What Does The Bible Say About Changing Churches?
If you’ve ever wondered if it’s okay to leave one church for another, you’re not alone. Many Christians grapple with this difficult decision at some point. The good news is that the Bible provides wisdom on this topic that can offer guidance.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: The Bible does not explicitly prohibit changing churches. There are examples of people joining new faith communities for legitimate reasons. The key is having the right motives and handling the transition responsibly.
Biblical Examples of Changing Faith Communities
Moses and the Israelites Left Egypt
In the book of Exodus, Moses was chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land of Canaan. This involved a complete change in faith community for the Israelites as they left behind Egyptian culture and religion to become God’s chosen people (Exodus 3).
After witnessing the 10 plagues and finally being allowed to leave Egypt, the Israelites embarked on a spiritual journey through the wilderness, learning to trust and follow Yahweh. This marked a dramatic shift to a new faith centered around God’s law and guidance.
The Early Church Formed New Congregations
In Acts, we read about the beginnings of the Christian church as the early believers left behind synagogues and temple worship to form their own Messianic congregations. Persecution and missionary activity also led believers like Paul to plant new churches across the Roman empire (Acts 13:1-3).
The letters of Paul, Peter, James and others provide advice to these fledgling congregations on sound doctrine and dealing with challenges. While the core gospel message remained the same, changing locations and cultures meant adapting methods of worship, leadership and community life.
Paul Planted Churches Around the Roman Empire
The apostle Paul is an excellent example of someone who experienced changes in faith community. Prior to his Damascus road conversion, Paul (then Saul) had been a rising star among the Jewish religious elite, even persecuting the early Christians (Philippians 3:4-6).
But his life was completely transformed by an encounter with Jesus, causing him to leave behind his old religious status to become an itinerant missionary spreading the gospel across the Roman empire.
On his three missionary journeys, Paul established influential churches in cities like Ephesus, Corinth and Thessalonica. Despite opposition from both Jews and Gentiles, he adapated his methods to bring more people to faith in Christ.
Guidelines from Scripture on Changing Churches
Do Not Be Hasty
The Bible advises us not to be quick to change churches (Proverbs 21:5). Pray, seek counsel, and carefully weigh your reasons first. Reflect on whether the issues driving you away are essential or peripheral matters of faith. Consider if tensions may improve in time.
Biblical principles of patience, self-control and peacemaking may apply here.
Consider Your Motives
Search your heart before leaving a church (Jeremiah 17:9-10). Are you running from problems God wants you to help solve? Doctrinal disputes, relational conflicts or leadership flaws may test our commitment. If selfishness or bitterness drives your desire to quit, repent and reconsider.
Facilitate change through grace and truth instead.
Leave Graciously and Give Thanks
If departing, exit politely to limit damage (Romans 12:18). Communicate reasons calmly and resist attacking others. Express gratefulness for blessing received from that church. Leaving well demonstrates Christian maturity while witnessing to your hope.
Be Careful Not to Cause Division
Prayerfully protect church unity when moving between congregations (1 Corinthians 1:10). Avoid sowing discord or enticing others to follow you impulsively. Promote goodwill between these bodies of believers. Separate cleanly without pressure or pretense.
Model humility and temper comments which could provoke conflict.
Research shows 35% of Protestant churchgoers in America have switched churches at least once (Pew). As this fluid trend continues, maintaining biblical principles on changing churches seems vital for Christians seeking God’s direction.
Signs It May Be Time to Find a New Church
The Teaching Veers from Biblical Truth
One of the most important reasons to consider leaving a church is if the teaching strays from biblical truth (2 Timothy 4:3). If the sermons focus more on the pastor’s opinions than on accurately explaining Scripture, it may be time to find a church that preaches the Word faithfully.
Additionally, if church leaders promote false doctrine and are unwilling to correct it, that is a red flag. We are called to worship in spirit and in truth (John 4:24), so compromising on sound doctrine for the sake of comfort or convenience goes directly against God’s will.
You Can No Longer Grow Spiritually
A major purpose of church is to equip believers for works of service and help them mature in their faith (Ephesians 4:12). If you have outgrown the children’s programs but adult classes remain shallow, or if you have stopped experiencing spiritual growth at your church, it likely means you need more depth.
Seek out a church with discipleship opportunities appropriate for your level of spiritual maturity. Small groups, Sunday school classes, and in-depth Bible studies allow you to keep growing. Stagnating spiritually is dangerous, so be willing to move on if your current church no longer challenges you.
The Church Is Rife with Unaddressed Sin or Conflict
The church should be unified in love (1 Peter 3:8), yet no church is perfect. However, if sin or conflict goes unchecked over long periods, it can poison the body. According to Matthew 18:15-17, if a fellow believer sins against you and will not repent after you confront them privately, you are to bring one or two others as witnesses.
If they still refuse to turn from sin, it should be addressed before the whole church. If church leaders repeatedly sweep sin under the rug, it enables disunity and discouragement. Pray about finding a congregation that practices biblical discipline and seeks genuine reconciliation.
The health of the body depends on it.
Tips for the Transition Process
Pray and Seek Godly Counsel
When considering changing churches, it’s important to spend time in prayer and seek wisdom from mentors, pastors, or other spiritually mature Christians (Proverbs 11:14). Pray for clarity, discernment, and guidance as you evaluate your reasons for leaving and search for a new church home.
Ask God to help you make the transition in a way that honors Him and builds up His body.
Getting input from mature believers can provide much-needed perspective and prevent rash decisions. Share your thoughts openly and ask for advice. Those who know your spiritual journey can offer insights into discerning God’s leading in this season.
Have Conversations with Church Leadership
Rather than quietly slipping out the back door, have an open and honest conversation with your current pastor or elders about your thoughts of leaving. Explain your reasons, ask questions, and give them a chance to care for you. This allows for reconciliation or a chance to properly say goodbye.
Even if there are relational challenges, resist the temptation to leave angrily. Express with grace what you appreciated about your time there and where you feel God is leading you next. This opens the door for continued connection down the road.
Find Closure before Moving On
Make sure to find emotional and spiritual closure with your church family before joining a new one. Set aside time to say proper goodbyes, forgive past hurts, and bless those you served with. This may involve a farewell gathering, personal notes, or social media posts.
Closing this chapter well – rather than hastily – can prevent residual bitterness that may taint your view of the church. Remember, despite imperfections, the body of Christ deserves honor (1 Peter 2:17). Leaving should represent a transition, not a divorce.
Conclusion
Changing churches can be a trying time, but with prayer, biblical wisdom, and care for all involved, it can also represent an exciting, necessary step forward in your spiritual journey. As you seek God’s will for your life and growth in Christ, know that He desires to guide your path to a faith community where you can thrive and make a meaningful impact for His Kingdom.
