ANSWERS: 7
  • There is no need to explain yourself, there is nothing wrong with doing what you need to do, especially in matters of beliefs and values. As a matter of courtesy you can tell the pastor and congregation that you've moved on to a new community, and that you wish to thank them for the support they gave you while you were with them.
  • Having been a pastor, I can say this with confidence: your pastors are there to serve YOU, not the other way around. You owe them no allegiance, and certainly no explanations. If you wish to tell them why you're moving on, they'll probably appreciate it...but you don't need their blessing, permission, or approval. Do what you think is best...and don't forget to ask God for direction. Response: Courtesy and respect NEVER demand such things...they might expect them. The question and my answer assumed something that's too often true: that some pastors exert undue influence based on their position in the church. The Body is an all-volunteer organization...and while we bear responsibility to one another as brothers and sisters in Christ, we bear no additional responsibility to those in positions of leadership. This isn't a matter of disrespect, it's a matter of authority. Pastors have NO more authority than any other believer. Certainly it would be best to be up front and honest in all your dealings...but one must also beware the abusive leader who takes advantage of their position.
  • I believe that it would be out of respect to your pastor to tell him that you no longer will be a member of the church. What ever your reason is, that's up to you to tell him. Sometimes God puts us in place for a long time or a short time. We have four season, winter, spring, summer and fall and each last for a short while and then it's time to move on to the next season. Your season may be up at this church. Your leader may have imparted what you needed to move on to another church so that God can continue to be the main force in your life. And let me tell you this, no matter what your reason is never put your mouth on the man or woman of God. We must pray for one another because we all have short comings. Know that you can go and talk to your pastor about any ill feeling that you may have or any concerns that you may have dealing with the church. If you feel that after talking to your pastor and you still want to leave, write a letter to the pastor and ask him for his blessing. We always want to do things according to the word. May God bless you and keep him first in your life. Your sister in Christ.
  • In the same way as you would any other letter of intention to leave an organization!
  • gently state your reasons for wanting to change churches, they will need the insight so they can correct anything in any of the programs and services that you found insuffcient enough to leave the congregation or if it is pure personal and not spiritual reasons they will still want to help and know how to pray for you.
  • Pray first and ask the Lord for direction. Use your bible to point out things you are concerned with and let them know in a loving way.
  • Are you good friends with them? I would just move on. If you have some disgruntled reason, then write them and tell them. Otherwise why bother?

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