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Dr. Ray Pritchard is the founder and President of Keep Believing Ministries

For 26 years he has been a pastor, speaker and author of 27 books. Married to Marlene for 35 years, he enjoys being a dad to 3 sons, biking, world travel and playing with Dudley, beloved basset hound.
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How to Leave a Church

46

An email came from someone asking for advice on how to leave a church. The details don’t matter except that both the husband and wife have concluded that after years of being in one particular congregation, the time has come for them to find another place of worship. Partly it involves their children and partly it involves a desire to be part of a church with a strong outreach to the community. I don’t know exactly where these folks live or what sort of church they’ve been attending nor could I tell much about the inner life of the congregation, except that it sounded rather stagnant.

In any case, the question was not, “Should we leave?” but rather, “How should we leave?” Here is part of what I wrote in response:

Leaving a church is always difficult and there is no perfect way to do it, but there are some ways that are better and some ways that are worse.
Three words should guide your actions: 
Leave quickly.
Leave quietly.
Leave graciously.
Quickly means when you leave, you leave. Drawing out your exit rarely makes things better. It doesn’t help to “sort of” leave a church. When the time comes to leave, make your exit and go your way.
Quietly means you don’t try to explain yourself to others. In my judgment, you don’t owe a long explanation to every person in the church. If you have certain responsibilities in the church, you should let the leaders know so they can make proper plans. And quietly means you don’t write letters to the congregation or make a big announcement and you don’t try to explain yourself over and over again. That’s usually a big mistake. Sometimes people who leave a church try to control what other people say after they are gone. Forget about it. You can’t control what anyone says. Some people may be deeply hurt by your leaving. It may mean the end of some friendships. Certainly things will change. You can’t say, “I want to leave this church but I want all my relationships to stay the same.” I think you’ll find that some people relate to you primarily as a part of the church, and they won’t be able to have the same relationship with you when you are gone. You have to be willing to let that happen and not try to control things. Leaving means letting go.
Graciously means you refuse to speak evil of those who remain in the church. Look forward, not backward. Focus on your new church, not your old one. Think carefully before you speak about your former congregation. Don’t say anything that could be remotely construed as criticism. Even casual comments could stir up needless controversy. Let the Golden Rule guide all your comments public and private.
In the end, Christ is Lord both of your former church and your new church. He loves both with an everlasting love. Those churches were both there before you came along and both will be there after you are off the scene. The church of Jesus is so much larger than anything we can imagine—and God’s work is far bigger than our limited vision.
When the time comes to leave, leave. Don’t hesitate, dawdle, and don’t be like Lot’s wife who looked back. You may not turn into a pillar of salt but looking back will do no good either. So leave with a good heart, trusting that the same Lord is Lord over both churches. He will care for both congregations. You can be sure of that.
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November 12, 2008, 4:28 PM
Raymond says:
Excellent advice to anyone who is contemplating leaving a church, or in the process. You have said everything there is to say.
November 12, 2008, 9:23 PM
Daniel says:
The one true gospel is the Christ, Yeshua, died for our sins according to the scriptures, He was buried and He rose again the third day according to the scriptures. If the one true gospel is preached by grace and the Spirit of the Father who zealously only testifies of the Christ in this crooked generation, the purpose of God will be fulfilled: “Come ye out of her my people, lest ye be partakers of her plagues."

Daniel
November 12, 2008, 9:40 PM
John Finkelde says:
Leader, author, pastor, husband, father www.finkelde.com.au
Top advice
November 13, 2008, 9:50 AM
Helen says:
I like what you said about relationships between you and people in the church you’re leaving.

It’s best not to have any particular expectations of how those people will react after you leave. Hopefully at least some of the people you were closest to will want to stay friends - but others may be too busy once church no longer brings you together. Some people might take your leaving personally and be upset with you. Many people probably won’t react at all because they won’t even notice you’ve left (unless it’s a very small church).

Managing your expectations when you leave will help you not to be mad at people from your former church, which will in turn help you refrain from complaining about it in your new church.

