SHOULD WE CHURCH HOP???
What I believe the sin of many who leave churches today, in our church ‘hop, shop and chop’, consumer-minded Christianity, is in one or both of the following:
1. First the motive for leaving (why a person has chosen to separate themselves).
Too many people abandon churches for petty reasons. Disagreements over simple matters of preference are never a good reason to leave a doctrinally sound church. Christians are commanded to respect, honor, and obey those whom God has placed in positions of leadership in the church (Heb.13:7, 17). People most often leave churches for selfish, man centered, comfort-related reasons, with little concern for the other members they have covenanted with, are accountable to and joined to by God.
There are very few biblical reasons to leave a church because it should be a rare event and a process. The fact is, God never breaks covenant and we are to be like Christ. To leave a church family, that God considers a holy covenant relationship, shows the lack of understanding of Biblical commitment to the church rampant in our culture.
To leave a church for unbiblical reasons shows very little concern for the glory of Christ and His mission; which is to be furthered as the world sees Christ’s love and devotion modeled in us. How are they to see that? One way is a strong love in which people persevere together through the good and the bad. Following the example of Christ who will never leave or forsake us. Unfortunately many today see their personal needs, feelings and desires of higher priority, and therefore have no problem leaving and forsaking those whom God joined them to, whom they have covenanted with, and say that they love. This simply does not model Christ’s love and commitment and therefore does not glorify God. So I see motive for leaving as a critical issue.
2. Second I see method of leaving (how a person has chosen to leave a church) as another equally critical issue.
Many people leave churches today by simply stopping attendance without so much as a kind ‘good-bye’ or a word of explanation; leaving out of selfish anger or hurt and in bitterness. This is done without love or common courtesy to the other members. This is akin to abandonment. Think of a spouse who one day comes home to an empty house. No note, no goodbye, no courtesy, no kindness, no love. This method of leaving a church does not model Christ’s treatment of us, nor does it model Christian love and commitment to an on-looking world.
Others leave churches harboring bitterness and malice, slandering and gossiping in the process and after. The result is divisions within the body of Christ against which there are breathtaking judgments pronounced by God and awaiting those who engage in such behavior, unless there is repentance.
In this whole discussion we must consider these commands:
Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Ephesians 5:1-2 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Colossians 3:12-13 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
1 Peter 3:8 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.
There are so many other verses that speak to these truths. But simply take one: 1 John 3:16 By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. “Lay down our lives”! That is a serious command, one related to the church. Nowhere do I see in the Bible any luxury of running out on brothers and sisters. No easy road out of covenant commitment. No lack of devotion or sacrifice for the brothers and sisters God has placed us with, simply referencing the few verses above makes this crystal clear.
Jesus died for the church, and prayed that we be one as He and the Father are one. Throughout the book of 1 John we are told that our love for our brothers and sisters directly indicates our love for the Lord and even our eternal condition. In it, John makes quite a compelling argument for devotion to one another within a church. The implications are huge; how we treat, think of, talk about and relate to other Christians, especially those in our local church family, directly shows our true heart towards Christ.
The early church, seen in Scripture and in church history in later decades, had a profound love for Christ and was radically committed to Him and His glory, first. They were willing to die for Him, lose all for him. Then from their radical love for Christ, sprang a radical love and commitment to one another. They were willing to sacrifice goods, lands, money etc. for their brothers and sisters and strangers. This made the unbelievers around them stand up and take notice.
Unfortunately us modern, 21st century Christians, know little of this type of commitment. We are saturated in the ‘look out for number one- meet my needs’ culture and take the body of Christ dangerously and shamefully too lightly. This has bred a Christianity of shallow relationships and little commitment, where we are easily offended, wallow in prideful self-pity, promote ourselves and our rights and run on feelings; backbiting, gossiping, ravaging and abandoning one another. This is clear evidence of the works of the flesh and not the fruit of the Spirit (Gal.5). All this is to our detriment and judgment for we will all give an account. In the process we make the majestic, holy, precious name of Christ a reproach among unbelievers.
I firmly agree with many others that what is needed in the church in America is repentance and a return to sound doctrine, especially sound, correct, right and true doctrine of the church i.e. a correct church theology. That I believe is the root cause of much of the mess we are experiencing in the American church. I refer you to one last article by MacArthur titled “Commitment to the Church”. This thoroughly explains why we must be committed to the local church and outlines seven essential biblical issues concerning commitment to a local church http://www.gty.org/resources.php?print
I would encourage those who may be considering leaving their church to ask for God’s grace and to search their heart as to motive and method of leaving.
As Paul said “So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man.” (Acts 24:16) and “so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ” (Philippians 1:10).
That Christ is glorified and you may be filled with the fullness of His joy!
1. First the motive for leaving (why a person has chosen to separate themselves).
Too many people abandon churches for petty reasons. Disagreements over simple matters of preference are never a good reason to leave a doctrinally sound church. Christians are commanded to respect, honor, and obey those whom God has placed in positions of leadership in the church (Heb.13:7, 17). People most often leave churches for selfish, man centered, comfort-related reasons, with little concern for the other members they have covenanted with, are accountable to and joined to by God.
