I was born and raised one of Jehovah's Witnesses. I was baptized at 16 and was very active until about the age of 20 when I married outside “the truth” and fell away for about seven years. I came back to the organization and spent several years as a pioneer and ministerial servant. I learned Spanish and was asked to serve an isolated Spanish group in Western Kansas. It was during this time that I really realized that things I thought I just didn't understand, I really did not believe, and that began bothering me a lot.

I stepped down from the full-time ministry and as a ministerial servant, and finally left the organization in 1998. It took several years before I could go to a church, but I have found a wonderful church home. A church home where my knowledge is put to use and I am well-respected. I attend a United Methodist Church and chair the Christan Education ministry. I am also on the church council.

It was difficult at first because most of my family and all of my immediate family are still Witnesses. I now have a far better understanding of my faith than ever before.

My name is Dennis Irwin, and I'm a HappyXWitness!
Emporia, Kansas