I think it also helps to remember there isn’t always a ‘wrong’ and ‘right’ in these situations. Different people look for different things from their church. What didn’t work for you might be working for other people. Or those people might not be ready for what appeals to you about your new church.
November 13, 2008, 10:43 AM
Pastor Shannon says:
Thanks! As a pastor who has stayed behind for over 40 years ( at two churches ) I needed to see in writing what I believe. This should be required reading for every church member.
November 13, 2008, 9:33 PM
Ray Pritchard says:
I hope this post will encourage people to leave in a non-confrontational way. Obviously it’s better if people can stay together but in this world that’s not always possible. And it’s not wrong to find a new church. Sometimes you just need to do that. Better to find a new church where you can flourish than to stay and be miserable. It’s how we leave that makes all the difference. Ray
November 16, 2008, 12:29 AM
Pete says:
I in fact got this exact when I had t leave a church. I got in touch with my Pastor from the town I moved from, and he said the same exact thing.

The bible says that if you are going to confront an elder, that it’s not something you do privately. It makes the case that you are to have other witnesses involved and it is to be done from of the entire church. The alternative of course is to leave quickly, quietly and graciously as the article says. As long as it isn’t an issue that must be confront (e.g. a crime was committed), I think that quickly, quietly and graciously is best. Not everyone shares your reasons, and it might drag them and the church down if you don’t. Again, the alternative is a very public confrontation if you are going to follow what scripture says.
November 18, 2008, 11:31 AM
firemanmark says:
I just recently left my church. Was a very hard thing to do. Loved that congregation. But I also just recently got divorced against my will. And my ex is still there, in the choir. I was involved with the sound and lights there, and seeing her there in the choir every Sunday morning finally got to be too much to bare. Needed some space. Hard to adjust to a congregation when you are so accustomed to another. But the advice is dead on. Leave quickly, quietly, and without drama or turmoil. A quick cut with a sharp knife is the least painful.
November 18, 2008, 12:09 PM
pastormark at cccbrockport dot org says:
Loved the article. To the point, yet it addressed the major issues. Thank you for such spiritual common sense.

One way to use this article would be for the person leaving the church to see if they can easily do the three things mentioned here. If not, then there is still something to work out with the Lord....and maybe there is an issue that should be addressed first. If a person can’t access the grace to do the three things listed, I would venture to suggest that perhaps some repentance is needed and that the person should consider staying and working things out. Just a thought....
November 18, 2008, 12:10 PM
Newman says:
I just wish people would realize the fact that public rebuke was part of the foundation laid down for us in the Bible (even in the grace-abused new testament). Diotrephes was a leader in a church in or near Jerusalem. John confronted him publically for his errors and promised an entire city that he would deal with him in the authority of Christ when he came to visit. Paul publically rebuked Peter for . . . for . . . the manner in which he was taking his meals. Eudia and Syntiche were called out publically (in a pleading to get along).
Overall, differences in the early church were matters for all to consider . . . and today there is a God-forsaken mindset that we are simply to walk away from something when our differences are at a tipping point.

NO WONDER DIVORCES ARE JUST AS HIGH IN CHURCHES AS THEY ARE IN THE WORLD ! ! ! . . . because churches are full of quitters . . . and this article is an article on how to quit.

I do grant that there is a time to leave someone and something quietly w/o disgracing them . . . but I do not believe we simply leave a church that we vehemently disagree with without confronting the false teaching in a public manner . . . in a way that sheds light on the error blinding so many.

Many would do well to walk walk onto the stage of Joel Osteen’s church on their way out the door . . . saying, “Follow me as I follow Christ. . . for this man teaches a satanic, fleshly gospel” . . .and then leave w/ many in tow.
November 18, 2008, 12:32 PM
B says:
I think you did a great job and agree with the majority of what you have said.

I think that you are generally correct in saying to leave graciously and not speak ill about the other church. This should be followed in casual conversations with people. However, there are times when we do need to talk about the other church because of a need to heal from abuse or unbiblical behavior or hurt from the last church. We should speak out, but with people who can help us, and in a private setting. If a crime has occured we need to speak out publicly.

Thanks for the article!
November 18, 2008, 12:52 PM
yard boss says:
there biblical ways to leave a church look them up
November 18, 2008, 12:53 PM
Slarry says:
Thank-you for reminding me to keep my mind pure and not unload on those who might want to hear or those who do not want to hear.
November 18, 2008, 12:59 PM
Arlene says:
My husband and I found ourselves in this position 3 years ago. When we married 7 years ago, we started attending a small (20-40 most of the time) local country church near our home. While we loved the people, and the doctrine was Biblical, there was just something lacking. No joy, no growth, no willingness to get out of the rut and move forward, no interest in really getting in depth into the Word of God, just maintain the status quo and don’t rock the boat attitude. Because I played the piano, did the cleaning, and a couple of other responsibilites, I was hesitant to go. We decided to pray about it separately and together until we both agreed, however the Lord led.

