Due to the widespread apostasy in the Christian church these days, it is a now one of the most common questions among true Christians who long to hear God's Word preached and taught.
I've never been particularly critical of church "hoppers." First, my father was a minister, and in those days pastors were moved from church to church far more frequently than they are today, so although it was painful for me as a child, we moved every few years. Second, I traveled with a gospel music group for a number of years and was in literally hundreds of churches, so it was no big deal to me.
However, it is far better to have a church home, if possible. It's critically important if you have children or teens. They need to have a church family. More often than not, young people will find their life mates in the church. Parents need to think ahead, far into the future, when deciding about these issues. Unfortunately, in today's world, this is not the case. A price is often paid for neglecting to think long term regarding one's children.
These days we need Christian fellowship and support more than ever before in our lifetimes, but it is becoming harder to find a church that holds God's Word, and obedience to it, in high importance.
Here are a few guidelines:
* Don't leave because your pastor, or someone else, says or does something to upset you. If a pastor never says anything to upset anyone, he is no doubt upsetting God. It's petty to leave because you 'had your feelings hurt' or things just aren't going according to your liking. These things happen in any group of human beings. In case you haven't noticed, we are not perfect. These are opportunities to grow into maturity and to learn to love the unlovely (from your point of view).
* Give a new pastor a chance. He'll never be as good as the previous one ... at first.
These may be legitimate reasons to leave, if they cannot be resolved through direct discussion:
* Lack of preaching/teaching directly from the Bible
* Refusal to discipline members - especially leaders - who are blatantly sinning
* Teaching or preaching of things that are clearly against biblical principles
* Tolerance of unholy living by members
* Lives and actions marked by gross hypocrisy
And, remember that non-Christians who attend should not be expected to live a Christian life until they accept Christ as their personal Lord. Be gentle, tolerant and loving of the non-Christian or baby Christian. These should never, however, be leaders or teachers.
If you have children or teens you don't have the luxury of 'putting up' with as many issues as you otherwise might. It is absolutely critical that Christians raise their children in an atmosphere of strict adherence to Bible teaching because it will shape their entire lives. Your children are gifts from the Lord, and He expects them to be raised in a way that trains them up and teaches them obedience to His Word. They are by far the most important responsibility that parents have.
One more word about church hoppers. As a rule, they are never satisfied; that's why they hop. If every insignificant thing bothers them, they are immature in the faith. They will always be offended by something and are disgruntled and looking for a cop out and to place blame on anyone but themselves. Often they are gossips or trouble-makers. One of their favorite reasons for leaving a church is "I'm not being fed." Chances are good that they're not being fed because they're not going to the trough.
The only reason "I'm not being fed" is legitimate is if the church is no longer preaching the gospel, or is stubbornly ignoring and allowing those things listed above.
One more interesting question is: should you stay in the church to effect change through prayer and dialogue?
* For those with children, I would say no. You have your hands full just training and keeping your own family on the right path through prayer and dialogue; don't take on the church at the same time :-)
* For adult Christians whose children are grown, it's sometimes difficult to decide. It may hinge on your gifts and talents. If the Lord has given you gifts for His service, your church wants your gifts, and you believe you can help others develop into Christian maturity, yes, stay if you desire to. You may help one or more people on a one-on-one basis to grow in the Lord through friendship, prayer and discussion.
The primary goal should be serving the Lord, fellowship with the saints, and growing in grace and maturity so that you may fight the spiritual battles all around and spread the good news of the gospel to everyone you meet.
Keep your eye on the goal.
Child of the King
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