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NASB | Luke 18:8 "I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?" |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Luke 18:8 "I tell you that He will defend and avenge them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find [this kind of persistent] faith on the earth?" |
Bible Question:
Should I leave my church? I know this is a tough question to answer. I am unsure if I should leave my church or not. Why do I even pose the question? Becuase somethings just do not seem right to me. Should I wait and try to aid in resolving the issues or should I just move elsewhere? I have been a part of this church since I was a teen - since the church began. It is a small community church; it is non-denominational; it is a Bible church. Here are somethings that make me pose the questions: 1. There has been no official Sr. Pastor for the past 2 1/2 years (right now we have 3 pastors that preach on Sundays and do some pastoral duties - none of them have been given the role/title as official Sr Pastor) 2. Most of the elders of the church do not line up to elder character traits as outlined in 1 Tim and Titus. 3. Though there are Thursday Bible studies and Sunday school very few people ever seem to attend 4. Seems to be a lack of proprer Biblically based leadership in the church On the upside the doctrinal statements of the church are Biblically based (though not always followed). I am the youth director at the church; I do this on a volunteer basis. However, I also have trouble getting youth members to come to regular meetings. Though it saddens my heart to leave the church - I am wondering if this is what I should do. I have prayed about it, but I feel I get mixed answers - or even none at all. Any advice is appreciated. |
Bible Answer: 'When should a person 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..." ____________________ '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.' ____________________ www.biblebb.com/files/macqa/IA-lvchurch.htm |