I agree with so much you’ve said, Micah. I absolutely believe that God desires His people to stay in their local body of believers unless He leads their lives in an unmistakable way otherwise (job concerns causing them to move, etc. or a situation more complex, such as those already mentioned).

I would agree with others too, that often people find that it is no longer God’s will for them to be in a certain local body when they have found a significant Biblical issue, lovingly pursued a right conclusion with their church leaders, and when the church leaders refuse to see it through.

Leaving a church under these circumstances, I believe, is not only permissible, but right, however heartbreaking it may feel to uproot oneself from the very fellowship one has loved, served, been blessed by, etc. I would not–could not–leave such a local body, without such an obvious situation necessitating it. I can attest that God gives a greater grace in this circumstance, helping those who leave for biblical reasons.

Here is my concern that I was originally trying to address. There are multiple reasons for why people leave churches, but they fall under one of two categories: biblical issues or preference issues. The sinful tendency is to leave a church merely for preferences issues, i.e. I don’t like the music. It is more rare to find people who leave a church for biblical reasons.

The biblical standard that the church is held to requires that its leadership is in line with 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. If the elders/pastors fail to meet this standard (e.g., they are lovers of money, they are not above reproach, they cover-up sin, they are quarrelsome), then the church would no longer be operating under biblical principles. A church member should, out of love for these men, pursue and confront them. If they remain unrepentant, then changing churches may be an appropriate option.

Do I think it is a sin issue? If they had no biblical reasons for leaving, then yes, it is sin. And yes, there is a responsibility to confront as Matthew 18 says.

As to your concern of naivety, I did not write the post to address specific issues. I agree that wisdom calls for different action in different circumstances, but all are held to the same standard set forth in the Word of God. I meant to speak of the blanket standard, not make a blanket statement. I intended only to point out the problem with people across the nation leaving churches, which has been an issue for decades. The problem is not a new one because people wanting to have their needs met is not new.

Lastly, to address your request for a chapter and a verse, I would say that there are ancient examples (in the NT) and recent examples of people leaving one church to minister in another. The New Testament examples are men who are sent to help fill a need elsewhere. Both the sending party and the receiving party were in agreement and believed it to be the best for the furthering of the gospel. Colossians 4:7-18 speaks of men who did just that. Philippians 2:19-29 speaks of Timothy and Epaphras ministering to the needs of believers outside of the local fellowship. You are right in saying that we are not to forsake the gathering of the local body (Heb. 10:24-25), but I don’t think that implies changing local bodies. If the local body is every church in the area, then I could attend a different church every Sunday and still fulfill this command and yet I am neglecting so many other things by doing that.

Also, are you saying this is a sin issue. If so, don’t you have a responsibilty to go to the brother to confront them. ( Math 18) I would very much like to see you explain your answers to each of Cliff’s question in detail to further understand your stance.

My concern is you are being a bit naive as to situation of each and just how far people have gone, quietly so as not to offend, in an attempt to reconcile the differences or issues that they may have. We can’t just put a blanket statement over people leaving the church local, because then we sound like we are saying that they have left the faith.

Lastly, let me ask you to show chapter and verse for your stance. Where in the word does it say we are not to leave a local body to go and minister with another local body. I believe it says we are not to forsake the gathering of the local body.

In the New Testament, we see people who are committed to the whole body of believers as the gospel was spreading, but that commitment expressed itself in their deep affection and service for others in their city or vicinity. Even though I may be actively involved in a church that doesn’t mean that I am neglecting my loyalty to the whole body. Our love for God shows itself in love each other (John 13) and love cannot be pasted on a large group of people but lives in acts of service for particular people.

Also, moving to another state and looking for a biblically-sound church can still be done with the right attitude caring about the body. But it can also be done with selfish motives. You are right; there is no shame in looking for a good church, in fact, I would argue that is necessary. But in your scenario, it depends on the motive for leaving in the first place and what one looks for in the new church.

And let’s not pretend that we don’t seek churches that meet our personal spiritual needs. If you moved to another state, wouldn’t you seek a church you felt most comfortable in and provided the most spiritual food? I would and have no guilt over that.

First, each situation must be taken separately and no formula can be applied to them all. Second, one might consider whether leaving the church would be the best option after: praying about it, seeking counsel from spiritual leaders, and considering it in light of Scripture. Those steps may take a few months or a few days.

Some things to keep in mind:

• There is a difference between biblical issues and preference issues. People can get these confused and they leave for the wrong reasons.
• No matter what other church members or leaders are doing, you are responsible to walk by the Spirit and exhibit the fruit of doing so (Gal. 5).
• Think about the effect this will have on the people around you because they are watching.
• Be clear in your reasons. Most people disappear and then speculation starts circulating. But if you are clear in why you are leaving, then the record is straight.

Lastly, all the questions and situations that you put forward fall in line with what I was originally talking about in the post: namely, that people understand their role in the church and seek to biblically work through any issues they have.