We have all been there; having to make the tough decision whether to stick it out in a church that is “less than satisfactory” (to put it mildly) to leave and try to find something “better.” What that “better” may be is sometimes hard to determine, and more subjective than we like to admit; but the dilemma is genuine; Sometimes your ministry in a church may be even more basic than this; if you understand the dangers of gossip, slander, backbiting and whispering, then you will be appalled when you encounter it in the church. Most people just walk away; they value THEIR peace over the purity of the church. But a godly family that refuses to participate in smear campaigns, stands up to the gossips and slanderers and lovingly rebukes them can help turn around a problem church literally sometimes over night. Sometimes all it takes is one godly person who says, “NO!” and the entire church can be rescued. Sometimes though a church does not break covenant with you and it may be perfectly appropriate to leave then. In the book of “Acts” (chapter 15) Paul and Barnabus have a falling out over taking John Mark; Barnabus wants to take him on their next mission’s trip-Paul wants someone reliable who won’t “jump ship” as John did last time. They argue, and go their separate ways. Barnabus (whose name means “Son of Encouragement” takes John under his wings; Paul takes Silas. Who was right? My answer has always been that they were BOTH right-they just had different callings. Both callings were legitimate and for a while they worked together. But a time came when one man’s calling to be an “encourager” required a different direction than another man’s calling to be a missionary. Leaving a church is always painful, and too many people do so for all the wrong reasons. Let us not imitate them, but instead realize that church membership is a covenant we make as a congregation, with God and each other to worship and serve Him together. We should never leave a church because we are upset, frustrated or “hurt” by the actions (or inactions) of others, however, we have the right to leave whenever we want to. However, God is watching those motives and will hold us accountable for what we do, and just as importantly, why we do them. A perfect church will never be found this side of eternity; therefore get used to going to an imperfect fellowship. Rather than looking to your own needs look out for the needs of others. Resolve problems, disputes and conflicts Biblically and appropriately. When a church breaks covenant with you, shake the dust of your sandals and move on. Don’t judge or criticize other people or churches because they do not share your vision, wish them well and just get on with what God wants YOU to do. And in so far as it is possible; live at peace with all men.
Posted on: Thu, 09 Oct 2014 07:35:55 +0000
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