I think it's extremely important to be in a church where you can grow spiritually. If you're not getting what you need, I think you have to move. As a Christian, you can't stay the same and you have to always be moving closer to Jesus. Sometime, in order to do that, you need a new church. Sorry to disagree with you....

5/17/2007 12:50:13 PM by addison-x, Member of Delve into Jesus since 4/29/2007

Please don't apologize for disagreeing with me. The last thing I want is for this web site to be a place where people don't feel free to speak their mind. It's a place for us all to grow and we can't do that unless people really share what's on their mind. I think I need to clarify under what conditions or circumstances you need to think about leaving your church. First, if you have a major doctrinal disagreement and it's not open for debate, clearly you need to leave. Also, I think I agree with you that if you don't feel as though you have the ability to grow spiritually, you need to look at alternatives. I do think that in all cases, leaving a church of which you've been a member for many years is a serious decision and should not be undertaken without lots of contemplation and prayer. This is especially true when the reason for your discomfort is a disagreement with another person. I think in every case, if you have a disagreement with someone, God wants you to resolve it, not flee from it. I suspect you and I are not too far apart on this issue after all. I hope this helps.

5/17/2007 2:11:13 PM by arsindelve, Executive Director, Delve Christian Ministries

Just this morning, I made up my mind that I don't want to keep attending my church anymore. I've had it with the politics and all the hassles. I see what Arsin is saying, but I just don't see how I can stick with it anymore. I'm going to start looking at new churches next Sunday. There has to be something better out there for me.

6/10/2007 8:14:48 PM by tom, Member of Delve into Jesus since 4/26/2007

I really need to respond to the person who just posted a comment on that reflection, since I feel their comment was really off base. You've misunderstood what Arsin is saying about membership and reversed the cause and effect, basically saying that membership as a criterion for staying or going is too arbitrary. Not at all. Your level of commitment to that congregation is what determines whether or not it's right to stay, and your membership is the visible, outwardly sign of that commitment. In other words, you don't stay because you're a member, you stay because you're committed and your membership is the tangible sign of that commitment. If you're certain that it's the right church for you, you should be come a member and that's the time to decide to "weather the storm". Honestly, I think Arsin's reflection is dead on and people have really misunderstood his point. He is not talking about people who have been visiting for a while trying to see if it's the right place for them. To expect them to stay and work through conflict when there is no commitment or obligation there is ridiculous. What power do you have to change anything, anyway? Arsin is talking about people who have been attending the church for many years, have been active members and then decide to get up and leave at the first sign of trouble. And even then, if the conflict cannot be resolved then you need to move on, but at least you do the best you can before you throw in the towel. Don't be so quick to judge people who leave, and don't assume you know the whole story.

9/6/2007 6:19:37 PM by marklang, Member of Delve into Jesus since 4/3/2007

I personally believe in alot of fluidity with Churches. No one church is the body of God ( what the church actually is) and thus I have a main church I go to almost evry Sunday however Wednesday's are free game. Personell disagreements should never be a cause for leaving. I find that if you don't resolve it Communion sure convicts you (or it should). However it can be better for one to stay even if they could be growing more for Christ at another Church. My reason for saying this is that the impact you have on new belivers i Christ must hold precedent. Others are more important than you. Loving others is the largest step in loving Christ.
God Bless and hope this helps someone,
Nxaxtxe

6/5/2008 6:17:32 PM by Nxaxtxe777, Member of Delve into Jesus since 6/5/2008

Hi Nxaxtxe 777 - It is encouraging to see young people so engaged with church; the fruit of your diligence can be seen in your insightful comments. I enjoyed the statement you made about demonstrating our love for Christ by loving others. I hope to come to know more people like you, and desire my own children to follow your example.

6/6/2008 10:49:22 AM by Ryan, Member of Delve into Jesus since 12/30/2007