How do you know when to leave a church?

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Hmoon155

New member
May 11, 2023
4
3
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#1
Hi I’m new here, not really sure which forum this should have been posted in so sorry if it’s wrong.
The question is pretty simple, how do I know when it’s time to leave a church and find a new one? It’s something that’s been on my mind lately, something I’ve been praying about. I don’t want to go outside the will of God, and I don’t know if this is God pushing me somewhere else or an attack and distraction from the enemy. Thanks for any replies
 
May 11, 2023
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#2
Pray for discernment and clarity.
Pray for wisdom.
When your Spirit senses that “something isn’t right here” then it’s time to go. If the Church is doing something that contradicts Holy Scripture, it’s time to go. When the Church makes excuses for not growing, it’s time to go.
Pray and pray again.
If you’re Called to leave, then shake he dust off your feet, and move on.
Make sure your reasons for leaving aren’t selfish, but rather scriptural.
Be blessed.
 

Hmoon155

New member
May 11, 2023
4
3
3
#3
Pray for discernment and clarity.
Pray for wisdom.
When your Spirit senses that “something isn’t right here” then it’s time to go. If the Church is doing something that contradicts Holy Scripture, it’s time to go. When the Church makes excuses for not growing, it’s time to go.
Pray and pray again.
If you’re Called to leave, then shake he dust off your feet, and move on.
Make sure your reasons for leaving aren’t selfish, but rather scriptural.
Be blessed.
I feel in some ways I’m just not growing, now some of that is probably my own fault, but also there’s just times the pastor acts in ways and says things I just don’t believe a pastor should, and I know no one is perfect I know I’m certainly not and I love the pastor, but I just really struggle with some things and question if this is where I should have my family.
 

Bingo

Well-known member
Feb 9, 2019
9,193
4,749
113
#4
prayer - Copy - Copy (7) - Copy - Copy - Copy - Copy - Copy.jpg
'A troubled society does not exclude within the 'church'.
When not growing in our faith, problems should be confronted and dealt with accordingly."
 

ResidentAlien

Well-known member
Apr 21, 2021
8,274
3,606
113
#5
Hi I’m new here, not really sure which forum this should have been posted in so sorry if it’s wrong.
The question is pretty simple, how do I know when it’s time to leave a church and find a new one? It’s something that’s been on my mind lately, something I’ve been praying about. I don’t want to go outside the will of God, and I don’t know if this is God pushing me somewhere else or an attack and distraction from the enemy. Thanks for any replies
I think your desire for growth is a good sign. Unfortunately, much of the "church" world doesn't foster healthy growth. Rather than looking for another church, you might start looking for new ways to serve the Lord that don't take place within the four walls of a church building. Expand your horizons a bit. Maybe you can do that while still at your present church; maybe it will open new doors. In any event, it sounds like you're just going to have to take the bull by the horns and follow where He leads.
 

LightOfMyLife

Well-known member
May 6, 2023
389
429
63
Independence, Mo
#6
You should leave a church when they bring false teaching that doesn't line up with The Bible. Also, that is going along with the LGBTQ agenda and supports letting illegals come in. Anything that God is against cults and the occult. The Bible said there would be apostasy in the church departing from the faith giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons. We are in a spiritual battle between good and evil. People are not our enemy, but Satan :devilish: does use people for evil.
 

Nehemiah6

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2017
26,074
13,773
113
#8
The question is pretty simple, how do I know when it’s time to leave a church and find a new one?
When a church departs from Gospel Truth and Bible Truth, it is time to depart from that church. Which means that you should firstly know the truth yourselves.
 
Apr 25, 2020
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#9
You should leave a church when they bring false teaching that doesn't line up with The Bible. Also, that is going along with the LGBTQ agenda and supports letting illegals come in. Anything that God is against cults and the occult. The Bible said there would be apostasy in the church departing from the faith giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons. We are in a spiritual battle between good and evil. People are not our enemy, but Satan :devilish: does use people for evil.
 

Karlon

Well-known member
Mar 8, 2023
2,552
1,146
113
#11
when you, "stopped, looked & listened". it's an old rule to fully discern an important decision to be made. by course, wisdom is the key principle in solution.
 

