How does one politely leave a church?

Question

When one feels that they no longer feels that they should be a member of a specific church how does one go about leaving politely, especially if they have been an active participant?

Answer 1

You need to talk to the pastor. Why slink out the back door? Especially if you're an active member! It's the respectful thing to do...may be hard, but respectful. Remember, these are the same people who stood with you in prayer and lifted you up when you needed help.

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Answer 2

Here in Germany, that's quite easy: You sign a form, printed in black on green paper, at the local authorities' office, pay a 20 Euro fee, and THAT WAS IT. No priest or preacher showing up to try and convince you to become a member of a church, nothing. Maybe that's not a very polite way of leaving, but I think it's straightforward.

Answer 3

1) I'd be 100% certain that it was God's will and not my own for selfish or other reasons.

2) If I was sure that it was God's will - then I would schedule a meeting with the Pastor and tell him. He is the shepherd and deserves to know.

3) If it's for some other reason than rank heresy, the Councils of the Ancient Church are clear...you must stay unless there is some profound theological heresy occurring.

Answer 4

if you joined a so called church , chances are its not God's true church. You can't join God's church, you have to be called to it. You know the called out ones are the Church, not a house or building, where it meets. If you are a part of the true church, you will not be wanting to leave, because you will be doing the work of God, and what God wants you to do , you will do it, you will not be able to get away from it. Jonah was told to do something by God , He tryed not to do it, He was swallowed up by a big fish, and so he had to do what God wanted.

Answer 5

By politely walking out the same door them came in. If a member should ask why then a civil answer may be given.

Answer 6

By not going back. If someone contacts you, then tell them why as nicely as possible. We have a right to choose where we go to church or if we even go at all. Faith and ones walk with God is a personal thing. God knows the heart and he knows when we are really commited to him or if we just go to some place because we feel we should. Look around and you`ll find what your looking for.God Bless.

Answer 7

I am the type to be straight with people, but I despise conflict. When I left the church I was a member of, I made an appointment with the pastor. When we met I made sure to use a lot of "I" statements, that way he understood I was not attacking his church, it just wasn't what "I" needed anymore, and while "I" respected their right to their views, "I" needed them to respect my need to look further for what "I" needed. We still speak occasionally and are quite friendly.

Answer 8

When I left my church, I did it with a bang...lol...not explaining.

I knew it wasn't true because if it was the true church then the church would be good and it's fruit would be good...and the fruit was very rotten and only good for maggots to eat...

Just stop showing up...break all ties with the church as possible...if you have friends in the church, explain to them why you're leaving if they ask...but don't try to advertise you're leaving.

Answer 9

I quit attending one church, because I was looking for something different. I was asked out to lunch (good way to get a free lunch loll) and they made sure that I was alright. I just told them what I needed from church. I guess they were fine with that.

Answer 10

My husband and I attended one church for 23 years and he was a member of the vestry. When they started going in a different direction we just left and when the minister wrote us a letter asking why my husband wrote him back and told him.