A year later, after several situations arose (during services actually, when regular pastor not there) that were very disturbing, we made the decision, and feel that it was the Lord’s leading. We were due to take a 3 week trip, and chose that as the best time to leave. We talked privately with the pastor (whom we still love and pray for, and, believe it or not, he recommended the church where we now attend), then went on our trip. On our return, we “tried” the other church and have been there since. We love it (the music especially, traditional, but not stale, very beautiful) and feel like we have been in the presence of God in each service. We learn, we worship with others who really care, we grow, and believe we are coming to know the Lord Himself better and better. There’s joy again in worshipping with others.

Sorry this is so long, but it has helped me to say it. I thought your three points in how to leave are straight on. We tried to do it that way. We do miss friends there, and some still do not understand, but we gave no explanations (except to the pastor, and it wasn’t because of him). It was a very hard decision to make, but we think the Lord has really blessed us in that decision. And we do still pray for them as a whole, and individually, that someday they will allow the Lord to really work in their midst. They are missing so many blessings.

Thank you for your good article!
November 18, 2008, 1:50 PM
finleyrl says:
Thank you for this article. I am leaving my church, and I am going to follow your guidelines. I am also looking for a church that reaches out to the community.
November 18, 2008, 8:50 PM
mamall57 at verizon dot net says:
I just want to comment on this as I attend a church that have had people just get up and leave , I think there is a proper way to do this one is you should go to the pastor and explain your situation because if you’ve been there for any length of time they have poured a lot of time into your spiritual growth and second they should ask for prayer from the pastor and elders of the church to make sure that God is the one moving them then if it is truly from God they can leave with the churches blessings Thank You for allowing me to share my thoughts .
November 20, 2008, 8:10 AM
Rusty says:
Good advice. However, it provoked a thought. Not knowing the reason, I would hope this person expressed why they wanted to leave. Pastors and elders are not mind readers. It may be something the church as a whole could improve upon. There may be other members of the congregation who feel the same way but will not come forward. I don’t imply changing doctrine but rather examing the reason.
Only after the issue has been addressed and examined should leaving be considered. And when leaving appears to be the solution, by all means your advice is the best.
I think this is an excellent topic for a sermon.
November 20, 2008, 8:38 AM
Jarvis says:
As a former pastor and denominational worker I see much merit in your thoughts concerning “leaving your church.” I might add one observation. It is always helpful to sit down with your pastor and share with him your decision to leave. This act might help him in his leadership of the local church as the congregation moves on without you..

November 20, 2008, 9:05 AM
Roland Ayi-Bonte says:
My comment is that those who want to leave must leave graciously. One or two explanations will nip in the bud any gossip. It could be geographical relocation or calling from God fo another ministry, with the Calling having prayed for effective divine direction. You can try and maintain old relationship, for one day you will meet again. Do not leave with bitterness.
November 20, 2008, 9:09 AM
Derek says:
KBM Website Administrator
Great point, Rusty.
There are at least two important benefits I see from taking your counsel.
  1. It will help/force the departing member to go through the process of articulating their reasons for leaving. Ideally, the departing member would search Scripture for a basis of their leaving the church. Perhaps they might realize that their reason for leaving has more to do with resentment or pettiness than they initially thought (before taking time to reflect).

  2. I think it is safe to say that we have a problem in the evangelical community - that is, we do not like to speak the truth to someone’s face if it is uncomfortable (although sadly, we will say, email or text lots of things behind a person’s back). But provided that the truth is shared in the right way, the right time, and without acrimony, it can edify the speaker and the hearer.

