Bad and Good Reasons to Leave a Church
Revitalize and Replant · North American Mission Board
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Show Notes
Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock walk through bad and good reasons to leave a church, drawing from H.B. Charles Jr.’s article, “When It’s Time to Leave a Church.” If you’re wrestling with whether to stay or go, this episode will help you think biblically and wisely about church membership, commitment, and discernment.
They explore “red light” reasons not to leave a church (bad reasons):
- Sin: leaving instead of repenting or reconciling.
- Disagreements over secondary doctrinal issues: elevating non-essential issues to a breaking point.
- Disunity: walking away rather than pursuing peace and unity in Christ.
- Personal offenses: allowing hurt feelings or misunderstandings to drive decisions.
- Unwillingness to submit to spiritual authority: resisting God-given leadership rather than humbly engaging.
- A low view of the church: treating church as optional, consumer-based, or disposable.
- Disregard for the truth: leaving when God’s Word confronts your preferences or lifestyle.
They also talk about “green light” reasons that may indicate it’s time to leave a church (good reasons):
- A gospel reason: the church no longer clearly preaches or guards the gospel of Jesus Christ.
- A doctrinal reason: the church drifts into serious theological error or abandons biblical authority.
- A personal reason: unique circumstances such as relocation, calling, or family needs that make joining another faithful church wise.
This episode is especially helpful for:
- Believers struggling with whether to leave a church
- Pastors and elders helping members process church transitions
- Christians wanting a more biblical view of church membership and commitment
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
Listen in for a pastoral, gospel-centered conversation on leaving a church wisely, staying for the right reasons, and loving Christ’s bride well.