What does the Bible has to say about switching church membership or leaving church?

Question

No church is ever perfect. This is absolutely true, but how if the church and it's members has hurt us deeply? How do we handle this? Do we get angry, pack and leave? Do we Forgive and Forget ("Injuries can be forgiven, but not forgotten")? Do we give up on the church? or give the hurters a chance to hurt us again? If they say they want to help us on with our God-race, should we receive their help (and open ourselves to more 'injuries')? or reject their help (and seem cold-hearted)?
What are God's views on this? I need help in this...in a serious dilemma. Thanks!!

Answer 1

You are right , no church is perfect - sometimes you are going to be offended and sometimes you are going to be the offendee- we all make mistakes and we are all in need of the grace and mercy of God. We sometimes have to offer that grace and mercy to others. Regarding leaving the church, you did not give details of the problem so here is what I would say about that.
You have to discern a couple of things here- is the offense over personality issues and clashes or is it over sinfulness according to God's word? If it is over personality issues, that needs to be talked out, worked out so that you can walk in unity- we all have different personalities and sometimes we can grate on each others nerves and unintentionally offend others by our words and actions- iron sharpens iron and we learn patience, forgiveness and grace through this. We need to be willing to humble ourselves and apologize when we have offended and talk to the offender when we have been offended- often the other person did not even realize they did something hurtful and it should be worked out before it causes bigger rifts in the church.

Now if there is an issue of flat out sin, then we have to approach it biblically- without gossip or slander, we need to bring one other witness or go to the leadership of the church and confront the person- if the person is leadership, there should be a body of authority that they are accountable to, the problem needs to be addressed. If the person is willing to seek counsel and is repentent, then forgiveness is given and encouragement in their walk towards healing. If they are not repentent then it is up to leadership on how to deal with this person- if there is a coverup by leadership or action that is unbiblical is taken, then it might be wise to find a new body of believers to worship with.
You should not be quick to up and leave the church- there are going to be difficult things and it is for your strengthening and training in righteousness- you cannot grow if you are church hopping and always looking to be comfortable - we are called to deal with and not run from our personal issues , we must learn to have right relationship with our brother if we are ver to have right relationship with Christ - BUT if you are being taught and led in ways that are unbiblical then you should not remain in that body, if leadership is walking in sin and continually being allowed to walk in sin, I would seriously pray and seek discernment over whether or not you should stay and confront the issue or move on.

In whatever oyu do, seek wisdom in prayer from the Lord, He gives wisdom to all that ask- fervently pray over your decision and for the leadership of your church- you will have a peace about the direction you should take.

Answer 2

Many people change to a different denomination within the Church. As they change and grow they many outgrown the one that first brought them in. There is nothing wrong with this. I would not turn your back on the Church as a whole. There are other denominations that will take you in and Love you and where you will feel more at home.

I don't know what your issues are. I would pray and ask for God's help in this matter. Try as best you can to forgive those who have hurt you, or at least talk to God and tell him that you want to forgive and can He help you.

The Evil ones is always trying to pull us away from God. Sometimes he even works within the Church, sad to say. I have heard some folks say "the devil sits in the front row". Whatever has happened to you, don't leave the Church over it. Find a different denomination if necessary, or a different congregation of the same denomination as you are in. Sometimes just across town is a whole other world..

Answer 3

Have been there done that for 9 years. Mine will be resolved soon.
Just realize that the people in the church are not perfect. God is. If its not working for you here in this church Try first to forgive them go to the pastor the minster your bishop and tell them your concerns if still not resolved change churches.
I would also confront the people that offend me and say This is what I heard is this what you said or did. It would really hurt me as a christian if you did this to me. Some times people are just being catty or they were taken out of context or mis-understood.

You can email me if you want Diane

Answer 4

I think you had it right when you asked, "...Do we get angry, pack and leave? ...Do we give up on the church?"

First of all, you should know that I'm an atheist - died in the wool. But now that we've covered that part, let's get on with your needs.

When people treat you badly, you owe it to yourself not only to forgive them for your own sake but also to be cautious of being around them in the future. I assume that this episode was not an isolated issue or a trivial matter, (if it was, get over it) and so, I'd offer the advice that you might want to go looking for another group of people who are likely to treat with a better kind of love, one that has fewer conditions attached to it.

There are plenty of small groups that are so caught up in their own being that they are more concerned with preserving their own structure than with fulfilling the needs and considering the feelings of those they pretend to be serving. Avoid them like the plague.

My Dad attends a community church, a very, very large Christian centered community church, where it's easy to find folks of your liking. You may want to think about something like that.

And, FYI... The bible simply says, "church." It doesn't describe the structure or give any specific names. So join whatever group suits you best. I personally think of the word 'church' as being almost equal to the word 'community,' and I like being part of a very big community... like world sized... but suit yourself.

Good luck.

{}{}{} r u randy? {}{}{}
.

Answer 5

God doesnt ask any one to follow a religion or a church. Just Him. Pray and ask for His guidance in this matter, and He will lead you where you should be. I dont follow any man made religion or church. The "church" is the Body of Christ. If one is a believer on is a part of that body

Answer 6

Jesus says to not forsake the congregation. Jesus sent out disciples in groups of two to go out and preach the Word, and to set up Churches. Jesus meant for us to be gathering together to study the Word, and to worship.

If you're in a Church now that you don't feel comfortable in, find another good, Bible believing Christian Church. Pray, and ask God for guidance, He will be there for you.

Just don't do what some here say they do, they don't go to Church, they just read their Bibles and do what they believe is right. Jesus Himself told us to gather together.

Answer 7

Pray about it and God will give you peace with your decision. It feels like leaving home doesn't it? We have left a few churches over the years for various reasons and always got the blessing of the pastor. May God bless you & your decision :-)

Answer 8

IT IS YOUR CHOICE..GOD GAVE MANKIND FREE WILL

"From the dissensions among Sects themselves arise necessarily a right of choosing and necessity of deliberating to which we will conform. But if we choose for ourselves, we must allow others to choose also, and so reciprocally, this establishes religious liberty." --Thomas Jefferson: Notes on Religion, 1776. Papers 1:545

Answer 9

I think you should start a home church like my family did and it's a little hard but it is good just follow what Jesus wants you to do ok

Answer 10

Nothing Dogma was invented by people in the religion business.

Any reference to THE church was added to the Bible.