There are very few biblical reasons to leave a church because it should be a rare event and a process. The fact is, God never breaks covenant and we are to be like Christ. To leave a church family, that God considers a holy covenant relationship, shows the lack of understanding of Biblical commitment to the church rampant in our culture.
To leave a church for unbiblical reasons shows very little concern for the glory of Christ and His mission; which is to be furthered as the world sees Christ’s love and devotion modeled in us. How are they to see that? One way is a strong love in which people persevere together through the good and the bad. Following the example of Christ who will never leave or forsake us. Unfortunately many today see their personal needs, feelings and desires of higher priority, and therefore have no problem leaving and forsaking those whom God joined them to, whom they have covenanted with, and say that they love. This simply does not model Christ’s love and commitment and therefore does not glorify God. So I see motive for leaving as a critical issue.
2. Second I see method of leaving (how a person has chosen to leave a church) as another equally critical issue.
Many people leave churches today by simply stopping attendance without so much as a kind ‘good-bye’ or a word of explanation; leaving out of selfish anger or hurt and in bitterness. This is done without love or common courtesy to the other members. This is akin to abandonment. Think of a spouse who one day comes home to an empty house. No note, no goodbye, no courtesy, no kindness, no love. This method of leaving a church does not model Christ’s treatment of us, nor does it model Christian love and commitment to an on-looking world.
Others leave churches harboring bitterness and malice, slandering and gossiping in the process and after. The result is divisions within the body of Christ against which there are breathtaking judgments pronounced by God and awaiting those who engage in such behavior, unless there is repentance.
In this whole discussion we must consider these commands:
Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Ephesians 5:1-2 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Colossians 3:12-13 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
1 Peter 3:8 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.
There are so many other verses that speak to these truths. But simply take one: 1 John 3:16 By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. “Lay down our lives”! That is a serious command, one related to the church. Nowhere do I see in the Bible any luxury of running out on brothers and sisters. No easy road out of covenant commitment. No lack of devotion or sacrifice for the brothers and sisters God has placed us with, simply referencing the few verses above makes this crystal clear.
Jesus died for the church, and prayed that we be one as He and the Father are one. Throughout the book of 1 John we are told that our love for our brothers and sisters directly indicates our love for the Lord and even our eternal condition. In it, John makes quite a compelling argument for devotion to one another within a church. The implications are huge; how we treat, think of, talk about and relate to other Christians, especially those in our local church family, directly shows our true heart towards Christ.
The early church, seen in Scripture and in church history in later decades, had a profound love for Christ and was radically committed to Him and His glory, first. They were willing to die for Him, lose all for him. Then from their radical love for Christ, sprang a radical love and commitment to one another. They were willing to sacrifice goods, lands, money etc. for their brothers and sisters and strangers. This made the unbelievers around them stand up and take notice.
Unfortunately us modern, 21st century Christians, know little of this type of commitment. We are saturated in the ‘look out for number one- meet my needs’ culture and take the body of Christ dangerously and shamefully too lightly. This has bred a Christianity of shallow relationships and little commitment, where we are easily offended, wallow in prideful self-pity, promote ourselves and our rights and run on feelings; backbiting, gossiping, ravaging and abandoning one another. This is clear evidence of the works of the flesh and not the fruit of the Spirit (Gal.5). All this is to our detriment and judgment for we will all give an account. In the process we make the majestic, holy, precious name of Christ a reproach among unbelievers.
I firmly agree with many others that what is needed in the church in America is repentance and a return to sound doctrine, especially sound, correct, right and true doctrine of the church i.e. a correct church theology. That I believe is the root cause of much of the mess we are experiencing in the American church. I refer you to one last article by MacArthur titled “Commitment to the Church”. This thoroughly explains why we must be committed to the local church and outlines seven essential biblical issues concerning commitment to a local church http://www.gty.org/resources.php?print
I would encourage those who may be considering leaving their church to ask for God’s grace and to search their heart as to motive and method of leaving.
As Paul said “So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man.” (Acts 24:16) and “so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ” (Philippians 1:10).
That Christ is glorified and you may be filled with the fullness of His joy!
Comment
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Comment by PASTOR CHARLES E BELL JR on July 13, 2009 at 12:50pm
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REV LUCKETT YOU ARE SO RIGHT AND IT SAD TO SAY AND SADDER WILL LISTEN TO MAN BEFORE GOD! ALMOST LIKE MAN CREATED GOD AND WE KNOW THAT NOT TRUE
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Comment by Eric Hancock on July 13, 2009 at 12:32pm
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I agree
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i got to hear you bro Eric and REv luckett GOto get you two to Missippippi. but what REV LUCKETT SAYED IS SO TRUE i HAD ONE DEC BECAUSE THING DIDT GO THE WAY HE WANT HE LEFT AND HIS FAMILY BUT I TOLD HIM ITS NOT ABOUT HIM OR I BUT GOD BUT WANT TO LISTEN TO PEOPLE INSTED OF GOD
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Exactly..
