We know that many EV readers have awakened to the gospel, but they are in churches where the same thing did not happen. We’ve already published a series of Bobby Jamieson from the 9Marks Ministry, where he talks about the (almost impossible) difficulty of changing churches without changing chairs or causing division:
We have also published recommendations from Mark Dever and R. W. Glenn on what to look for in a new church, but what about that?What to do before you leave your church? Mark Dever gives brief advice in his booklet What is a healthy church?(Essential reading for those who want to find a healthy church). A gift from the ministry faithful to you
1. Pray.
Tell your pastor what you think before moving to another church or making the decision to move to another city. Ask him for advice.
3. Analyze your reasons. Do you want to leave the church because of a conflict or personal or sinful disappointment?If it is for doctrinal reasons, are these doctrines important questions?
4. Do your best to restore any broken relationship
5. Be sure to take into account everything: proof of grace ?, have you seen in the church ?, moments when God’s work is evident; If you see no proof of God’s grace, you may need to look at your own heart again (Mt 7:3-5).
Be humble Recognize that you do not have all the facts and kindly evaluate people and circumstances (give them the benefit of the doubt).
1. Do not divide your body
2. Be very careful not to show any discontent, even among your closest friends. Remember that you do not want anything to hinder your spiritual growth in the church. Reject any desire for gossip (sometimes called “expressing your thoughts” or “saying what do you feel?”).
3. Pray and bless the church and its leaders. Find ways to make it practical.
4. Si you have been wounded, forgive me, as you have been forgiven
Excerpt from the book “What is a Healthy Church?” Copyright © Editor Fiel 2009.
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