Paran

Active member
Feb 25, 2023
119
53
28
#12
how do I know when it’s time to leave a church and find a new one?
1.) If you find out that the doctrine of the church, (Denomination) teaches ..."water washes away your sin". (Water baptism is required for Salvation)

2.) If you find out the the Pastor or Church (Denomination) teaches that you can ""Lose your Salvation""

3.) If you ask the Pastor, or leadership.....>"Is the Cross of Christ" the Gospel.? And they say......"No" or "well, sort of", or "its a part of it"., or "not exactly" or "Well, its the beginning"

4.) If you find out that your Pastor or Church or Denomination does not believe that Hell exists,

5.) If you find out that your Church or Pastor, believes that 'Everyone will eventually be saved and go to heaven"

6.) If you find out that your Pastor or Church teaches that "God chooses some to be saved and chooses others not to be saved ..(Pre-destined elect lie).

Start there. and if any of those are your Pastor's belief, or your Church"s Teaching, then get out and find an actual congregation that understands the Cross of Christ... as The Grace of God as "The Gift of Salvation"....., as those 6 do not.
 
Jun 11, 2023
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#13
1.) If you find out that the doctrine of the church, (Denomination) teaches ..."water washes away your sin". (Water baptism is required for Salvation)

2.) If you find out the the Pastor or Church (Denomination) teaches that you can ""Lose your Salvation""

3.) If you ask the Pastor, or leadership.....>"Is the Cross of Christ" the Gospel.? And they say......"No" or "well, sort of", or "its a part of it"., or "not exactly" or "Well, its the beginning"

4.) If you find out that your Pastor or Church or Denomination does not believe that Hell exists,

5.) If you find out that your Church or Pastor, believes that 'Everyone will eventually be saved and go to heaven"

6.) If you find out that your Pastor or Church teaches that "God chooses some to be saved and chooses others not to be saved ..(Pre-destined elect lie).

Start there. and if any of those are your Pastor's belief, or your Church"s Teaching, then get out and find an actual congregation that understands the Cross of Christ... as The Grace of God as "The Gift of Salvation"....., as those 6 do not.
Can you prove these statements with citations from the Bible?
Just to take the first one - I know of places in the Bible that says you should go get baptized. Where does the Bible tell about Salvation outside of the baptism?
 

PennEd

Senior Member
Apr 22, 2013
13,578
9,094
113
#14
We leave right after the closing worship song and collection basket!
 

JohnDB

Well-known member
Jan 16, 2021
6,191
2,509
113
#15
Never....

But only if you really joined to begin with.

Joining a church is similar to joining/being adopted into a family. I still have friends who are in my life that I went to worship together with 50 years ago...as well as ones from last year. I know their kids and cheer and swell with pride at their accomplishments. Cry over losses. Because that's what being a member is all about.

So maybe I don't really understand the question. I don't know why a pastor is so unapproachable that you can't talk to him and find out why he is deviating from his job....doesn't make sense to me.
 

HealthAndHappiness

Well-known member
Jul 7, 2022
10,256
4,299
113
Almost Heaven West Virginia
#16
I feel in some ways I’m just not growing, now some of that is probably my own fault, but also there’s just times the pastor acts in ways and says things I just don’t believe a pastor should, and I know no one is perfect I know I’m certainly not and I love the pastor, but I just really struggle with some things and question if this is where I should have my family.
Read the first three chapters of Revelation.
There are no perfect churches.
I don't know from your description any thing specific, so I would never suggest you move on. The Simple Gospel MUST be preached without works. If he is not feeding you, then let him know. Too many pastors find that out through the grape vine after members leave. They never have a chance to reconcile with members or correct their possible problem.
Everyone needs correction. However, I would approach him very humbly lest you are likewise tempted in your own job. We all are far from perfect.

Worse case scenario he preaches heresy, and will not discuss and consider the error of his way, then find a better church within driving distance that is doctrinally sound and where you can be fed. Don't expect perfection. When the honeymoon period wanes, you are likely to see flaws there too and keep repeating the cycle. That's the church hopping problem that's all too common.

I hope that helps. And BTW, Listen to the enclosed link. It's pretty short, but should be a blessing.

To your spiritual health and happiness!
 
