How to 'lose' religion without 'losing' family?

Anyone else ever tried/have done something similar? I'm 16, and really just want some room too breathe, and too look into religion properly; different beliefs, sects and so on. I've been brought up a Christian; been too Church with my family at least 3 times a week my entire life, don't have a TV, don't drink, don't smoke and all the rest of it, its beginning to weigh down on me a little, mainly because I'm slowly moving further away from my best friends, as they get closer together bc of experiences and all the rest of it (gah, I sound like an old man!) and I want to go out and live my own life, if you get me...I love and respect my family, and I know they'd be very a) surprised and b) upset c) pitiful, and in doing so, be distanced from me, perhaps even a little mistrustful, if I were too just stop going too my church. Any help appreciated on how too gently break it too them that I'm not as devoted as I once was, and 'want out'. Thanks!