Question:

Recently we left our church because of a problem with another member. Prior to leaving, we counseled with our pastor yet saw no immediate improvement in the situation. Finally, the problem was resolved -- after about six months. Our pastor showed no sense of urgency in dealing with this individual and the recurrent problem.

We have been visiting other churches for a couple of months, and we cannot tell where God wants us. We come from a good, solid, Bible-believing church, but there are some leadership problems that need to be addressed. Our pastor is an excellent teacher, but is not good at helping people with issues. This has caused others to become discouraged and leave, but the pastor is very well aware of all of this.

Can you please give us some guidelines or suggestions as to how we can be sure where God wants us to be? I have heard that you should leave the body only if there are doctrinal problems.

Answer:

First of all, please understand that merely because you decide to change the physical location at which you worship, or the group of believers with whom you worship, or whether you meet regularly with any group at all, you are not "leaving the body" of Christ. If you believe in Jesus, you are part of his body no matter where you are. Those who insist that you may change worship locations "only if there are doctrinal problems" probably have some reason to keep you where they want you. But you answer to Jesus -- not them. Where and with whom you worship is ultimately a decision to be carefully made between you and God. That being said, if you are looking for a congregation or group of believers, here are some thoughts:

  • Look for a strong, healthy Christ-centered church where the Bible is held in high regard (but not worshipped).
  • Be on guard for exclusive, esoteric churches that teach that they are better or superior because of what they believe or proclaim.
  • Read the church's statement of faith – ask if the church believes in salvation by Christ alone, by faith alone, and by grace alone.
  • Look for substance, fellowship, mission and meaning – rather than glitz, feeling and entertainment. Size is not to be equated with fidelity to the Bible and Christ.
  • Make sure the church identifies with the body of Christ, and that it looks to the historic Christian church for its roots.
  • Keep a sharp eye out for legalism -- emphasis on rules, regulations, rituals and requirements. These are hallmarks of Christ-less religion, not Christianity.
  • Look for servant leaders -- as opposed to authoritarian leaders who "lord it over" those whom they should be serving.

    There are several critically important aspects that a healthy, well-balanced, Christ-centered church should provide. It should help nurture and feed us spiritually -- and point us toward Jesus. But it should also provide us with a home where we can be involved and make a contribution. The church should be there to serve Christ and people -- and we in turn might serve Christ and his people through the church. Unfortunately, over time churches may turn into religious institutions where the emphasis becomes serving the institution rather than serving God or human beings. If that's the case, it's time to help return the institution to Jesus -- or if that's not possible, to move on for your own spiritual health.

    • A final thought: Wherever you go -- even in the most Christ-centered group that fulfills all the criteria above -- you will find people with recurring problems -- and pastors who may not deal with them in the way or with the timing you would like (or for that matter -- pastors who are unable or unwilling to deal with certain problems). Church congregations should not be, after all, hotels for saints -- but hospitals for sinners. That's part of "bearing one another's burdens" (Galatians 6:2).

    Still, the choice of where, when and with whom to fellowship is yours. We pray that God will lead you to make the right decision.

    In Christ,
    Greg Albrecht