standing frustrations with church culture, teachings, and how it handled her personal struggles.

Hatmaker, known for her progressive faith views and online following of more than 1.5 million, spoke candidly in an interview with Time about her departure from the church system she once supported as a leader. Despite leaving institutional religion, she shared that her spiritual beliefs remain intact and that she continues to nurture a personal connection with Jesus.

Disillusionment Rooted in Personal and Cultural Experiences

The Texas-based writer’s upcoming memoir, “Awake,” opens up about the painful fallout from her 26-year marriage to Brandon Hatmaker, a pastor and co-leader with her at Austin New Church. She says the marriage ended in 2020 following infidelity on his part. The end of their relationship catalyzed deep reflection on the structures and ideologies that shaped their lives and marriage.

“Divorce is not that interesting of a story,” Hatmaker commented in the interview, referencing the commonality of the experience. Still, she said, closer examination of the underlying dynamics—including patriarchy, ministry culture, and purity teachings—led her to see patterns she now believes were detrimental.

Influenced by elements within Evangelical culture, Hatmaker said she began identifying beliefs she felt had kept her in unhealthy environments—including what she describes as the idolization of marriage and rigid gender roles. Over time, she said she realized her participation in these systems contributed to her personal pain.

Public Scrutiny and Faith Reexamination

Following news of her divorce, Hatmaker says the online response placed heavy judgment on her, attributing the breakup to her doctrinal positions rather than external behavior. In her words, “It was all my fault, according to the internet.” She said some accused her of inviting Satan into the marriage by deviating from church orthodoxy.

She contrasted the outward appearance of her marriage with the reality shaped by religious pressures and purity culture from her upbringing, particularly in the 1980s. Hatmaker said such teachings instilled fears and unrealistic expectations, especially regarding sexuality, causing long-term damage within her relationship.

Hatmaker reflected on early church involvement, saying she attended services “three times a week as a fetus.” She said navigating life outside of this deeply ingrained belief system has been difficult, but also liberating. “I still love Jesus, but church is hard for me,” she explained.

Shifting Beliefs Sparked Earlier Divisions

Hatmaker’s critiques of Evangelical norms are not new. In 2016, the Christian retailer Lifeway stopped carrying her books after she expressed support for marriage equality. At the time, she defended same-sex unions on both civil liberties and personal dignity grounds.

She has said repeatedly that all couples—regardless of sexual orientation—deserve equal rights, and praised the character of her own lesbian daughter in a 2020 podcast episode. Hatmaker said she regrets not arriving at inclusive views sooner.

In a blog post two years later, she publicly supported abortion rights, writing that women should have the ability to make decisions about parenting and their own bodies. These stances further distanced her from much of the Evangelical mainstream.

Public Persona Continues to Evolve

Hatmaker has become a polarizing figure among Christians, with some continuing to view her as a voice for progress and others distancing themselves. Her website acknowledges this evolution, noting that she went from a fixture of Evangelical women’s culture to a controversial voice within it.

Her candidness about sexuality has extended even to her social media platforms. In 2023, she promoted sexual wellness products, including supplements and topical oils, emphasizing authenticity and self-care—topics rarely addressed within conservative religious spaces.

Despite the backlash, Hatmaker says she has found peace in extricating herself from systems she now views as harmful. “My lifelong exposure has left me in a place where I know too much,” she said. “So I need a break from the machine.”

Redefining Faith Outside of Institutions

While Hatmaker’s future with the church remains uncertain, she emphasized that her departure is not a loss of faith but rather a reevaluation of what faith can look like beyond institutions. “I don’t feel like I am forfeiting my faith,” she stated. “I’m relearning what faith can look like outside of the structures.”

She described the process as gentle and healing, suggesting she is rebuilding a spiritual life aligned with authentic values rather than traditional expectations. Her story adds to the broader conversation surrounding the evolving relationship many Americans have with organized religion.

Whether or not she returns to the pulpit or pews, Hatmaker’s departure from church life is already leaving a lasting impact on her audience, and sparking larger questions about how religion can serve—or fail—its most devoted members.