This is another post about high demand churches. I guess that my brain is stuck there right now.
Sometimes people leave churches. It is going to happen. People change, and they have a right to their own spiritual journey. They have a right to move on if that is what they feel is best for them.
We had a couple leave the Ft. Pierce church not too long ago. The church was very gracious to them and I know that they would be welcomed back if they wanted to return.
When I was pastor at Woods Chapel, we were always gracious to those who wanted to leave. Sometimes they even came back. Nothing is to be gained by hurting those who want to move on. Grieve their loss, sure, but don't hurt them. Love comes first.
Then there are churches that will shame you if you want to leave. They will tell you everything that is wrong with the new place that you want to go. Some groups will shun you and be hateful. Some will tell your friends to no longer associate with you. I hope you hear the unhealthiness in such behavior.
If you are a part of a group and you want to move on, do not let any guilt, shame or shunning stop you. Church groups that practice such behavior are not doing the work of Jesus.
Love comes first. Always.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
No comments:
Post a Comment