Many people ask this question at some time in their life. It could be while they are at a job, in a school, in a volunteer position, etc. Let's talk about our home church this time.
Pastors hear so many stories and reasons why people leave their church family. Some are legitimate like relocating due to a job or family issues, etc. Have you ever met someone who "feels that God is moving us to a different church" ? As our Pastor mentions at different times, when someone pulls the 'God' card, who is the Pastor to dispute what "God has said"?
The local church is God's plan for every follower of Jesus! Paul, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, says that God has put each person just where he wants him/her (1 Corinthians 12:18).
In our American culture, many people think we can 'choose' to go to any church we like, since "it's our life and we can do with it whatever we want." Amazing how that thinking is so adverse to many other cultures, and is opposite of God's Kingdom principles! Realize this, when we make Jesus Lord of our life, we are no longer our own boss, but we choose to become a slave to Him and He tells us what we should/can do....not us telling Him. No, He's certainly not a dictator, but He knows what is the best plan to form His character in us - which is His ultimate purpose in our life. God's purpose for us being on earth and saving us from eternal destruction in Hell is not to make you and me happy! Sorry if that pops your theological balloon, but you won't find that teaching in the Bible; you will hear it from liberal, ignorant preachers.
So if the Lord has directed you to a specific church family, stay there until He gives you peace about joining with another church family. If you have issues in your current church with someone else, one of the pastors, the music, etc, just remember this simple saying: "Wherever you go, there you are!" If you are angry, offended, hurt, etc, because of something or someone, if you leave with unforgiveness in your heart, a wrong motive or bad attitude, a similar situation will occur in the next church you decide to attend. The reason for this ... wherever you go, there you are and you will always be around imperfect people just like yourself.
Surely some of us think this is outrageous talk! But if you will be diligent in your study of Scripture, you will find the Holy Spirit knows exactly the right church family you need to be in and He never makes a mistake when leading His people!
God can never be accused of being a schizophrenic!
Pastors hear so many stories and reasons why people leave their church family. Some are legitimate like relocating due to a job or family issues, etc. Have you ever met someone who "feels that God is moving us to a different church" ? As our Pastor mentions at different times, when someone pulls the 'God' card, who is the Pastor to dispute what "God has said"?
The local church is God's plan for every follower of Jesus! Paul, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, says that God has put each person just where he wants him/her (1 Corinthians 12:18).
In our American culture, many people think we can 'choose' to go to any church we like, since "it's our life and we can do with it whatever we want." Amazing how that thinking is so adverse to many other cultures, and is opposite of God's Kingdom principles! Realize this, when we make Jesus Lord of our life, we are no longer our own boss, but we choose to become a slave to Him and He tells us what we should/can do....not us telling Him. No, He's certainly not a dictator, but He knows what is the best plan to form His character in us - which is His ultimate purpose in our life. God's purpose for us being on earth and saving us from eternal destruction in Hell is not to make you and me happy! Sorry if that pops your theological balloon, but you won't find that teaching in the Bible; you will hear it from liberal, ignorant preachers.
So if the Lord has directed you to a specific church family, stay there until He gives you peace about joining with another church family. If you have issues in your current church with someone else, one of the pastors, the music, etc, just remember this simple saying: "Wherever you go, there you are!" If you are angry, offended, hurt, etc, because of something or someone, if you leave with unforgiveness in your heart, a wrong motive or bad attitude, a similar situation will occur in the next church you decide to attend. The reason for this ... wherever you go, there you are and you will always be around imperfect people just like yourself.
Surely some of us think this is outrageous talk! But if you will be diligent in your study of Scripture, you will find the Holy Spirit knows exactly the right church family you need to be in and He never makes a mistake when leading His people!
God can never be accused of being a schizophrenic!
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