Leaving a church is a decision that is often fraught with emotional and spiritual complexity. For many believers, their church is not just a place of worship but a spiritual home, a family of faith, and a community that provides support and growth. Therefore, the idea of leaving a church can be deeply unsettling, especially when one has built relationships and committed to the church’s vision and mission.
While the Bible does not directly address the modern concept of church membership or formally leaving a congregation, it provides a wealth of wisdom and principles for making such decisions. The Scriptures offer guidance on how to approach disagreements, spiritual growth, and maintaining unity in the body of Christ. They also provide a framework for discerning whether it is the right time to part ways with a church, how to do so with grace, and how to ensure that one’s heart remains aligned with God‘s will in the process.
In this article, we will explore 15 Scripture passages that shed light on the issue of leaving a church. These verses are organized under different themes such as unity, spiritual growth, conflict resolution, and the importance of discernment. They will serve as a foundation for making informed, prayerful decisions about leaving a church, while also providing biblical principles for dealing with the emotions and challenges that accompany such a decision.
15 Scriptures on Leaving a Church
1. Matthew 18:15-17 – Addressing Conflict
“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.” (Matthew 18:15-17, NIV)
One of the primary reasons people leave a church is due to unresolved conflict with others, whether it be with church leadership or fellow members. The Bible encourages believers to first attempt to address issues privately, offering a model for conflict resolution that aims to restore relationships rather than to sever them. Before considering leaving, it is important to follow the process outlined in Matthew 18:15-17 by approaching the individual or group involved with humility and a spirit of reconciliation. This passage reminds believers that conflict within the body of Christ should be dealt with in a manner that reflects Christ’s love and forgiveness.
2. Romans 14:19 – Pursuing Peace and Building Up the Church
“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” (Romans 14:19, NIV)
When considering leaving a church, it is vital to ask whether one is leaving for reasons that promote peace and edification. In Romans 14:19, Paul exhorts the believers to prioritize peace and mutual growth. If a conflict or disagreement is causing division, we are called to seek peace and work toward unity rather than allowing division to drive us away. Leaving a church should be done with a desire for peace, and one should not abandon a congregation in a spirit of bitterness or discord.
3. 1 Corinthians 1:10 – Maintaining Unity
“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” (1 Corinthians 1:10, NIV)
Unity is a foundational principle in the church. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:10, urging the believers to avoid divisions and to work toward being united in both purpose and doctrine. If one is contemplating leaving a church due to disagreement or division, it is crucial to consider whether there is a commitment to maintaining unity within the body of Christ. The Bible consistently calls believers to work through differences in a way that honors Christ and the unity of His Church.
4. Ephesians 4:3-6 – The Importance of Unity in the Spirit
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:3-6, NIV)
Paul urges believers to be diligent in maintaining unity within the church, specifically within the Spirit. Ephesians 4:3-6 emphasizes that despite differences in personality, gifts, and backgrounds, believers share the same faith, hope, and salvation in Jesus Christ. When leaving a church, it is important to reflect on whether the decision is being made in a way that honors the unity of the body and the shared purpose of advancing God’s Kingdom.
5. Acts 2:42-47 – The Role of Fellowship in the Church
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common.” (Acts 2:42-47, NIV)
The early church in Acts is a picture of what genuine fellowship looks like. The members of the church were committed to growing together in their faith and supporting one another through fellowship, prayer, and shared life. When contemplating leaving a church, it is important to evaluate whether you are connected to a body that offers deep fellowship and mutual support. Are you growing spiritually through the community? Leaving should not be taken lightly, especially if the church provides genuine opportunities for growth and fellowship.
6. Hebrews 10:24-25 – Encouraging One Another
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25, NIV)
One of the critical aspects of church life is the encouragement that believers give to one another. The writer of Hebrews stresses the importance of not neglecting gathering together and spurring one another on to love and good works. If someone is leaving a church, it is essential to reflect on whether they are being encouraged and whether they are actively participating in the edification of others. Leaving a church should not mean abandoning mutual encouragement and support.