Brother I tell you I have seen it all
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PASTOR BELL
UFC IS A SPORT THAT HAS TAKEN OVER BOXING AND WRESTLING,,,COMBAT FIGHTING MACHINES IS WHAT THEY ARE,,I ENJOY IT,,,AND MINISTER BUSBY IF WE ARE NOTTO WATCH IT THEN I WONT BE GOING THROUGH THE PEARLY GATES UNLESS I REPENT ..LOL..
PASTOR BELL WE DONT PLACE ALL CLERGY IN THE PLATE OF SIN AND CORRUPTION ,,,A PREACHER CAN BE HAPPY WITH WHAT HE HAS ,,UNTILL HE SEE'S WHAT SOMEONE ELSE HAS AND THEN HE WILL DO WHAT THAT PERSON WILL DO,,,I USE TO PREACH REVIVALS,,AND I WAS THE PREACHER THAT THEY WOULD CALL IN TO MAKE THE PEOPLE SHOUT,,,ONE DAY A PREACHER CALLED ME AND SAID THAT HE WOULD FLY ME TO HIS STATE AND PLACE ME IN THE FINEST HOTEL,,WHEN I GOT TO THE STATE THAT HE RESIDED HE TOLD ME ,,,,HANCOCK MAKE THEM RUN,SHOUT,PASS OUT AND I WILL SPLIT THE MONEY WITH YOU,,IT WILL BE ABOUT $85,000,,,That was my turning point and refused and preached WOE UNTO THE PASTOR THAT SCATTERS THE SHEEP,,,that day I lost a friend but gainned favor with God,,I refused to pimp Gods flock and i dont whoop like I use to,,I rather TEACH,,,BUT if the whoop comes ,,,LOOK OUT,,LOL
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I LIKE WHAT YOU SAID ,,,PRAY BEFORE THEY LEAVE,,WHAT MAKES MY BLOOD BOIL IS WHEN THEY SAY,,GOD TOLD ME TO LEAVE ,,,WHEN THEY ARE NOT SURE WHO REALLY TOLD THEM TO LEAVE!!! IT COULD HAVE BEEN THERE GOSSIP PARTNER..LOL
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YOU ARE SO RIGHT BRO JOHN
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Comment by John on July 13, 2009 at 9:21am
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Pastor Bell, I know you have a deep passion, love and respect for our Saviour. It shows in your posts and responses that I read. It is not ALL that I speak of but trust me (and I know you realize this) there are too many fake/false/pretender leaders in churches and you can even see some on TV. I never mean all when I speak of something because that would be a total misstatement on my part. Those in the spirit can spot a wolf among the sheep and you can take that to the bank. LOL God bless.
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what is UFC? smile . Minister BUSBY AND BRO JOHN ALL IAM SAYING IS EVERY POSTION THAT GOD ORDAIN IS INPORTANT IN THE BUILDING OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD . IT HURT MY HEART FOR ME TO SEE PEOPLE PUT EVERY CHURCH ,PASTOR,MININSTER IN THE SAME PLATE CAUSE THERE ARE SOME WHO REALLY LOVE THE LORD AS I BELIVE YOU DO AND CARE FOR THE SOUL OF THE SAINTS OR SINNERS. AND MAYBE SOME OF THIS IS WHY PEOPLE CHURCH HOP . I JUST BELIVE EVERY ONE NEED SOMEONE TO PRAY FOR THEM. SIS TRACY SOME TIME IT GOOD TO BE CHALLENGE IT HELP ME TO LOOK AT MY SELF AND MAKE SURE I AM LINE UP WITH WHAT GOD WILL HAVE ME TO DO. I THANK GOD FOR PEOPLE LIKE ,BRO BUSBY ,JOHN,ERIC, I THANK YOU FOR THAT BUT I AM PASTOR SO I HAVE TO DEFEND THAT WHAT JESUS TAUGHT. BUT I DONT WANT ANY NE TO THINK THAT ALL PASTORS ARE BAD. CAUSE THIS IS A TOOL THAT SATAN USE TO DESTROY GOD PEOPLE .I KNOW A STREET MINISTER ARE NOT CON ARTIST BUT THERE ARE MANY WHO LOVE THE LORD AND WE ALL ARE CHILDERN IN GOD EYE WONT GET GROW DOWN HERE(SMILE) THAT COUNTRY TALK) BUT I AM STILL GROING AND LEARNING DONT KNOW IT ALL BE BLESS
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Brother Bell don't know why you get offended but then you are a pastor and so you take things personal. If you read what I said, I said I (me, personally, myself) don't need a pastor to watch over my soul. I can do that myself with the help of the Holy Spirit. If you read what we said there are pastors and then there are pastors. I will not let anyone lead me down the wrong path no matter what the title. So please don't take it personally because I won't allow you are anyone in this world to watch over my soul. That's my choice and we never said that people shouldn't have a pastor only that a pastor isn't needed to watch over souls when you and God have individual relationships. God bless.
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