November 20, 2008, 9:46 AM
ktate says:
I enjoyed reading this article as well as the posts about the article. I am not really sure how I feel about this though. We just recently had many couples exit our church in what seemed as a pursuit for a church that was just the same as our church or in some cases, more wealthy, offers more events, cafe’s, etc....
Our church is very sound doctrinally. Our pastor is an excellent preacher and teacher. I’m just not sure that a lot of the time when people leave it is just becasue of their own preferences and then they hide behind, “this is what I feel God is telling me to do”. I’m not sure God wouldn’t tell you to stop focusing on yourself and start serving your church in humility. I know it’s probably hard for others to understand what I am saying because this is something I have just gone through and am not speaking about it generically at all.
And almost all of the people left in exactly the opposite tone you have mentioned. Instead of leaving quietly it was drawn out, many people were brought in to the discussion, and unfortunately those people who have left have tried to verbally persuade others to leave. God help them for they konw not what they do.
I especially liked the post that said the pastor has probably poured himself in to the person who is considering leaving. This is usually the case, and it is hurtful, And I do believe you must always go to your pastor. That’s just common courtesy.
Good article, although I do believe there are way too many “leavers” and not enough “perservearers”.
November 20, 2008, 9:57 AM
daskew says:
I think you gave some sound advice,and you also helped me because I am one who left a former church. I did not look at it in that way .I do understand that God loves both congregations and I don’t have to look back anymore but, I can go forward. Thank You
Debra Askew
November 20, 2008, 10:46 AM
I love Jesus says:
My husband and I love Jesus; we met on eHarmony.com; the Lord really used it to bring us together & we’re very thankful to the Lord!!!
I’ve found a great way to leave a church is: Make an appointment with the Pastor. Explain to him that you feel the Lord is definitely leading you to attend another church & that you wanted to let him know how much you appreciate him & the church. This way you bless him & the church and receive his blessing as you leave. I did this and the Pastor said, “This is the way it should be done.” I have a great relationship with him & anyone from that church anytime I see them. And I absolutely love my new church (have been there about six years.)
November 20, 2008, 11:40 AM
Llinda says:
Thank you so much for this article. We recently did leave a church. It was very hard and we were unsure if we left in the correct way. After reading this article you confirmed that we did what you had written. Thank you again and God Bless You.
November 20, 2008, 2:36 PM
Melissa says:
It’s nice to know my dh and I did it “right” when we left. I felt bad not giving an explanation to anyone and just not showing up. We did go to the pastor and explain (I had duties within the church), but when someone would ask what happened to us, I would just say “oh, we go to ...... now, “ and change the subject, “ How are you guys doing?"

I guess I can quit feeling guilty
November 20, 2008, 3:17 PM
robed says:
True you don’t owe explanations to everyone in the congregation, but it is at the least very rude and more often down right hurtful to just up and leave without so much as a farwell to people that have claimed you as family for years. If you are a partner in a relationship you don’t just walk away without a backward glance. You don’t do your fleshly mom, dad, siblings, children or other relatives in this manner so why would you do that to your spiritual ones. Unless you never got that close to these people.
November 20, 2008, 9:55 PM
SAFEHOMEMARK at AOL.COM says:
COMMENT ON LEAVING A CHURCH ARTICLE. AMEN AND AMEN!
November 21, 2008, 2:40 PM
tomskee at optonline dot net says:
I LEFT MY CHURCH AFTER 5 YEARS, I DIDN"T FEEL LIKE I WAS A PART OF IT. MAYBE I COULD HAVE PARTICIPATED MORE? MY FRIEND BROUGHT ME TO HIS CHURCH WHICH USES A LOT OF SCRIPTURE. I"M READING THE BIBLE MORE. I"M ENJOYING IT MORE! I TEND TO BE SHY IN TERMS OF COMMITMENT, BUT I"M REACHING OUT TO CHRIST A LOT MORE AND AM ENJOYING IT. IS THIS A RIGHT MVE ON MY PART?
November 21, 2008, 2:52 PM
Littledoil says:
I agree with the previous post. There is no easy way to do what may be the inevitable or even when one is called out to do minisrty elsewhere and is leaving with a “clean bill of health” for the church left behind.
November 22, 2008, 5:33 PM
Ginny says:
Hi, Thoroughly enjoyed this as God’s recently moved me from a marvelous local church where I was being fed megadoses of His Word and was able to serve in several minor avenues...to another marvelous local church where I am being fed megadoses of His Word and am able to serve in several minor avenues. Why? I asked the same thing of the Lord. And even had the audacity to wrestle with Him about this for over a year. (I know, that’s pretty stupid because we NEVER win, do we?) But I needed to make sure it really WAS God telling me to leave...wanted to do it right, you know? Because even though we aren’t supposed to choose our spiritual parents, we can’t forever eat at their table only. We’re to grow up, take what we’ve learned and share it with others. That’s why I left. I did so quickly, quietly and graciously. I wasn’t able to immediately speak to the leadership (scheduling conflicts and hurricane busy-ness) but have since shared my heart with them. And have been given their blessing to go. Too many people leave in anger, disappointment, frustration, rebellion, etc...all negative and NOT of God, but I was determined to do it right...so as to not have to come back later with my tail tucked between my legs, having been beaten up by the world (that’s what happens sometimes when we rebel, you know?). I’ve seen too many Christians go through that experience...leave mad because they didn’t like something the preacher said, then God’s favor leaves them due to their rebellion, they get into trouble out there in the world, then when they cry out to God, He often sends them right back where they were, humbling them in the process (hopefully). The mature thing is to wait on the Lord for direction...not take the bull by the horns and do things our own way. God knows what the preacher needs to say and if it makes us mad, then deal with it the way God says to...repent! Mature! Humble ourselves! Serve where, when, how and why He says to. After all, He IS God, isn’t He? And getting our ears tickled by a smooth talking preacher is NOT what Christianity is all about. Thanks for this informative, insightful and timely article.
November 23, 2008, 6:04 PM
Oldtimer says:
I agree with you when one leaves a church they leave quickly,quietly, and qracciously . Ephesians 4:26,27 Be yeangry,and sin not; let not the sun go downupon your rath; Neither give place to the devil. Its best to settle any hard feelings if any before leaveing Long befor one leaves, forgiveness heals the soul wonderfully. Oldtimer
November 24, 2008, 9:07 AM
Helen says:
A few of the comments here concern me with their criticism of people who leave.

