Voice of Truth - Leaving A Church

I was reading an article yesterday by Gail B. Houston in Focus On The Family magazine. The article is about switching churches. I thought it was an interesting article. Today it seems like Christians are changing churches at an unprecedented rate. And current polling shows that is the case. Here is 4 poor reasons she gave that people use for leaving a church;

Things in the church are changing, and I don’t like it. Your pastors recognize that the world and the church globally are changing, and they want to stay relevant. As your church adapts, it is critical to realize what is biblical and what is cultural. Your pastors feel they can give on some cultural issues, but they also believe in holding the line on fundamentals.

I don’t like the music anymore. Drums and electric guitars moved into spaces where pianos and organs traditionally ruled. A good way to look at this issue is to realize that, in a church of 400 people, if you have the music the way you want it on one Sunday every 7.7 years, then you have had your turn. Let others enjoy their turn as well. Music style should never be more important than relationships.

An unresolved difference of opinion or hurt feelings. The church is a living parable on forgiveness, mercy and grace for a watching world. How we treat one another speaks loudly. The Bible is clear on dealing with problems: Go first to the person with whom you have the problem and try to resolve it for your own good, his good and the good of the church.

Another church has more to offer me and my family. If your church is lacking in an area, pray to be able to fill the space or for God to send someone who is able. Make the shift from consumer to producer.

To me it looks like all 4 reasons come back to self-centeredness. It seems that the me, me, me attitude of our culture has crept into the church. I will leave you with these verses from Colossians to think about. I think these verses should speak for themselves.

Colossians 3:12-14 - " 12 Therefore, God's chosen ones, holy and loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, 13 accepting one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a complaint against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so also you must [forgive]. 14 Above all, [put on] love—the perfect bond of unity."