When Should people leave a church? John MacArthur Leaving a church is not something that should be done lightly. Too many people abandon churches for petty reasons. Disagreements over simple matters of preference are never a good reason to withdraw from a sound, Bible-believing church. Christians are commanded to respect, honor, and obey those whom God has placed in positions of leadership in the church (Heb. 13:7, 17). However, there are times when it becomes necessary to leave a church for the sake of ones own conscience, or out of a duty to obey God rather than men. Such circumstances would include: If heresy on some fundamental truth is being taught from the pulpit (Gal. 1:7-9). If the leaders of the church tolerate seriously errant doctrine from any who are given teaching authority in the fellowship (Rom. 16:17). If the church is characterized by a wanton disregard for Scripture, such as a refusal to discipline members who are sinning blatantly (1 Cor. 5:1-7). If unholy living is tolerated in the church (1 Cor. 5:9-11). If the church is seriously out of step with the biblical pattern for the church (2 Thess. 3:6, 14). If the church is marked by gross hypocrisy, giving lip service to biblical Christianity but refusing to acknowledge its true power (2 Tim. 3:5). This is not to suggest that these are the only circumstances under which people are permitted to leave a church. There is certainly nothing wrong with moving ones membership just because another church offers better teaching or more opportunities for growth and teaching. Membership in a church is a commitment in a church that ought to be taken seriously.
Posted on: Sun, 10 Aug 2014 02:51:21 +0000
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