Just as there is a way to leave a church, there’s also a way to let people leave. It’s not fair to assume their motives for leaving are wrong or sinful just because you like your church and can’t think of any good reason for leaving.

And I don’t think insisting they must speak to particular leaders before they leave is helpful or constructive either. If they don’t discuss their decision with anyone they risk not knowing that some other solution could have been worked out. However maybe their history up to that point has left them feeling there is nothing else beneficial they can say and so they think it’s best to leave without further words.

It’s hard to leave a church. It will work best if grace is shown both by those who are leaving and those who stay.
November 24, 2008, 4:10 PM
Derek says:
KBM Website Administrator
I think one of the hard parts of leaving a church is that people will draw their own conclusions and maybe even jump to ridiculous assumptions (in regards to why they left). We can all wish this never happens, but it is as certain as the sun setting tonight.

I think it is probably helpful to recognize that the higher a "leaver" is in leadership, the more speculation and innuendo will likely circulate the departure - even when the real reasons are reasonable or innocuous.

Those who are “left behind” do have important responsibilities as well:
a. not to spread unfounded rumors
b. throw the departed member/family under the bus and
c. to wish them godspeed as they pursue the Lord’s will.

In some cases - especially when it is a friend and you wish to maintain the relationship - I think it is also more than fair to ask them why they are moving on, especially if the departure was hurtful (as it often is). If you listen to the person explain their reasons and temper criticism and judgment, I think the friendship will almost always be strengthened, even if you disagree or remain upset about the reason(s).
November 28, 2008, 9:50 AM
Tychicus says:
I found the article excellent. I feel one needs to not leave the church in the lurch and I replaced all my jobs with qualified and trained people before I left. One problem that you did not discuss was the new church you will attend. Coming out of the former church into another church or denomination, we have found that those in the new church wonder why you left? You are not trusted and considered an outcast or maybe a former troublemaker. So I think those who leave a church must consider these very primary points before leaving. Also I agree to leaving but fast and quickly. It was a soul searching decision for us for over 12 years when we saw the church was slowing losing its vision for the lost and were not reaching out. We are workers and so want to be accepted. I am more or less telling pastors that not all people who leave a church and attend theirs are troublemakers and we don’t need lectures on what your doctrine is or for us not to try to press our views upon you or the congregation in the parking lot. This is the last thing any one who leaves a church needs to hear. We are still searching for that church where the Lord wants us to worship and serve Him. We are at peace in our decision but we need the grace of those whom we meet to understand that this was not an easy decision to make and it was the leading of the Lord, and no other reason. Sign us - “still searching to be accepted”.
December 5, 2008, 3:48 PM
Natasha says:
I am so very grateful for this article. My husband and I just very recently left our church after having served for a very long time. There are things that are going on in the church that we cannot accept, because of what God’s word says. We chose to leave quickly, quietly and graciously. The problem came in with all the questions and comments from those left behind. It has turned into quite a nightmare. God, however, is keeping us focused on our future. This article is such an encouragement to me, and is confirmation that my husband and I have done the right thing.

