Blessed are the Undone

Blessed are the Undone: Testimonies of the Quiet Deconstruction of Faith in Canada, by Angela Reitsma Bick and Peter Schuurman, examines the experiences of Canadian Christians who have quietly deconstructed their faith. The authors incorporate church history, cultural analysis, and personal narratives, using the metaphor of canoeing to depict the spiritual journey. This resource provides ministry leaders with an understanding of the challenges faced by those questioning their faith and offers perspectives on navigating these complex experiences.

Blessed Are the Undone: Testimonies of the Quiet Deconstruction of Faith in Canada can support ministry leaders in several meaningful ways:

1. Understanding Deconstruction Firsthand

The book features real-life stories from 28 individuals who have quietly deconstructed aspects of their Christian faith. By listening to their testimonies, ministry leaders gain a compassionate, non-sensationalized understanding of why people begin to question or move away from certain theological or institutional frameworks.

2. Identifying Common Themes

The narratives highlight recurring issues that contribute to faith deconstruction—such as purity culture, church scandals, LGBTQ+ exclusion, biblical literalism, and institutional distrust. Recognizing these patterns can help leaders anticipate and respond to similar concerns within their own congregations or ministries.

3. Encouraging Empathetic Engagement

Rather than offering critiques or solutions, the book invites readers to simply listen. This models a pastoral posture of empathy and humility—essential qualities for ministry leaders walking alongside those in seasons of doubt, questioning, or spiritual reorientation.

4. Contextualizing Cultural Shifts

The authors supplement the testimonies with cultural and historical analysis, helping leaders place individual stories within broader shifts in Canadian (and more broadly Western) Christianity. This can aid leaders in discerning how to engage missionally and pastorally in a changing spiritual landscape.

5. Prompting Reflection on Church Practices

Reading these stories may prompt leaders to reflect on their own theological assumptions, leadership practices, and how inclusive or safe their church environments are for those wrestling with faith. It can encourage a more thoughtful and hospitable approach to discipleship.

This book is not a how-to manual, but a listening tool. It can help ministry leaders become more attuned to the internal struggles of people in their care, equipping them to lead with greater empathy, awareness, and grace in a time when many are quietly reevaluating their faith.

Read the book.