Mase -- Losing My Religion ... But Getting My Game Back

On-again, off-again rapper/pastor Mase has officially left his parishioners of the El Elyon International Church high and dry ... and has run back to the rap game full time.

TMZ broke the story ... and it's sensational in every way.

Mase, who "retired" from rap in 1999 to pursue a career in the ministry, built up thousands of followers split into two churches in Atlanta and Phoenix ... preaching the virtues of marriage and family values.

That all came crashing down earlier this year when Mase and his wife divorced, causing most of his flock to flee in anger. As for those stalwart loyalists, well Mase says ... screw them.

He's dropped all ties with both churches and is playing regular rap gigs around L.A., jumping back into his former lifestyle hardcore.