A year ago, my article Departure: Why I Left the Church went viral. A year later, I reflect on how that moment changed my life.

Every year, I choose a word that I believe will define the coming year. This year's word is patience.

Last month, I wrote a piece about leaving the pastorate that generated more than 380,000 views. This month, I reflect on this viral moment.

This past Sunday was my last sermon as pastor of my church. I'm leaving the pastorate entirely. This article is a deep dive into why I left.