When Should People Leave their Church?

Pulpit Live has posted a helpful answer to a question that I often hear from folks who are in a church that is not upholding the truth. Folks struggle with why and when they should leave. Some people end up staying with a church that proclaims a false gospel under the guise of being a ‘missionary’ however, in doing so they undermine the command of God to not be ‘unequally yoked’ together with unbelievers (2 Cor. 6.14). Believers need the gospel to not only be saved but also to grow, if it is veiled then growth is stunted and God is undermined.

Here is the list of reasons that Pulpit provides for why you should leave, notice they do not reference whether or not AWANA is available or other youth activities, nor is musical style referenced. What I like about this list is that it is doctrinally anchored, and so then Christ centered rather than self-centered…here is the list:

If heresy on some fundamental truth is being taught from the pulpit (Gal. 1:7-9).

If the leaders of the church tolerate seriously errant doctrine from any who are given teaching authority in the fellowship (Rom. 16:17).

If the church is characterized by a wanton disregard for Scripture, such as a refusal to discipline members who are sinning blatantly (1 Cor. 5:1-7).

If unholy living is tolerated in the church (1 Cor. 5:9-11).

If the church is seriously out of step with the biblical pattern for the church (2 Thess. 3:6, 14).

If the church is marked by gross hypocrisy, giving lip service to biblical Christianity but refusing to acknowledge its true power (2 Tim. 3:5).

Possibly Related posts:

1. Q & A Friday: What is a good reason to leave my church?
2. Should a Christian echo Tim Hardaway’s words towards gay people?
3. What Does the Church Need?
4. Phil Johnson at Omaha Bible Church
5. Book Review- What is a Healthy Church Member?

2 Responses to “When Should People Leave their Church?”

1. javaguy says:

   November 17, 2006 at 4:50 pm

   Erik,
   This is great! I have struggled in the past with people who leave a church for reasons that are self-centered. Like you said, no youth group, different opinion on worship music, etc. The problem comes when those reasons you listed come into play. Do you think we are responsible as Christians to hold our leadership accountable and try to do something about it, or should we just seek a place of worship that upholds the truth? This is an honest question because it is something that I have dealt with and while it frustrates me to see people give up on a church for these reasons without trying to change it, I can’t blame them because unbiblical things are happening. Are we simply accountable to God and our leadership, or is our leadership also accountable to us?
2. erik says:

   November 18, 2006 at 10:42 am

   –i do think we are accountable to hold our leaders accountable. If they are compromising bring the issue to bear (lovingly, with honor, & kindness, w/o being factious or divisive), but bring it up. If they persist in error or unfaithfulness then a believer should leave and go to a church that honors its Head. But there must be something objective to cling to rather than the fact that color of the carpet or the sytle of music. If the guy is faithful and you can be equipped, stay, if he (the church) is compromising, then leave. It sounds easier than it is…