Bible Study

Title: Is It OK to Change Churches?
Date: Aug 29, 2005
Topic(s): Christian Living/Situational
Scripture: Romans 16:17-18, Acts 13:2-3

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Don't you just love buffets? If you don't like chopped liver, you can always find chicken. And, of course, the dessert bar always presents a dilemma. Who can choose between chocolate mousse and cherry pie ala mode?

The church, however, is not a buffet. Changing churches is always a more serious matter than choosing between desserts. But God's Word can help you.

What Does God Say?

Sometimes there are legitimate reasons to change churches. Consider the verses below.

Acts 13:2-3 says, "As they [the church at Antioch] ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, 'Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away" (NKJV).

• Why did Barnabas and Saul (who would later be called Paul) leave the church at Antioch?
• Who initiated this separation? What was the church's reaction?
• In light of this verse, what would be one legitimate reason for leaving a church?

Paul writes to the Christians in Rome, "Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them" (Romans 16:17-18, NKJV).

• What was the problem in the Romans church?
• How did Paul tell them to avoid this problem?
• In light of this verse, what other reason might there be to leave a church?

My Thoughts

If you are leaving a church, seriously consider your motives. If you are being called to go, what confirmation of your call do you have? If it is doctrinal, what portion of Scripture is being violated?

My Part

If you're leaving a church because of personality conflicts, you can be sure you'll find different people but the same personalities in your new church. Make sure you have a biblical reason for leaving.

Additional Scripture to read: 1 John 2:19-20; Philippians 4:2-3

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