Church leaders invest a tremendous amount of time making their services appealing to congregations. Moving sermons and inspiring music are things that keep people coming back.
While lack of engagement may be why some people change churches, it is not necessarily a sound reason for leaving a church altogether. A recent LifeWay study pointed out that more than 50 percent of 1,010 Protestant churchgoers polled would consider leaving over a shift in fundamental teachings or beliefs.
The primary factor in making such as decision did not rest on worship music, sermon style or church structure. In fact, 44 percent of churchgoers polled said that changes in theological doctrine might prompt them to change fellowships.
Although the LifeWay research paints a particular picture, the more secular Pew Research sees church-changing differently. A Pew study reportedly concluded that there are four main reasons why people leave their church.
- Sermon Quality
- Welcoming Environment
- Style of Worship
- Location
The Pew Research tends to treat churchgoers more like consumers than people of faith. When their needs are not met, or they become inconvenienced, Pew indicates even minor annoyances can lead to a family leaving their fellowship. In an opinion piece on Fox News, pastor Chris Sonksen urges parishioners to take separation far more seriously.
“Before we leave, have we done everything we can to make peace in the situation? As a pastor, I know how difficult it is to express frustrations with church leadership. It may be difficult, but Christians are called to a higher standard. Without attacking, have we expressed our concerns with the church leadership? Are we willing to get our hands dirty and become a part of the solution? Have we prayed about leaving? These are tough questions that force us to get real,” pastor Sonksen writes.
“Before we quit church, we need to make sure we take the separation seriously. Church is not a product to consume. It’s a family to which we belong – big difference. When we leave, we make a statement. When we leave because we don’t get our way, it will set a poor example for others,” he says.
That being said, there are some very legitimate reasons for good people of faith to leave a church.
If God Calls You Away
The church remains a primary place for people to come together, worship and promote Christian fellowship. That coming together reflects the family that is so important to Christianity and the teachings of Jesus Christ.
But a physical structure or gathering location are a means and not an end. God may call you away to do good Christian works in another platform outside the fellowship. If God calls, go.
Unorthodox Teaching of Scripture
We have all seen the news headlines about cult worshippers that harm followers. False prophets and preachers ply people with persuasive rhetoric that appears to be grounded in the Bible.
This is not to say that a disagreement about your understanding of scripture and church leaders should prompt an immediate exit. It’s important to raise concerns about how a preacher’s understanding differs from yours. If the gap cannot be bridged or the church’s position remains too radically different from yours, it may be time to find a new church. Christianity is not an extremist religion.
Family and Marriage
The family has always been an extension of Christian love and fellowship. Family love is a direct reflection of the love God has for each and every one of us. Family is God’s gift to humans. That being said, Christians from different churches have a tough choice to make when they marry. Online dating has extended the distance of people connecting. Residing in different communities means selecting a place where the family will put down roots. In many cases, a healthy option is to start fresh and select a church where husband and wife can start a new fellowship together. Marriage can be a logical time to start anew.
Distorted Church Leadership
Both the LifeWay and Pew Research studies indicate that strong theological differences were primary drivers for people to leave a church. Christianity has been distorted numerous times and it’s imperative that everyday people remain true to the teachings of Jesus Christ.
If sermons have turned away from basic ideas about tolerance, forgiveness, love and replaced them with angry rants and hate-laced sentiments toward groups or individuals, then your church has strayed. It’s up to Christians to remain true to the Gospel.
~ Christian Patriot Daily
