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Bible Study/Topical studies/Leaving a church/Scriptural Reasons for Leaving a Church.md

@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ _Business___ In [[James 4]]:13, James makes reference to Christians who might
 _Healing from Difficult or Overwhelming Situations_ ___Sometimes first-century Christians went to congregations where they were able to heal from hardships. For example, John Mark went on a mission journey and decided to return to Jerusalem ([[Acts 13]]:13). Later on we learn that John Mark was considered a "deserter" ([[Acts 15]]:38). The fact remains, he was still faithful in the Lord throughout all of this and that he decided to leave a mission trip on his own. While this may have cast questions upon his suitability for future work of that sort (Paul and Barnabas were divided on the matter, and clearly there was legitimate basis for each position), it had no effect on his faithfulness in the Lord. Later on in life, Paul had kind words for Mark ([[2 Timothy 4]]:11), as did Peter ([[1 Peter 5]]:13). The same apostles who abandoned [[Jesus]] in the Garden knew that sometimes, everybody needs a break or a second chance.___  
 _Getting Away from Unhealthy Circumstances or Leaders___ We must recognize that our picture of the early church may be idealized to the point where we might think that these early congregations had no problems. The fact is, every congregation of the church in the first century had its problems. The letters to the flawed congregations in Revelation ([[Revelation 2]]-3) show us that even in unhealthy situations, individual faithful Christians can shine (e.g. [[Revelation 3]]:4). Yet, [[Jesus]] clearly gave instructions about staying out of bad situations spiritually. For example, he urged his followers not to follow the "blind" Pharisees  ([[Luke 6]]:39, [[Matthew 15]]:1-14). It is clear that [[Jesus]] commanded his followers to watch out against any and all forms of Phariseeism (ref. [[Matthew 16]]:12). At least, this certainly relates to circumstances where the words of men supplant or distort the words of the Lord (ref. [[Matthew 15]]:3), where a hypocritical, powerful caste of leaders oppresses the followers and uses them for their own benefit, and where appearances count for more than substance (e.g. [[Matthew 23]]). Sadly, such traits in spiritual leadership were not destroyed along with the temple in 70 AD; they have continued to live on in churches throughout the ages. Hence, [[Jesus]]' warnings need to be heeded today as well. The scriptures command Christians to watch out for themselves. [[Proverbs 3]]:5 speaks of guarding one's heart, [[1 Timothy 4]]:16 tells us to watch our lives closely. Christians need to watch out for what is helping or hurting them and sometimes take action in the interest of preserving their own faith as part of their call heavenward ([[Philippians 3]]:12-16).  
 Paul also addressed this preference for appearance over substance ("a form of godliness but denying its power") and commanded Timothy to not have anything to do with it ([[2 Timothy 3]]:1-5). Paul gave a similar command to the Ephesians to have nothing to do with deeds of darkness, but rather to expose them ([[Ephesians 5]]:11). Paul told Titus to have nothing to do with divisive individuals who persist in false teachings or advancing foolish controversies after attempts to bring about a correction ([[Titus 3]]:9-10).  
-Even Paul himself chose to avoid an unhealthy situation in refusing to make "another painful visit" to Corinth ([[2 Corinthians 1]]:23-2:4). When unhealthy situations develop, there should at least be attempts to rectify these things. But sometimes the wiser and more appropriate move is to step back from painful and unhealthy circumstances, rather than feeling compelled to insist that such situations be "resolved" immediately.  Time and space can bring about quite a bit of perspective and healing; they can also minimize the amount of damage these situations cause. Sometimes the [[person]] who sees the problem, or the person at the core of the problem, isn't the one to "fix" it.   
+Even Paul himself chose to avoid an unhealthy situation in refusing to make "another painful visit" to Corinth ([[2 Corinthians 1]]:23-2:4). When unhealthy situations develop, there should at least be attempts to rectify these things. But sometimes the wiser and more appropriate move is to step back from painful and unhealthy circumstances, rather than feeling compelled to insist that such situations be "resolved" immediately.  Time and space can bring about quite a bit of perspective and healing; they can also minimize the amount of damage these situations cause. Sometimes the person who sees the problem, or the person at the core of the problem, isn't the one to "fix" it.   
 Certainly no leadership or church is flawless today. Our collective sinfulness should show us that grace is a necessary component of any fellowship. Yet, there are some instances where congregations or leadership have such serious spiritual problems that leaving for a healthier situation is indeed authorized by the Scriptures.   
 _Irreconcilable Differences___ _The early church had some "sharp disagreements" of their own. In the conflict between Paul and Barnabas in [[Acts 15]], both brothers had legitimate positions on an issue and yet clearly the positions were mutually exclusive. It was not possible to remain "together" and show respect for each legitimate position. In this case, a parting was necessary and served to benefit all involved. Two mission teams went out instead of one; in the end more people were impacted as a result.___  
 _Fleeing Persecution_ ___Christians often left areas as persecution scattered the church. The most prominent example of this is discussed in [[Acts 8]]:1. This appears to be in direct response to the command of [[Jesus]]: "But whenever they persecute you in this city, flee to the next; for truly I say to you, you shall not finish going through the cities of Israel, until the Son of Man comes" ([[Matthew 10]]:23)._