Why Not to Leave a Church
Theme of the Week: Beyond 'What's in It for Me?'
Kevin & Sherry Harney
Friday, April 8, 2005
 1 of 1
Key Bible Verse: And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do (Hebrews 10:25). Bonus Reading:2 Corinthians 2:5-11
You're feeling convicted of the truth. The pastor preaches about generosity in giving, and you're battling selfishness. A small group studies moral purity, and you're crossing biblical boundaries. A Sunday school leader teaches on integrity in the workplace, and you're taking shortcuts. Your discomfort is no reason to leave; it's a good reason to stay! Don't go looking for a church that lowers biblical standards just to make people feel comfortable.
You've been caught in a sin. You'll be tempted to run away and start fresh in a church where no one knows about it. Yet God often wants a person in this situation to stay right where he is and let his church family love him and help him through this difficult time. The community of faith can keep you accountable, ask tough questions, and pray for you.
You've had a conflict with someone. When tensions have flared, hard words exchanged, and feelings hurt, you might think about leaving to avoid the difficult process of reconciliation. Usually the wisest choice is to stay and work through a process of relational healing. Otherwise you might find you have to leave a whole series of churches!
—Kevin & Sherry Harney in Finding a Church You Can Love
My Response: Am I committed, when I've sinned, to coming clean and trusting the body of Christ to restore me?
Thought to Apply: The house of God is not a safe place. It is where we are challenged to live more vulnerably, more interdependently.—MADELEINE L'ENGLE (writer)
Adapted from Finding a Church You Can Love (Zondervan, 2003) by permission.
Copyright © 2005 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity. 1 of 1
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As Your disciple, Lord, I recognize I can't remain detached from Your church. Help me to truly connect.
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