Jun 11, 2023
31
11
8
34
#17
Read the first three chapters of Revelation.
There are no perfect churches.
I don't know from your description any thing specific, so I would never suggest you move on. The Simple Gospel MUST be preached without works. If he is not feeding you, then let him know. Too many pastors find that out through the grape vine after members leave. They never have a chance to reconcile with members or correct their possible problem.
Everyone needs correction. However, I would approach him very humbly lest you are likewise tempted in your own job. We all are far from perfect.

Worse case scenario he preaches heresy, and will not discuss and consider the error of his way, then find a better church within driving distance that is doctrinally sound and where you can be fed. Don't expect perfection. When the honeymoon period wanes, you are likely to see flaws there too and keep repeating the cycle. That's the church hopping problem that's all too common.

I hope that helps. And BTW, Listen to the enclosed link. It's pretty short, but should be a blessing.

To your spiritual health and happiness!
You say "there are no perfect churches" - but if we read the three chapters you are referring to, you see that God corrects only five of them:
- Ephesus, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis and Laodicea. Smyrna and Philadelphia is doing the right thing, and is accepted by God. The five who are corrected, cannot continue with accepting sin, but have to repent. If not - God himself will leave them, and move the candlestick (Rev 2,5). Therefore there is no reason to remain in a church with sin, if you know of an other church with true teaching and with right practice of sacraments. Here is proof, that God corrects these five churches/assemblies:

Ephesus (Rev 2,5):
Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

Pergamos (Rev 2,14-16):
But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

Thyatira (Rev 2,20-24):
Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.

Sardis (Rev 3,1-4):
And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.

Laodicea (Rev 3,15-20):
I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
 

HealthAndHappiness

Well-known member
Jul 7, 2022
10,256
4,299
113
Almost Heaven West Virginia
#18
You say "there are no perfect churches" - but if we read the three chapters you are referring to, you see that God corrects only five of them:
- Ephesus, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis and Laodicea. Smyrna and Philadelphia is doing the right thing, and is accepted by God. The five who are corrected, cannot continue with accepting sin, but have to repent. If not - God himself will leave them, and move the candlestick (Rev 2,5). Therefore there is no reason to remain in a church with sin, if you know of an other church with true teaching and with right practice of sacraments. Here is proof, that God corrects these five churches/assemblies:

Ephesus (Rev 2,5):
Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

Pergamos (Rev 2,14-16):
But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

Thyatira (Rev 2,20-24):
Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.

Sardis (Rev 3,1-4):
And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.

Laodicea (Rev 3,15-20):
I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

I recently read the chapters and have been studying each church the past two weeks.

There were two of the churches that were not rebuked. That doesn't mean that the people did not sin.

"“For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.”

Someone will eventually find something they don't like about a church or a spouse. There will be conflicts at times. Nobody is sinless but the Lord Himself.

That's why everyone needs This.

There was an example of a bad church that had an individual in it that was commended. Some people do not have a good local church. These days in America they are easier to find than back then due to the shear numbers.

The OP didn't go into detail about why he had the question, so I don't want to spend my day going into an infinite number of possibilities. I gave him my opinion on why most people move on and provided him with several sound principles if he so desires to consider them.
 

Magenta

Senior Member
Jul 3, 2015
59,946
29,307
113
#19
Where does the Bible tell about Salvation outside of the baptism?

Acts 10:43~ All the prophets testify about Him that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name. :)
 

cv5

Well-known member
Nov 20, 2018
22,873
8,342
113
#20
1.) If you find out that the doctrine of the church, (Denomination) teaches ..."water washes away your sin". (Water baptism is required for Salvation)

2.) If you find out the the Pastor or Church (Denomination) teaches that you can ""Lose your Salvation""

3.) If you ask the Pastor, or leadership.....>"Is the Cross of Christ" the Gospel.? And they say......"No" or "well, sort of", or "its a part of it"., or "not exactly" or "Well, its the beginning"

4.) If you find out that your Pastor or Church or Denomination does not believe that Hell exists,

5.) If you find out that your Church or Pastor, believes that 'Everyone will eventually be saved and go to heaven"

6.) If you find out that your Pastor or Church teaches that "God chooses some to be saved and chooses others not to be saved ..(Pre-destined elect lie).

Start there. and if any of those are your Pastor's belief, or your Church"s Teaching, then get out and find an actual congregation that understands the Cross of Christ... as The Grace of God as "The Gift of Salvation"....., as those 6 do not.
Well spoken.