How to Leave a Church Well
How to leave a church well:
There’s much more to it than this, but this might be the main thing.
Walk into the church auditorium and find that place where you got on your knees 4 years ago on your first day on the job.
That spot of carpet under the big cross.
Go to that spot and get on your knees again.
Survey the big cross above you, just like you did before.
Pray, praising God for the prayers he answered from 4 years ago.
Give God all the glory, all the credit.
Be amazed at all he has done.
Thank him for his faithfulness, his kindness, his lavish generosity.
Smile as you pray.
Then entrust to his care the people that have been under your care.
Then tell him how desperately you need vision and help from above for the new adventure ahead.
Decide to trust him for it.
Then get up and walk away.
Next, turn in your key and your final paperwork, then drive home.
Get up early the next morning and take your family on a long vacation in a far away place.
At least that’s what I just did/what I’m doing.
How to Leave a Church Well: How to leave a church well:
There’s much more to it than this, but this might be the m… http://bit.ly/cQQsLI
How to Leave a Church Well: How to leave a church well:
There’s much more to it than this, but this migh.. http://bit.ly/cQQsLI
RT @JustinBuzzard: How to Leave a Church Well http://is.gd/cFdYr
Nice. I like it.
For moving pastors: Thank God for his faithfulness, tell him how desperately u need help for next adventure | http://www.justinbuzzard.net http://ow.ly/1VFI2
Matt,
I appreciate your sentiments directed towards gratitude for God’s provision during a particular “season” of ministry. I’ve been reflecting on the various “seasons” in the individual beleiver’s life, and how we grow through them.
What would you say to the pastoral leadership whom requires a detailed membership covenant be signed? I’ve found myself faced with this spiritual quandry recently, and have asked myself; “under which, (if any), circumstances can the membership covenant be broken?”
If I submit myself to such a covenant, vowing to support the leadership and my brethren in all ways,…am I committing myself to this local church fassembly for the remainder of my earthly life? If so, under what VOLUNTARY circumstances, is it permissable to depart that church (breaking covenant).
We all know that mandatory company transfers will arise, job loss and subsequent relocation occur as well, and pressing familial emergencies (aging parents, remote healthcare challenges) may likewise force such a compulsory move.
Outside of a disciplinary/false teaching issue, and the aforementioned circumstances, under what BIBLICAL conditions is it acceptable for shepherd/sheep to voluntarily “break covenant” and move to another flock?
Finally, because I have seen the “leading of the Holy Spirit” used as the justification for what some would call; “covenant breaking”, is it just the pastorate that are able to “sense” the leading of the Spirit,…or can the laity also receive this direction?
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