7. 1 Timothy 5:19-20 – Handling Church Leadership Disputes
“Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning.” (1 Timothy 5:19-20, NIV)
Church leadership is a significant factor in the health of a congregation. If a believer feels compelled to leave a church due to leadership issues, it is important to follow the biblical instructions for addressing such concerns. Paul advises that accusations against church leaders be taken seriously, but also handled with the utmost care and in accordance with Scripture. If leadership problems are the issue, the proper course of action is to address the matter according to biblical standards of accountability, not to abandon the church hastily.
8. Colossians 3:12-14 – The Call to Forgiveness and Love
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” (Colossians 3:12-14, NIV)
Leaving a church due to personal offenses can be tempting, but Colossians 3:12-14 offers a powerful reminder that forgiveness and love should govern our relationships within the church. It is essential to ask whether there has been a genuine effort to forgive and bear with one another before making the decision to leave. Christ calls believers to extend the same forgiveness that He has shown to them, which can lead to healing and reconciliation even in the most difficult circumstances.
9. Philippians 2:1-4 – Considering the Interests of Others
“Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (Philippians 2:1-4, NIV)
Philippians 2:1-4 encourages believers to act out of humility and a desire for unity, valuing others above themselves. Before leaving a church, it is crucial to consider the impact of the decision on the broader body of Christ. Is the decision driven by selfishness, or is it motivated by a desire to honor God and serve others? This passage calls believers to humble themselves and seek unity, both of which are essential considerations when making any decision about leaving a church.
10. John 15:5 – Abiding in Christ
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5, NIV)
In John 15:5, Jesus teaches the importance of abiding in Him. Our relationship with Christ is the foundation of our spiritual lives, and it is through Him that we are able to bear fruit. If a believer is leaving a church, they must ensure that their connection to Christ remains strong, regardless of their place of worship. The ultimate goal is to remain in Christ and to continue growing in faith, no matter where one worships.
11. Galatians 6:9 – Perseverance in Doing Good
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9, NIV)
Leaving a church should not be a decision made out of weariness or frustration, but rather one that is driven by a desire to follow God’s calling. Galatians 6:9 encourages believers to persevere in doing good, with the promise that in due time, they will reap the benefits. If you are considering leaving, reflect on whether you are persevering in doing good within your current church, or whether you are abandoning the process of growth and service too soon.
12. 2 Corinthians 5:17 – A New Creation in Christ
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV)
As new creations in Christ, believers are called to grow and be transformed. If leaving a church is part of that transformation, it should be done in a way that reflects spiritual maturity. The decision should be grounded in a desire to grow deeper in Christ and to follow His leading, not simply out of dissatisfaction or discontent.
13. 1 Peter 4:8 – Love Covers a Multitude of Sins
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8, NIV)
If a believer is considering leaving due to personal offenses, 1 Peter 4:8 encourages them to consider whether love can cover over the offenses. True Christian love allows for reconciliation and healing, which may lead to a resolution that allows one to stay and grow in the church, even if difficulties arise.
14. Romans 12:10 – Loving One Another
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” (Romans 12:10, NIV)
Romans 12:10 urges believers to love one another with genuine affection and to honor each other. The decision to leave a church should be made in a spirit of love and care for others. It should not be done out of selfishness, but in a manner that is consistent with honoring others above oneself.
15. Matthew 28:19-20 – The Great Commission
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20, NIV)
Ultimately, the church’s mission is to make disciples of all nations, and this mission should guide all decisions regarding church membership. If a believer is leaving a church, it is important to assess whether the church is fulfilling this Great Commission and whether they are continuing to live out their own call to make disciples, wherever they go.
Conclusion
Leaving a church is never an easy decision, and it is important to approach it with biblical wisdom and prayer. The Scriptures provide clear guidance on maintaining unity, resolving conflict, and pursuing love and peace within the body of Christ. Whether leaving a church due to doctrinal differences, conflict, or spiritual growth, these 15 Scriptures offer insight into how believers should navigate such a decision with grace, humility, and a commitment to God’s will. Ultimately, whatever the reason for leaving, it should be done in a manner that reflects the love and peace of Christ, and with a heart focused on continuing to grow in faith and bear fruit for God’s Kingdom.
You Might Be Interested In:
