Vintage Church Team Study Pack by Mark Driscoll & Gerry Breshears

Author:Mark Driscoll & Gerry Breshears
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Religion, Theology
ISBN: 9781433513664
Publisher: Crossway
Published: 2009-09-16T00:00:00+00:00

The only valid reason for leaving a local church is a desire for more effective ministry in and for the body of Christ. One illegitimate reason for leaving a church is that it is not perfect or it does not meet all legitimate needs. Every church has problems and shortcomings. That is the nature of life in this sinful world. Leaving because things are not perfect simply reveals our low level of faithfulness.

It is helpful to realize that we are part of the problem of imperfection. My presence and ministry in the church may be part of what keeps it from being a perfect place for someone else. Paul exhorts us to live “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:2–3).

A second illegitimate reason for leaving is that the church doesn’t have a ministry that you need. It may be that God wants you to minister to the church instead of them ministering to you. God gave you certain gifts, talents, and life experiences that he wants you to use for his glory. Rather than complaining about the church, approach the leadership respectfully and work with them to make a concrete proposal for ministry development. This might be a wonderful gift to everyone.

A third illegitimate reason is leaving to get away from problems. Trouble in relationships often causes people to leave. It may be far better to learn how to draw on the grace of God to overcome those difficulties. We may need to grow in the fruit of the Spirit, gaining more patience, kindness, and love. Running away will derail the very process God uses to conform us to the image of Christ.

A fourth illegitimate reason to leave is that we are being challenged about our doctrine or pattern of life and find it uncomfortable. We should not run because we feel threatened by someone challenging our cherished notions. We ought always to be ready to examine what we believe and what we do in light of the Word of God and the wisdom of the Spirit-led community. How else can we grow? We should be willing to enter into discussion about important questions of life and doctrine.

On the other hand, some pastors make it unnecessarily difficult for people to leave their church. It seems wise to approach members’ departure with grace, not guilt. Guilting people not only wounds those who want to leave but also other members of your flock. Consider sending people out with a blessing no matter why they choose to leave, along with an invitation to visit any time. Many who leave for inappropriate reasons return when they discover the grass on the other side is not greener.

1 1 Cor. 1:10; 2 Cor. 13:11; Eph. 4:3; Phil. 1:27.

2 Larry W. Osborne, The Unity Factor (Vista, CA: Owl’s Nest, 2006).

3 2 Tim. 2:14–16, 23; 6:4–5; Titus 3:9.

4 1 Tim. 6:4–5; 2 Tim. 2:14, 23; Titus 3:9–10.

5 1 Cor.

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