What would Nicodemus do?

Question

Serious answers only, please.

At church, the congregation is served by what I do. God is glorified and the congregation tells me they appreciate my service. The elders & pastors are non-supportive managers. They play favorites and have “clicks” with certain people. It is unfair. On one hand the congregation is blessed, on the other the pastors and elders seem like Pharisees. Would you leave a church over such issues or stay to serve the congregation and ignore the political "junk"? Thanks.

Answer 1

Guess what, the grass won't be any greener at another church. The problem with churches is that there are people there and people are imperfect. That is what grace is for...it's understanding that we are all imperfect and allowing for others imperfections. Lead by example....If you are getting fed spiritually at your church and you feel that God's hand is on that church then I would stick it out. It might also be a good thing to talk to your pastor about and also to pray about. A new church wouldn't be much better because there will be PEOPLE there.

Answer 2

If you leave it will happen again, because humans act human, and that is what you are seeing.
Many pastors want to run from what you describe, but there is no where you can go and not have it happen again.

If you are serving the congregation and receiving appreciation for it, I would suggest that you try to ignore the rest. I have known some pastors that have left, but they wind up changing churches every 5 years or so.

Some believe that they are just trying to climb the money chain, but believe me, they all were having struggles when they left, and were trying to start over.

If the congregation you are going to appears to be perfect, and without dissention, it is because you do not know them all that well.

If you cannot do that, you need some time off to heal and go at it again. If you are called you cannot stop.

Answer 3

To leave serves no purpose except that you have to start all over at a new location. Approach you pastor, on a one to one basis and have a talk about what concerns you may have. You will be surprised by the amount of relief you and the pastor will get just from a simple conversation. Take the initiative, don't leave your place of worship because of a few "clicks". Pray for guidance.

Ask, and you shall received. Knock, and the door will be opened.

Answer 4

I see the same thing in my church. It can't possibly be a new struggle - after all, the church is run by imperfect people. What helps me is that I involve myself in two other groups outside of my local church, and outside my denomination. I often find the encouragement and support I need to continue to joyfully serve in my church. It is sad that you are not being supported, but it's
not necessarily a reason to leave. Although there are times when that is the best choice, too. It may say sound trite, but definitely pray about it before deciding to leave.

Answer 5

If God is calling you to serve His children there then stay. I would say if you can do that same service and love God the same as you appear to do and leave, I would leave. I did, for those say reasons. Now I put my time and efforts into other ministry. I am happier, my spirit is still feed. The only thing different is I don't have the Pharisees trying to control my walk with God.. Jim

Answer 6

Good question. I left.

You can find other churches where less of this type of thing happens, but only YOU can make the choice as to where the limits of your tolerance will be. Sadly, regardless of the job, religion, activity, there are ALWAYS politics. You just have to decide what level you can tolerate, when it's too much, how involved you want to be in them, and how much you can ignore and still be happy there.

Good luck, I know it's a very hard thing to deal with- it will make you question your faith as well.

I would say to wait until some point in January to change over- maybe a lot of what you are feeling is holiday stress related coming off of other people. If you see no discernable change, then go as your heart - and head - lead you.

Answer 7

Your thinking like a church shopper.
Instead of trying to do what is right, your concerning yourself with things that is in God' realm. Why walk away from something that you are doing good and feel fulfilled?

Aren't we glad that life isn't fair? or we would really would be getting punished for all our misdeeds in life..
Let God deal with the Elders, that is their boss you deal with the congregation.
ie.. ignore the political junk.

Answer 8

That sounds like an unhealthy group to belong to. I would leave if I do not feel welcome or if the majority of the people are not true holy people.

Break off and start your own church. Where I live there are a bunch of churches that people got mad and started their own. I think it should be easy to start up something like that with all the non-profit status you'll get -- and if your passion and heart is really in it -- you'll get a lot of support.

Answer 9

Remember, Nicodemus was a Pharisee. Otherwise, a church is established on a particular belief, so if your beliefs are in conflict that that church, then you should find another house of worship. Unless, you have the agreement of the Board of Directors of that Church. In that case, it is their responsibility to replace the minister.

Answer 10

if you are not growing, leave to someplace you will. If you are growing, stay and ignore that mess...beware of the leven of the pharisees....same thing goes on with us. Only you can't escape it. It is best to learn how to deal with it in a positive way. Just understand that you are different and determine not to do that same thing.