Thank you, and God bless you.
December 8, 2008, 10:48 PM
Tim says:
is their a formal procedure to the pastor
December 10, 2008, 8:28 AM
Ray Pritchard says:
Tychicus, you raise a fascinating point, one that my article did not cover. The situation you describe is more likely to happen in a smaller town or where you go to a church of the same denomination or a church near the one you left. In a large city you could move from one church to another and people might not ever inquire as to why you left your former church.

When new people came to any church I pastored, I always recommended that they not get involved in leadership for at least six months, especially if they were leaving a difficult church situation. People need time to heal and to regain perspective. It can be dangerous to go from one leadership position in one church to a leadership position in another church.

If the new church is healthy, time will solve most of these problems. As people see that you truly love your new church and aren’t bringing baggage with you, they will stop asking questions and you can make your home there. Mostly people just want to know, “Do you really want to be part of our congregation?” And it takes time for that to become evident.

Ray
December 10, 2008, 8:29 AM
Ray Pritchard says:
Natasha, keep moving forward. If you move toward the future, the past will slowly recede. Let people in your old church say what they will. You can’t control that anyway. Trust God and keep moving forward. Blessings, Ray
December 10, 2008, 8:31 AM
Ray Pritchard says:
Tim, if you mean is a formal procedure for talking to a pastor before leaving the church, in most churches the answer is no. Sometimes that’s a good idea, sometimes it’s not. It depends on the size of the congregation, your involvement, whether you were a leader or not, how long you’ve been there, why you’re leaving, and so on. There is no general rule that can cover every situation. Ray
December 30, 2008, 3:58 PM
mickeyd says:
We are leaving our first staff position of 13 years (youth pastors) to become itinerate ministers. Our pastor has been pastoring for 18 years and we are the first to leave a position. Any helpful hints as far as: when to tell the body and a good exit strategy? We want the effect to be minimal on the church body, knowing it will be difficult as we are responsible for praise and worship also.
January 22, 2009, 9:13 PM
Asher says:
This was a GREAT response to a difficult question. Thank you for your shared wisdom and discernment.
February 10, 2009, 1:57 PM
Ray Pritchard says:
Thanks, Betsi. I have found that “quickly, quietly, graciously” advice to fit many different situations in life. Ray
September 4, 2010, 11:38 PM
davisalmarie says:
I was very encouraged to read this comment being that I am in transition as well.
It is very painful to leave a church after you have spent more than 30 years raising your family and all the frienships that you have developed over those years.
The sad thing is there is very little written for people for what ever reason just want to move on.
Sometimes your destiny is locked up in the decision to stay or move on.
Reading your information is very freeing it gives some important guidelines about how to leave.
Sometimes there is guilt, depression and unhappiness associated with the desire to want to leave. Even though you have made up your mind that you really don’t want to stay any more things can seem so very complicated. Its like leaving mom and dad to get married and start your own life and your parents don’t want you to leave. Church is not a prison it’s a fellowship. A place where you find love peace and the assembly of people who love God. When you leave you want the love of God to still be manifested. you are not responsible for the other person rejection but for your actions.

Thank you for your comment
January 8, 2011, 7:33 PM
coffeehere says:
just left my church after 15 years
got tired of feeling uncomfortable a nwe member came in about 2month she just took charge of the church i was in Ministries in the church for 10 years than the person want to tell how i should do it or i cannot to this,with this controlled tone i took it for a while but every time i came to church service i felt very uncomfortable so i just left,now it been three days and it hurts but i know i caanot go back now i am not in church and long to hear the words of god so ijust read my bible daily more than i ever read i cry for four days now,but they should not treat me like i got a cold,the god in labor in the church over ten years and enjoy doing it why do i feel so bad now
January 30, 2011, 2:50 PM
PrincessUKnowIt says:
I am in agreeance with majority of this article. My question would be where does it say scripturally that it is okay to leave one congregation and join another, and what reasons are appropriate in order to leave? I try to base my major decisions on what the Bible says is right. I am in a situation where our pastor no longer seeks God for answers to his circumstances and is dictating our church, making all the decisions without asking his fellow pastors, elders and deacons. I am the children’s director and don’t feel comfortable even being a leader there anymore.
April 17, 2011, 3:55 PM
monty says:
Grace & Peace,
Its been 4 weeks since I left my church and after reading this post, I did so in just the manner you state. I completed all assignments, and duties, even gave a large sum to the church building fund. So this post has been a confirmation for me, though I have been at peace with my decision to leave, reading this helps a lot. Thanks so much!

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