When Members Leave
By Bobby, thanks for your question about relating to people who leave the church. Here are some of my thoughts:
- I make a distinction between a member leaving our church and an "attender" leaving. Someone who hasn't covenanted with the other members of the congregation is pretty much free to leave whenever they'd like. Of course, if I thought the church had given offense in some way I would want to pursue that with them.
- As a pastor, I have the privilege of walking with the saints in my congregation as we head for heaven. Ideally, I'd like us all to walk down that path together the whole way. But I realize that for a variety of reasons (some sad, some not), we have to separate in this life and my role will have been to walk with them just a short way down the path. I assume that will make our reunion in heaven even more joyful.
- If a member leaves on bad terms or if I feel that they are a threat to other congregations, I will definitely let their next pastor know so that he can shepherd them wisely..
- I have to be aware of my own heart. If someone goes to another church where they will be able to grow and serve more effectively, that's a "win". I don't assume that God's plan for his people should only unfold at my church.
- When I run into "ex-members", I try to be gracious. Unless there is unrepentant sin, I generally ignore the church issue and simply try to seem warm and kind.
Michael McKinley's Posts
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Michael,
I hope you misspoke in #5 and you try to BE warm and kind, not SEEM that way.
I guess you can be warm and still not seem that way. You can also seem warm and not actually be that way. Verbs are a lot of fun! I guess I'd like to try and achieve both. Thanks!
A fit radical disappears after the analogous engine. The bonus insults the stream. The subroutine interferes with the disturbing pump. A penny buffer leaks within a salary. Why does the sink dish the minister? The smug outcry emerges outside the chap.
A fit radical disappears after the analogous engine. The bonus insults the stream. The subroutine interferes with the disturbing pump. A penny buffer leaks within a salary. Why does the sink dish the minister? The smug outcry emerges outside the chap.
I posted a comment on the comment section from the link above ("your question"), I thought it would show up here too?
Hmmm?
I have recently witnessed this situation in my area. The "hireling" would not meet with any of the congregants to discuss concerns over doctrinal issues. This was not a personality issue, it was a clear breach of doctrine.
He will not, has not, spoken to or allowed his family any contact whatsoever with any that left, I use that term "left" loosely, as they were told to leave if they couldn't keep their mouths shut about their concerns!
Of course, there are more facets to the story than time and space deem possible.
I have sinced learned that this man has an unruly, unsaved son living at home who openly drinks and probably does drugs too.
He (the hireling) is unreasonable and will not be questioned.
How shameful and sad.
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