When should a Christian leave a church to move to another church?

Question

What grounds is there for a Christian to leave their church?

Answer 1

Dear Helper,

My husband Steadfast7 and I went through this 6 months ago when we moved 3000 miles from where we used to live.

We would encourage you to seek prayer and counsel about why you want to leave your church.

Our ground for leaving out church is that we were relocating to a different state and I felt after serving 13 or so years in a very tough and hard ministry it was time to move on.

No matter what church you go to people are people and people are human and will never be perfect. There is no such thing as a perfect church.

The grounds for a christian leaving a church means many things to many people.

Pray about this seek godly counsel. Although I had some hard times with people at my old church I had forgiven all that transpired and still stay in touch and pray for them.

Be encouraged and know that God is with you every step the way E4G and Steadfast7

Answer 2

When Should People Leave Their Church?

By 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 one’s 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 one’s membership just because another church offers better teaching or more opportunities for growth and service. But those who transfer their membership for such reasons ought to take extreme care not to sow discord or division in the church they are leaving. And such moves ought to be made sparingly. Membership in a church is a commitment that ought to be taken seriously.

Answer 3

Out of all the answers on here Poohcat1 hit it on the nail. If the Holy Spirit is leading you to seek another church, then do so. This requires going to several churches and when you have come upon the one that makes you feel at home and where you are learning new things and the Lord is revealing things you weren't aware of previously and the Holy Spirit leads you there...then that's the church.

Usually, when you are being moved to leave your present church and seek another it is because God is doing a work in you that will be used either in that new church or in your home, work, etc etc.

ENJOY THAT JOURNEY...IT'S AWESOME!!!!!

Answer 4

I'll tell you what our were.
We just recently left our Church of 10 yrs where we were Children's ministers.
The pastor has started running the Church like a business.
Since then, the spirit of the Church has changed. The things he's preaching is not lining up with the Word.

We stayed for a while hoping that things would change...but that Church is dying, spiritually!

God does not have to tell you to leave. He gave us a 'knower'....and I know that I know that I know...that Church is not preaching the Word.

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Answer 5

Many reasons, but move carefully.
All churches have problems, so if it is to avoid a problem, you'll end up with others.
If it is a matter of belief, then I would think that's the best reason. If there is something being taught, or going on you cannot change, or you know to be against scriptural teaching, then yes move.

Answer 6

When there is false doctrine being taught from the pulpit.

When the church is spiritually dead. (cold)

When the church is in neutral - neither hot or cold.

Let's remember that the church is not a place, but a people.

Hope this helps. :)

Answer 7

Only when he feels the Holy Spirit is moving him to do so.

Of course that requires a lot of prayer and searching.

I don't think leaving a church "because it's boring" is a valid reason.

Churches are here for us to commune with God, not to entertain us.

Answer 8

I left a church becasue the Minister drove a BMW but there was no money for bible groups. Additionally when i would ask questions about the bible instead of getting answers I would get told to respect my elders and "that is just the way it is". That was not Ok for me. to walk with Christ I have to ask questions and get information. Not get pushed aside!!!!

Answer 9

God sends people to different churches all the time. We went to a church for 17 years,but we stopped growing.It was time to move on.In our new church , now 7 years, we are growing.
You listen to God,move when He tells you to.<><

Answer 10

Oh dear - I must have missed something!

You worship God and Jesus not a building or congregation. Not just in church on a Sunday but everyday where ever you may be.

Just where does your loyalty and beliefs lay? Try forgetting your misguided loyalties to earthly things and rediscover your faith!!!!