changing place of worship

[mle]

Please, advise me on how to gracefully change my place of worship. What is the right way to do it?
I love my church family and want to be so careful not to hurt anyones feelings. It is time for a change.
Thank you.

 

[bithiah2]

Please, advise me on how to gracefully change my place of worship. What is the right way to do it?
I love my church family and want to be so careful not to hurt anyones feelings. It is time for a change.
Thank you.

hi
http://www.relevantmagazine.com/god_article.php?id=7291

i don't know if this article will help you or not...everyone's situation is different. as long as God is leading you away from there, then i think it is OK to talk with the pastor or if you can't get to him, put it in writing. others don't have to know why. when i left the church i attended for 6 years, i didn't discuss it with anyone, but i did write a letter to the pastor thanking him for all that i had learned from him over time. so it all depends on the situation and the type of church you attend

 

[ElderChris]

You know, I once had real dogmatic beliefs in this area but, as usual, God has challenged me in that too.

The first thing I would ask is...does the church you are leaving have any non-biblical, heretical practice or teaching....something that does not line up with the Word of God? Or maybe it is Spiritually dead. If so, then you have a good reason for considering moving on. In that case, I would address a letter to the leadership team with your concerns so that they have a clear reason for your departure. It seems like this is probably not the case here but I just wanted to state it for the record.

I also want to challenge you a little bit. You obviously have thought this through pretty well and know the reasons why you want to leave. I would really be concerned if you were leaving because of a conflict with another person. I just don't believe this is a really valid reason to leave. God can bring healing and forgiveness to relationships.....any relationships. After all, the relationships really are the church. Just be really, really careful not to leave for any selfish reasons....whatever they may be. I confess that there have been difficult times in my church and I wanted to leave just to leave the problems behind. But thankfully God prevented that and healing restoration and growth took place.

That said, I believe the Holy Spirit moves people from local church to local church.....there is evidence of this in many places in the book of Acts. If this is your case, that you have a leading, then I believe it is a good idea to discuss this with the pastor and/or leadership. They can then send you off with their blessing...which is also Scriptural.

I hope everything works out for you and that you have complete peace in your decision.
Blessings.

 

[mle]

bithiah2 i read the article you suggested and it has been really helpful. thank you

elderchris i have no problem with the church or it's members. i feel it is like a marriage with all the bumps and bruises that go along with relationships. nothing has happened recently and i have no unforgiveness harboured in my heart. it keeps coming up it is time to leave for whatever reason. i believe the pastor is led by the holy spirit. i am part of church leadership and serve in a few areas. i love the church family and am concerned that the grass may not be greener on the other side but it seems like i have been holding on for apprehension of change and support for the underdog(the church has been experiencing an exodus for the past few years-i don't know why). i feel guilty for leaving because i know they need our support. god is in control and doesn't need me micro managing where my support should go, he told me last night.
i submit. i will go with my husband and speak to our pastor.
please pray for me.
this is not a comfortable situation to be in. i am sad.

 

[bithiah2]

bithiah2 i read the article you suggested and it has been really helpful. thank you

elderchris i have no problem with the church or it's members. i feel it is like a marriage with all the bumps and bruises that go along with relationships. nothing has happened recently and i have no unforgiveness harboured in my heart. it keeps coming up it is time to leave for whatever reason. i believe the pastor is led by the holy spirit. i am part of church leadership and serve in a few areas. i love the church family and am concerned that the grass may not be greener on the other side but it seems like i have been holding on for apprehension of change and support for the underdog(the church has been experiencing an exodus for the past few years-i don't know why). i feel guilty for leaving because i know they need our support. god is in control and doesn't need me micro managing where my support should go, he told me last night.
i submit. i will go with my husband and speak to our pastor.
please pray for me.
this is not a comfortable situation to be in. i am sad.

Lord Jesus we ask you for your wisdom and guidance in this church situation. you know what is going on, for how long, and why, and you have the solution for the church, and for the individuals involved. we ask that you would take control of this situation, and if it is your will for mle and her husband to leave this ministry, then give them the words that will lift up, and not tear down.=, and lead them to the new congregation of your choice. if it is in your plan for them to remain there, then give them the grace to stand, and after having done all, to continue to stand still and see your salvation. we thank you for all of these your blessings, In Your Name
Amen

 

[ElderChris]

Amen

 

[mle]

thanks guys
my husband will be reading all this now.
we really appreciate you.

 

[okieray]

Please, advise me on how to gracefully change my place of worship. What is the right way to do it?
I love my church family and want to be so careful not to hurt anyones feelings. It is time for a change.
Thank you.

we went to the methodist church , the holy spirit moved us to the assembley of god we now attend. i told a few close friends what had happen and they under stood, but my former pastor still dosen`t have much to say to now. i`m sorry but we`ve never enjoyed going to church as much as we do now. i look forward to church service. if the spirit has given you the urge to move your membership, do it now and do`n`t hold the holy spirit back let him work. start going where ever you are being lead and in a few weeks have your new pastor move your member ship. its very important that this spirit inspired and only through prayer will you know.