Episode 459: Brenna Hoffman, Wife and Mother, Faith Crisis, Decided to Leave the Church, Returned

Listen, Learn & Love Hosted by Richard Ostler

My friend Brenna Hoffman (married mother of new baby boy) shares her story of not belonging and never fully feeling accepted in Latter-day Saint culture. This feeling along with a negative experience in the temple and life-long questions led Brenna to conclude that her path was to leave the Church. Brenna shares her story, and talks about support from her convert husband (in a master’s program at BYU), family and friends, feeling accepted in non-LDS congregations and her spiritual impressions to return to the Church. Brenna has been sharing her experiences on social media, in testimony meeting in her BYU Ward, and in her community and has been met with love and support. She also talks about creating safe spaces and unity in our congregations so everyone can feel like they have a place in the Church. If you are trying to find a way to stay in the Church or are looking for better tools to help others, please listen to Brenna’s story. It is powerful, vulnerable and full of insights to help us better come together. You can find Brenna on Instagram at @brennabelieves where she shares insights and spiritual thoughts on faith crises, how to support those in a faith crisis, and thoughts about church culture. Thank you for being on the podcast Brenna. You are awesome!